Imagine a day and place without negativity, self depreciation, or undermining anyone’s self esteem. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it? Well the City of Geraldton in Western Australia, became exactly that place, when it declared itself a ‘No put down’ zone on 15 February 2002.
Residents, businesses, community groups, schools, churches and local organisations throughout Geraldton participated in this one day event, where they agreed to stop knocking themselves, their town and anybody or anything, and only allowed to speak in a positive light.
The idea of a ‘No put down’ zone came from the Geraldton Mayor, Councillor Vickie Petersen, who heard about the concept through a community leadership forum. She said that rural Australia had been hurt in the past due to many factors and that people had started to focus negatively on things.
“One of the best forms of promotion is self promotion,” Councillor Petersen said. “If we focus on the positives not the negatives, we create a better community attitude for our own benefit and also sell Geraldton to other people.”
The day was a low cost activity, which goes to show how much can be done to boost community participation and morale, and promote the area to others, with limited resources. The day also received the backing from Western Australian Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, Tom Stephens.
“It was an occasion for everyone in the community to focus on the positive and refrain from complaining or criticising,” he said. “I believe that the campaign should be an ongoing initiative.”
Councillor Petersen said that the Geraldton, ‘No put down zone’ day was a huge success, with positive feedback from the community.
For further information, contact Councillor Petersen on (08) 9956 6600.
