#Shine4thefrontline campaign will see thousands of Tasmanian households and businesses lit up

Thousands of Tasmanian households and businesses are ready to light up in recognition of the efforts of frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

THOUSANDS of Tasmanians are ready to light up their homes each night to show their support for frontline workers.

Businesses, councils and political leaders have also thrown their support behind the #shine4thefrontline campaign.

The Mercury launched the campaign as a way 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.

EDITORIAL: LET OUR THANKS SHINE BRIGHT

The campaign has attracted tripartisan support, with Premier Peter Gutwein encouraging all Tasmanians to do what they can to take part.

“I’ve said on many occasions that any worker that has a job is an essential worker – they are on our frontline at the moment,” he said.

“Shine a light over the weekend for these people because we need them – we need to support them.”

Sydney McInnes, 7, of New Town, and her family have joined the #shine4thefrontline campaign. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Labor leader Rebecca White said healthcare workers needed to know the rest of the community was supporting them.

“They are coming under extraordinary pressure, they are dealing with intense environments every single day, working during a pandemic in a time like this can only be described as highly stressful,” she said.

“So I am very supportive of this campaign and I will be joining it and encouraging other people to do so too because we should all be doing everything possible across the state to support our health workers and to thank them for their dedication they are showing to help all Tasmanians.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said there were so many Tasmanians worthy of appreciation.

“We obviously can’t give them a hug, but it’s so important we let these workers know we see them and value what they’re doing enormously,” she said.

“I’ll be lighting a candle for the frontline and would encourage everyone who feels the same gratitude to do so too.”

The Hobart City Council will be lighting up the fountains at the Railway Roundabout and in Franklin Square as well as the front of the Hobart Aquatic Centre and the Elizabeth St mall.

“We know that health care systems are underfunded and sometimes imperfect, but the commitment, care and work ethic I see from health workers is amazing,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

Health and Community Sector Union state secretary Tim Jacobson said all workers across the health system deserved recognition.

“They are all holding our system together – these are the true heroes,” he said.