Campaign calls for us to shine for our frontline stars as ‘a strong symbol in these dark times’

They are the heroes keeping Tasmania running during the coronavirus crisis — and this is your chance to say thank you.

THEY are the heroes keeping Tasmania running during the coronavirus crisis — and this is your chance to say thank you.

On Friday, the Mercury launches #Shine4thefrontline, a campaign to pay tribute to frontline workers for their dedication during these unprecedented times.

Through the campaign, we are calling on Tasmanians to shine a light from their homes at 8pm on Saturday, and each night thereafter, as a show of gratitude.

You can use Christmas lights, garden lights, candles or even torches — and we encourage you to share photos of you, your family and your lights by using the hashtag #Shine4thefrontline on social media.

The campaign has been backed by Premier Peter Gutwein, who said the government offices at 15 Murray St, Hobart, would be lit up in blue this weekend in appreciation of frontline workers.

“Those on our frontline — whether it be our hardworking health workers, police and biosecurity workers, our teachers, freight and delivery operators, cleaners, those who are serving at our counters, and working in our productive industries such as our farmers so that we have access to essential goods and services — we applaud you and we are grateful for the work you do,” he said.

“I encourage every Tasmanian to ‘Shine for the Frontline’ — a strong symbol in these dark times that we stand with you.

“A strong reflection that there is light at the end of this tunnel and there are brighter days ahead.”

Sean, Sydney, 7, and Natalie McInnes, of New Town, will put up lights in their front window to show support for frontline workers. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian secretary Emily Shepherd also threw her support behind the idea.

“I think anything that shines a light on the good work of health care workers is a good thing,’’ she said.

“It lets people do something symbolic, so that health care workers see it and can feel some recognition for the work they do.”

Sean, Natalie and Sydney McInnes, of New Town, will be among the Tasmanians lighting up their homes to honour those on the frontline who are going “above and beyond”.

“Anything that connects the community at a time like this while we are isolated in a positive way is valuable in keeping morale up,’’ she said.

“But when it’s focused on frontline workers where we can’t directly thank or congratulate them, it’s a way to keep their spirits up and their morale high and show that people do care.”

Spectra, by Ryoji Ikeda, has been turned back on at Mona and will run every Saturday night. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The Federal Group lit its Wrest Point tower blue on March 24 as a symbol of hope for employees affected by the forced closure of the majority of its businesses.

Meanwhile, Mona’s popular Spectra artwork will beam into the night sky from the museum’s Berriedale site each Saturday night.