Respect is everyone's role: raising awareness of aggression aimed at workers
Dungog Shire Council has joined Hunter councils in a campaign that implores respect for its workers.
Over 5,400 Hunter Council employees proudly live, work and socialise across our local communities, of those, Dungog Shire Council employs more than 80 staff with additional support from contractors.
Working in local government in a variety of public facing roles, these workers aim to meet community needs and expectations through quality service and by upholding organisational values and policies.
By showing respect to ratepayers, members of the local community and visitors to our region, Council employees earn that respect in return.
Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.
Over the last 12 months the incidence of aggression and abuse towards Council workers has noticeably increased and has been experienced by staff at worksites, public spaces, via email and over the telephone.
To raise awareness of this issue and to promote the fact that everyone deserves a safe work environment the 'Respect is everyone's role' campaign has been launched.
A joint initiative of Councils throughout the Hunter Region – including Port Stephens Council, Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council, City of Newcastle, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Dungog Shire Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council and Singleton Council – the campaign outlines the many roles that Council staff play in the community and reaffirms the old saying that respect is a two-way street.
