Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) launched its bold new campaign, No Excuse. End the Abuse, last night at the Regent Cinema, Albury, calling for a united stand against occupational violence and aggression (OVA) towards frontline healthcare workers.
The event brought together community partners, emergency services, philanthropists, local leaders, and AWH staff to shine a light on this growing issue and reaffirm the organisation’s commitment to the safety, wellbeing, and support of its workforce.
Occupational violence and aggression remains a serious challenge in healthcare, with AWH recording 1,180 incidents in 2024–25 alone.
“These aren’t just numbers,” said Bill Appleby, CEO, AWH. “Each one represents a person - a nurse, doctor, allied health worker, or support staff member whose morale, health, and ability to care for patients is affected. The impact doesn’t stop at work - it ripples through families, colleagues, and the wider community.”
No Excuse. End the Abuse aims to change attitudes, raise awareness, and empower staff to understand their rights to a safe workplace. It also challenges the community to stand alongside healthcare workers in creating safe, respectful environments for all. The campaign features professional video content, posters, digital assets, and public messaging designed to educate, provoke reflection, and inspire action.
“This campaign is about making it clear: violence and aggression have no place here,” Mr Appleby said. “We want our staff to feel valued and supported, and we want the community to recognise that these people are here to care for us - they deserve our respect.”
A panel discussion, hosted by 2AY’s Matt Griffith, featured insights from AWH leaders, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, and community partners. Graeme Simpfendorfer, Director of the Centre Against Violence and former Victoria Police Officer, spoke to the broader cultural and operational changes needed to prevent workplace violence.
“This isn’t just about individual incidents,” Graeme said. “It’s about improving systems, supporting staff, and shifting culture and attitudes that allow violence to occur. Only by working together can we create workplaces where staff feel safe, supported, and empowered.”
Staff featured in the campaign were acknowledged for their courage and dedication, highlighting the personal stakes of preventing OVA - not just for healthcare workers, but for the community that relies on safe, timely care.
The campaign is actively seeking partners and supporters to expand its reach. Businesses, organisations, and community groups are invited to join the movement, amplify campaign messaging, and foster a culture of respect and accountability across the region. Opportunities include public awareness initiatives, sponsorships, and in-kind support to ensure every AWH staff member can deliver care without fear.
The evening also highlighted 2AY and Regent Cinemas as generous in-kind partners, providing advertising, hosting, and promotional support to bring the campaign to the community.
The evening concluded with a call for ongoing collaboration, partnership, and engagement. No Excuse. End the Abuse is more than a campaign - it is a movement to ensure all AWH staff can deliver care without fear.
“We cannot do this alone,” Mr Appleby said. “Every one of us - staff, partners, and community members - has a role to play. Stand up, speak out, and join us in making sure our frontline workers are safe while they care for all of us.”
Take Action:
• Share campaign materials with your networks.
• Talk to your workplace, business, or community group about supporting the campaign.
• Reach out to explore sponsorship or in-kind support to expand the campaign’s reach.
Together, we can ensure respect, safety, and dignity for the people who care for us all.
Get involved: Contact AWH to explore sponsorship, partnerships, or in-kind support, and be part of a movement that makes a tangible difference.