Canberrans are being encouraged to stay kind, connected and caring following disruption throughout the city earlier this month.
Leading the call, Minister for Mental Health and Community Recovery, Emma Davidson said a strong sense of community improved everyone’s health and wellbeing outcomes.
“There are many things we can do on an individual level to support Canberra’s community resilience, connectedness and kindness,” Ms Davidson said.
“The past two years have been incredibly tough for our community,” she said.
“We have faced bushfires, hailstorms, a global pandemic and have had to quickly adapt to new ways of doing things.”
Ms Davidson said several recent instances of antisocial and harmful behaviour had left many Canberrans feeling stressed, anxious and frustrated.
The Minister said the right to protest was a foundational part of Australia’s democracy and, as the nation’s capital, the ACT expected protests to bring in a diversity of people, experiences and opinions.
“At times, protests may be disruptive to our community and businesses,” she said.
“However, peaceful protest does not mean harassing people in our community or putting their safety at risk.”
Ms Davidson said to strengthen community cohesion, resilience and kindness in the wake of the disruptions, Canberrans could commit to a few small acts like staying connected by reaching out to family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, or reaching out for support when it was needed.
She also encouraged community members to shop local; join an interest group, sporting organisation or community club; volunteer; or contribute to their local community pantry by donating food or personal care items.
