Dead trees at key locations around Orange will be painted blue and about 15 blue benches will be installed in parks and other city locations to support the initiative.

The Orange Regional Suicide Prevention Network this week revealed the latest figures showed that 33 lives had been lost to suicide in Orange up to 2019.

Network chair Sharon Taylor said suicide accounted for more deaths in Orange than car accidents.

Orange City Council this week agreed to back the project.

Ms Taylor said the seats and trees would have QR codes and phone numbers on them for people to contact mental health support groups.

She said each bench cost $664 and has asked for Orange businesses to sponsor them to help meet the costs.

Ms Taylor said the group would cover the delivery costs, adding the signs and installation.

At least two dead trees, including one on the Forbes Road entrance to Orange, would be painted blue as part of the campaign.

She said there were currently 612 blue trees in Australia as part of the Blue Tree Project, the nearest to Orange being at Cargo.

Network treasurer Jane Passer said suicide was a major problem in Australia and many people did not seek help.

"We have a high rate of suicide here in Orange," she said.

"The aim of the Blue Tree Project is to provoke people to start making those difficult conversations, to open up and be able to talk about their depression and where they're at."

Cr Tony Mileto said more men died from suicide in Australia than from car accidents.

"Mental health, in particular depression, is a huge problem in our society, and in particular our local community," he said.

Orange mayor Cr Reg Kidd said the trees should be accessible to people and offered one on his own property.

Cr Kevin Duffy said suicide was a problem across many professions. "This is an absolute no-brainer," he said.

Cr Glenn Taylor said it was an 'incredible important issue' now. "This would be one of the biggest issues facing our community."

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