From keeping our streets safe and accessible, to rehoming lost dogs and removing abandoned vehicles, Lismore City Council's Rangers do so much to look after our community.
Among them is conducting City Safe Patrols in our CBD three days a week to ensure signs on the footpaths are not trip hazards for the visually impaired, that delivery bays can be used when needed by our local businesses and generally looking of the amenity of visitors and workers in the city centre.
Unfortunately, our Rangers have recently been physically intimidated and verbally abused for simply doing their job. No worker deserves such unacceptable behaviour.
Council's Manager of Built Environment Chris Watts said Rangers do a lot for our community and should be treated with respect and allowed to complete their work without intimidation and harassment.
"It's been a challenging year for our entire community dealing with restrictions and lockdowns so it's understandable that there is a level of frustration and agitation, but please do not direct this at our Rangers who are simply trying to make our CBD a safe and pleasant environment for all visitors and workers," he said.
"Our Rangers conduct around 900 investigations every year which range from dog attacks, abandoned vehicles, parking complaints and other illegal activities. The contribution our Rangers make to the amenity of our community cannot be underestimated and it's a pity that abuse has been directed towards them.
"As we head into the Festive Season, please remember to extend the hand of human kindness and respect to our Rangers and to each other."
Mr Watts said apart from the challenges of the CBD patrol, the Rangers have been hard at work all year helping lost animals to be reunited with their owners.
"Throughout the year Rangers have collected 126 animals and found their original owners," he said.
"Amazingly, our Rangers have also been able to rehome many lost animals and work with our fantastic local rescue groups to find the right new forever home for them."
