Domestic violence, workplace bullying and disrespect are targets of a community-wide campaign backed by leaders from police and defence to local sport.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The We Do Respect campaign launched on Monday morning, encouraging community members in the workplace, sporting field and at home to speak up against disrespect and violence.
About 40 business and community ambassadors attended the launch, hosted by the Wagga Business Chamber and Wagga council.
Business chamber president Rhyley Hunter said the campaign was about encouraging people to say something when they see or hear disrespectful behaviour from physical or emotional violence to gender stereotyping.
"It's trying to educate people on how to have those discussions ... how to stand up to people in those situations and not just conform," he said.
Mr Hunter said in a business context people could sometimes be "oblivious" as to how their actions could harm those around them, and coming together as business leaders the group of ambassadors could help educate their respective groups on what is right and wrong.
"It starts at the top."
READ MORE:
Among the ambassadors for the campaign is Kapooka commandant Jim Hammett, who said respect was one of the core values of the defence community.
"We just want to be exemplars within the community, set the example, deeds not words ... call bad behaviours out and essentially act respectfully," he said.
Colonel Hammett said while those at Kapooka faced significant penalties if they did not behave respectfully, the base also looked to reward respectful behaviours.
He said it was a positive to see such a cross-section of the community back the campaign.
"From little things, big things grow and the more people from Wagga and the Riverina get on board for this the better."
ACT Brumbies player Harriet Elleman said as a female athlete, she hoped she would be able to set a strong example of respectful behaviour.
"We want to be able to show that we show respect on the field and off, we have respect for our teammates, our coaches, the officials and also the other team on the field and off the field, we want to show we respect where they've come from, what they do and as a sportsperson, male or female," she said.
Ms Elleman said showing respect on the sporting field could promote respectful behaviour in the home and workplace as well.
"I think it's great to see many people from different walks of life, whether its sport, in the community and in businesses in Wagga being a part of this campaign and wanting to put the message across that as a community, we do respect in Wagga," she said.
