Sunshine Coast Council have joined forces with Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service and local businesses, launching a new campaign promoting kindness.
The campaign comes after GC&M News exposed some of the abuse cafes had been copping over QR code check-ins and vaccine mandate laws.
The ‘It’s Cool to be Kind’ campaign is designed to support local businesses and industry doing it tough as we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Workers across many sectors, including hospitality, retail, transport, medical and administration are experiencing an increase in customer anger and abuse.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the campaign is all about encouraging a culture of kindness on the Sunshine Coast. Unbranded videos, posters and marketing content aimed at generating widespread community awareness of the importance and benefits of treating staff and others in the community with kindness and respect, will be available for everyone to use.
“We know times have been tough, but many workers who are copping abuse have been providing us with much needed goods and services since the COVID-19 pandemic began,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“They roll up their sleeves to help customers, clients and patients, putting on a brave face, giving us a smile as they go about their work.
“Staff shortages and supply issues are having big impacts and ripple effects across the region and country, and no business wants to inconvenience their customers.
“But some problems are unavoidable and staff don’t deserve to be treated poorly by customers.”
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Dr Peter Gillies said kindness and compassion were key to a healthy community.
“We all have a role to play in keeping our community healthy and one way to do that is be kind to one another,” Dr Gillies said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone, and things can get a little frustrating, but it’s now time for us to work together, support one another and move our community forward.
“Remember, we’re all in this together and we’re all doing the best we can.”
SCC’s range of free Kind is Cool unbranded campaign material can be downloaded from council’s website.
Image: Cool to be Kind campaign launch – Roz White, Co-Owner and Operator of White’s IGA Group and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson.