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This article was published on Thursday, 23 March, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Neighbour Day chance to connect with your community

Neighbour Day is Australia’s annual celebration of community that encourages people to connect with those who live nearby. Council’s Acting Manager Neighbourhoods, Jason Watts, said Neighbour Day on Sunday 26 March is a good time to make contact with your neighbours. “Whether for a cuppa, a picnic in the park or a message of support; it’s the perfect opportunity to say thanks for being a great neighbour and for being there when I needed you most.”

“Neighbours are important because good relationships with others can and do change communities. Social connection makes us feel better as it helps prevent loneliness, isolation and depression. When you connect with the people who live nearby, you’re showing you care about what happens locally and are directly supporting safe, friendly and resilient neighbourhoods.”

“Getting to know your neighbours can be very simple, from just saying hello and introducing yourself to offering support or help like collecting the mail while they are away, taking out bins if they are unwell, or even looking after a pet,” he said.

“It is important that people feel safe in their communities and there are lots of tips on being a good neighbour that don’t put yourself or your neighbour at risk.”

“Council has recently produced a very helpful booklet for elderly or vulnerable people in our communities that may need extra information to assist in their daily lives,” said Mr Watts. “The booklet is being distributed through doctors’ clinics and other services but is also online for people to download and show a neighbour.”

“Your Neighbour Day action can be as big or small as you’d like and could include a BYO everything street gathering; a game of cricket in the local park; a barbie at the end of the cul-de-sac; a party on the front lawn; afternoon tea in the back paddock; a picnic; or an outdoor movie – just to name a few,” said Mr Watts.

“You could also keep it very small and make a pledge to yourself to introduce yourself to a new neighbour or have a yarn to someone you haven’t spoken to before in your street – as your personal Neighbour Day activity. You may just drop off a kind note to an elderly neighbour or invite them over for a cuppa. You can never have too many friends around you and your note or invitation may make a significant difference to the life of your neighbour.”

Neighbour Day is brought to you by Relationships Australia, a national not for profit organisation that works to improve relationships in all their forms. www.relationships.org.au

The Neighbour Day booklet is available by searching neighbour day at greatershepparton.com.au