The NSW Police Force is singing a special tune in support of the Stay Kind organisation's 'Kind July' movement this year to remind everyone it is not hard to stay kind and make a difference to the lives of others.
The song, 'It's not hard to stay kind' was written by Stay Kind Ambassador, and original Yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, and was launched ahead of 'Kind July' last year.
Now, Greg and the NSW Police Band have come together in the studio to record a new version of his song to kick off the 2021 'Kind July' campaign, which is supported by the NSW Police Force.
Stay Kind is a national movement of kindness and the month-long 'Kind July' campaign was created to raise awareness about kindness after the Kelly family lost their two sons – Thomas to violence in July 2012, and Stuart to suicide in July 2016, after being targeted by bullies.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said there is an obvious link between emergency services and the Stay Kind movement following the tragic death of Thomas in Kings Cross after a one-punch attack.
"Our emergency services, particularly the NSW Police, have a goal to create a safer NSW and encouraging acts of kindness is a wonderful way to achieve that," explains Mr Elliott.
"Stay Kind's vision to reduce bullying, hazing, violence, self-harm and suicide is crucial and while our State navigates through the pandemic it has never been more important to show kindness to one another."
Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing APM, Regional NSW Field Operations, who was the Homicide Squad Commander at the time of Thomas' death is proud to continue to support the work of Stay Kind.
"Every day, our officers work with the community to reduce violence, crime and fear. If we could all remember to treat each other with kindness, our streets would be safer and more inclusive, and we could prevent the needless loss of lives," said Deputy Commissioner Willing.
The special recording of the song is just one way the NSW Police Force is supporting Kind July this year, with Police Area Commands and Police Districts encouraged to share acts of kindness in their communities.
"The support of the NSW Police is instrumental – pun intended – in driving awareness about how even small, random acts of kindness can make the biggest impact," explains Ralph Kelly, Thomas and Stuart's father and co-founder of Stay Kind.
"It doesn't matter what form your kind act takes, just know that any gesture can make a huge difference to someone's day, health and wellbeing."
Sharing his song and stage with the NSW Police Band is a significant moment for Greg Page and the kindness message.
"Kindness has the power to spread and multiply and as a musician, I know the power of a catchy tune," said Greg.
"If we can remember the lyrics to this song and embrace kindness, the world would be a much better place and we would actually see an improvement in the health and wellbeing of those who give and receive acts of kindness."
This July, Stay Kind is once again encouraging Australians to "do something kind" each day.
"Kindness does not have to be profound to make a difference to someone's life. A simple daily act for a month has enormous flow-on benefits and also provides an opportunity for kindness to move to the front of our mindset year-round," said Ralph.
With many people in NSW in the middle of another COVID-19 lock down, it is more important than ever to practice kindness towards others.
"We know the damage that violence and unkind acts can cause and as police, we continue to appeal to the community to continue to work with us, not against us, as we enforce these rules to keep us all safe during the pandemic," added Deputy Commissioner Willing.
For more information about the Stay Kind movement and 'Kind July', visit www.staykind.org
