City of Moreton Bay Council has launched a new campaign that encourages respectful interactions across its services and community spaces, with 1-in-7 Council team members having reported experiencing occupational violence and aggression on the job.
From answering calls to helping at libraries, to mowing parks and fixing roads, more than 2,000 dedicated City of Moreton Bay team members support the community every day.
The Council says its Spread Kindness campaign responds to an increase in the number and severity of occupational violence, and unacceptable behaviour, toward team members.
It says 1-in-7 Council team members have reported incidents involving violence and aggression in the workplace, including verbal abuse, threats and physical aggression.
Mayor, Peter Flannery said everyone deserves to feel safe and respected while doing their jobs, and that includes Council staff.
“We’ve had reports of team members being physically assaulted, threatened, followed, subjected to racist abuse, having objects thrown at them and even having weapons drawn on them,” he said.
“Regardless of your point of view on a matter, it’s never okay to abuse another person.
“Last year Council adopted an Occupational Violence and Aggression Charter, demonstrating our commitment to keeping our team members safe and outlining that violence, aggression, threats, intimidation and harassment will not be tolerated.
“Approximately 70% of our staff live locally. Remember, they’re your neighbours, family members, friends and fellow community members who care deeply about our City and often cheer for the same footy team.
“I want to encourage everyone to communicate with respect and empathy, recognising that there is a real person on the receiving end of every interaction with Council. The way we speak and act to one another matters, and kindness and understanding should remain at the heart of every conversation.
“Our Spread Kindness campaign is about reminding the community that, every day you have a choice. Just like you choose what spread goes on your morning toast, you can choose to spread patience, understanding and respect.
“We know most people want to do the right thing, especially when they stop and think about the human being on the other side of the interaction.
“At the end of the day, we are here to help. You can have tough conversations, but we ask that they are shared with respect and kindness.”
To learn more, visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/spreadkindness.
