Organisations and individuals across the Mildura region are encouraged to call for kindness as part of a collective campaign to unite the community and build resilience in the wake of COVID-19.
Mildura Rural City Council has launched the Be Kind movement in our region which aims to highlight the importance of connection and care as we face the ongoing challenges and changes of the global pandemic.
Other key local organisations will be invited to join the initiative in coming days to ensure the Be Kind message reaches as many workplaces and sectors as possible.
A video appealing for everyone to Be Kind was released on social media today. A three-year-old girl, senior police officer, small business owners and a healthcare worker are among the locals who appear in it.
Council CEO Sarah Philpott – who also features in the video – said the message behind the Be Kind initiative was simple.
“Be kind to others. Be kind to business. Be kind to yourself,” she said.
“In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that we stick together and look out for one another, even if we can’t be together physically right now.”
As part of the Be Kind project Council will share a range of practical tips and resources to support local acts of kindness. One such option is a Random Act of Kindness Card, which people can download from the Council website and use to bring joy to someone’s day.
“While this year has been incredibly challenging and difficult for all of us, what is heartening is the way people have stepped in to support one another,” Sarah said.
“Simple acts of kindness can have a positive impact on your health and overall wellbeing. Kindness and connection helps us all to feel less isolated and can make a big difference to those who may be scared, anxious, alone or struggling right now.”
The movement is also an opportunity to reinforce the many excellent supports and services that are available locally to help the community at this time. This includes Council’s Community Relief Service, which more than 600 families have accessed since it was activated in April.
Sarah said while Be Kind was the latest among several initiatives and supports announced by Council, a significant amount of work was under way to respond to the short and long-term needs in the community in coming weeks and months.
BE KIND BACKGROUND
The City of Ballarat started the Be Kind movement in 2020 to promote kindness and build resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, many other local governments across Victoria have embraced the concept, using the Be Kind message to connect and support their communities.
