Rockhampton Takes A Stand Against Bullying

Barry O’Rourke Member for Rockhampton and Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Councillor Margaret Strelow have joined together today to encourage all members of our community to take a stand against bullying for the ninth National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence (NDA).

Mr O’Rourke said the theme of this year’s National Day of Action is Bullying. No Way! Take action every day. This is an opportunity for our community to spread the message that bullying, in any form, is not acceptable.

Barry O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to doing what it can to better protect children and young people. 

“Bullying and cyberbullying are rapidly growing issues in schools that can have devastating impacts on young people, so it’s vital that we work together to stamp out the issue. I would like to encourage our school communities throughout Rockhampton and Gracemere to support their students, and encourage those students to look kindly towards each other,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“A kind word or deed is a marvellous opportunity to support people that step into our daily lives and I encourage our youth to always be mindful and to give a special word of friendship or a kind gesture to those that they come into contact with daily.”

“With the rise in social media use, cyberbullying doesn’t stop at the school gate and can haunt young people day and night.

“The NDA is a great starting point for conversations about bullying prevention and how to end cyberbullying.

Mayor Councillor Margaret Strelow said the theme of this year’s NDA is an important reminder that we should take action against bullying every day.

“From our school grounds, to public spaces, to work places – we want to send a very strong message from and through our communities that bullying is never okay.

“It’s been said that ‘The standard you walk past is the stand you accept’.

“Bullying can take on many shapes and forms and we all have a responsibility to take action against it and ensure we stand up and never simply stand by,” Mayor Strelow said.

We stand here today to join together to send a strong message that bullying, in any form, is not acceptable, and communities need to work together to address this issue.

For more information on cyberbullying and to view the #endcyberbullying social media video, you can visit www.qld.gov.au/cyberbullying