‘RESPECT’ Campaign Aims To Spark Community Conversations During DFV Prevention Month

The large Hollywood-style letters will encourage people to start a conversation about respect and what it means to them. #MackayRESPECT. Photo supplied

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A new community campaign is encouraging Mackay residents to start conversations about respect, with large-scale installations and events planned throughout May as part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

Large letters spelling RESPECT will be installed on the lawns in front of the Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building, inviting locals and visitors to reflect on the role respect plays in everyday life.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said he hoped the installation would prompt meaningful discussion across the community.

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“Every conversation about respect matters; it outlines a clear stand about what behaviours we accept as a community and what we won’t tolerate,” Mayor Williamson said.

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“We want these letters to be a powerful tool to get people to reflect on and talk about what respect means to them.”

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Residents are encouraged to take photos and videos with the display and share their perspectives using the hashtag #MackayRespect. A smaller set of letters will also travel throughout the region to broaden community participation.

CEO of Mackay Women’s Services, Belinda Berg, said raising awareness and starting conversations were key to preventing domestic and family violence.

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“From wearing purple shirts, taking photos with the letters and just talking about it, there will be an overwhelming sense of community, of people standing together saying we can all play a part in preventing disrespect and domestic and family violence,” Ms Berg said.

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“We want people to have the confidence to notice negative behaviours, to speak up and to offer support and referral to those who need it.”

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Mackay Women’s Services also offers a behaviour change program for men, designed to be accessible for shift workers through a flexible mix of in-person, online and phone sessions.

“So, we developed a hybrid model of in-person, online and phone call sessions, which allows those men who want to make a change the opportunity to do so in a way that fits in with their lifestyle,” Ms Berg said.

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“We want to ensure that any person who wants to make positive changes to their behaviour isn’t restricted by personal circumstances.”

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The #MackayRespect campaign builds on the ongoing work of the Mayor’s Domestic Violence Taskforce, established in 2016 and recognised last year with the Alison Woolla Memorial Award for local leadership in preventing domestic and family violence.

A range of 24/7 and extended-hour support services are available for those experiencing domestic and family violence, including 1800RESPECT, DVConnect and Lifeline. In an emergency, residents are urged to call Triple Zero (000).

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