Purpose

These Awards recognise the contribution individuals, groups and workplaces make to growing compassion (ie taking practical actions) in the City of Bunbury.

Background

The South West Compassionate Communities Network partnered with the City of Bunbury to talk to the Bunbury community about how we collectively care for each other when it comes to caring, dying and grieving. What people shared along the way, and a review of what other Compassionate Communities around the world have done informed the development of a Compassionate Bunbury Charter.

The Charter represents the aspirations and intentions of those living and working in the City of Bunbury to grow compassion so that Bunbury becomes an even more Compassionate City to live and die in.

It recognises all of us – local government, individuals, families, neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, community, faith based, voluntary and other organisations and services can all play a part in talking about death, dying and illness and providing compassionate support in times of need.

The Charter is accompanied by a Toolkit which outlines practical actions we can undertake individually and collectively.

In June, 2023 the City of Bunbury endorsed the Charter and offered to be the custodian, or holder of the Charter, on behalf of the community.

In recognition of the many people, groups and organisations who are #growingcompassion we are inviting nominations for people who live,  work or volunteer in the City of Bunbury, who champion compassion and kindness within their family, neighbourhood, interest group (eg youth, sporting, craft etc), school or workplace.

Award categories include:

• Compassionate person
• Compassionate workplace
• Compassionate school
• Compassionate organisation (other than workplace or school)
• Compassionate group

For examples of compassionate actions refer to Compassionate Bunbury Toolkit.

Criteria for selecting a winner for each category will focus on the practice elements of Compassionate Communities practice and the themes identified in the Compassionate Bunbury Charter project:

1. Fostering social connectedness.
2. Providing safe spaces and opportunities for people to learn more and to talk.
3. Being part of a circle of care at times of need such as illness, death and bereavement.
4. Creating a caring organisational culture where it is acceptable to ask for and offer help.
5. Providing social, emotional and/or practical support.
6. Providing leadership in championing Compassionate Communities.

Please fill in the nomination form below.