Etched in Steel:
The Tree of Life
Imagine a legacy that stands tall, rooted in strength, and etched in steel for generations to admire. The Tree of Life is more than just a structure – it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and a brighter future for men’s mental health. By uniting art, community, and purpose, this project becomes a cornerstone of the larger Steps 4 Strength mission, dedicated to supporting men in rural and regional Australia.
inspire and unite
ABOUT US!
What is the Tree of Life?
About Us!
The Tree of Life is a stunning steel sculpture designed to inspire and unite the Goondiwindi community. Each of its 200 leaves tells a story, engraved with the name of an individual, business, or loved one chosen by its sponsor. Beyond its physical beauty, the tree is a powerful symbol of growth, connection, and the fight for men’s mental health awareness.
Funds raised through the sale of its leaves directly support the Steps 4 Strength mission which is working alongside The Outback Mind Foundation to create safe spaces and provide resources for men battling mental health challenges.
This remarkable tree will either be proudly displayed as part of the Goondiwindi Main Street upgrade (pending council approval) or placed in another prominent location to ensure it becomes a beacon of hope and connection for all.
Movement
A Bigger Picture: Steps 4 Strength
The Tree of Life is a vital part of the Steps 4 Strength initiative, a movement dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. Starting on May 25th, 2025, our founder Maddie Mortimer will run 21 half marathons in 21 days, aiming to raise $210,000 for The Outback Mind Foundation. This incredible challenge not only highlights the importance of mental health but also inspires action across Australia.
Maddie’s journey is deeply personal, honouring her father, Warren Paul Gunns, and all men who have struggled in silence. The funds raised through the Tree of Life and Steps 4 Strength will directly benefit The Outback Mind Foundation, a grassroots organisation focused on empowering men in regional areas to take proactive steps toward mental wellness.
Artist Statement
Angus Wilson: The Visionary Behind the Tree
The Tree Of Life fabricates the ironic juxtaposition of emergence versus restriction. Vascular-like, entangled steel branches, leaf-like tillage points, and an imposing rock entwined with sinuous foreboding tree roots highlight the ironic and discordant relationship between the emergence of life and the struggle for survival amidst challenging conditions. A dual metaphor of life and hope interwoven with struggle and opposition is literally cultivated through the assemblage of significant found agricultural objects. Processes of engineering, welding, and installation on a massive scale seed a universal message symbolising the challenges of survival.
About Angus Wilson
Queensland Artist, Agriculturalist, and Public Art Philanthropist Angus Wilson forms a symbiotic relationship between his life, his community, and his art. After completing a Bachelor of Design Studies, he returned home to live and work on the family farm near Goondiwindi, where he has established his practice, celebrating community through the arts.
Angus began designing, engineering, and installing large-scale sculptural works to offset prolonged periods of drought. He repurposes and recontextualises significant agricultural flotsam, jetsam, and found objects to create unique interpretations of place. His quirky and sometimes whimsical juxtaposition of past and present often makes iconic references to personal and historic narratives.
Many donated works enhance places and spaces along the Goondiwi/ndi Art and Sculpture Trail. Angus’ philanthropic contribution to the arts as president of Lanescape was acknowledged in 2022 when he received the Rotary ‘Community Services Award’ for his dedication to art and tourism.
inspire and unite
How Your Contribution Makes an Impact
By purchasing a leaf, you’re not just supporting the Tree of Life; you’re fuelling the Steps 4 Strength mission and helping to create a brighter future for men’s mental health. Every dollar raised through the tree contributes to the $210,000 goal and supports the vital work of The Outback Mind Foundation. Together, we can empower men to seek help, reduce stigma, and provide much-needed resources in rural areas.
Claim Your Place on the Tree
Select your tier and claim your spot on the Tree of Life:
Tier 1
Bottom Leaves
- The foundation of the tree, representing strength and stability.
- $500 per leaf – only 45 available.
Tier 2
Middle Leaves
- The heart of the tree, symbolising growth and unity.
- $250 per leaf – only 45 available.
Tier 3
Top Leaves
- Reaching for the sky, a testament to aspiration and vision.
- $150 per leaf – 110 available.
Each leaf will feature a personalised plaque, making your contribution uniquely yours.
How to Participate
Choose Your Tier
Select a tier that resonates with your vision for the Tree of Life.
Make Your Dedication
During checkout, provide the name or message you want engraved on your plaque.
Grow the Tree
Complete your purchase through our secure payment gateway.
Strength Lives Here
Join the #TreeOfLifeChallenge
The Tree of Life is more than art – it’s a lifeline for men in need. By purchasing a leaf or sharing this initiative, you contribute to a powerful message of hope and strength. Join us in connecting this project to the broader Steps 4 Strength mission and Maddie’s inspiring challenge to run 21 half marathons in 21 days.
Together, we can turn steel into stories, leaves into legacies, and a tree into a testament of resilience. Help the Tree of Life stand tall and inspire for years to come.
Act now! Leaves are limited, and each one brings us closer to our goal. Claim your leaf today.