Neighbour Day is Australia’s annual celebration of community, encouraging people to connect with those who live in their neighbourhood.
Whether through a cuppa, a picnic in the park, or a message of support; Neighbour Day is the perfect opportunity to say thanks for being a great neighbour and for being there to lend a hand.
When Relationships Australia took on responsibility for managing the Neighbour Day campaign in 2013, the organisation realised there was a natural fit between its values and the goals of Neighbour Day. The principal aim of Neighbour Day is to build better relationships with the people who live around us. Neighbours are important because good relationships with others can transform communities. Meaningful social connection also helps prevent loneliness, isolation and depression.
You can find out more about Neighbour Day here.
What neighbours can do to create connections.
- Start simply with a smile – this can lead to a friendly hello and conversation.
- Share some home cooking as a welcome to a new neighbour or a friendly gesture to neighbours you already know.
- Offer to bring in your neighbour’s bins or their mail when they go away.
- Find a common interest – do you both have young children or pets? Are you into outdoor exercise? Arrange to go for a walk together or organise a playdate.
- Join your local neighbourhood group or association, or volunteer with a local community group.
- Joining a local sporting group is a great way to meet the locals.
- Invite a neighbour over for a cuppa or a barby – a good conversation starter is asking how long they have lived in the area.
- If you have a veggie garden share surplus fruits and veggies with your neighbours.
- Try carpooling if your kids go to the same school, or you work/shop in the same area.
- Make a special effort to introduce yourself to older residents and anyone who lives alone. Leave them your mobile or home phone number for use in an emergency.
- Be kind. Offer to help where you are able. Or offer a listening ear or friendly support.
- Introduce yourself or connect with neighbours you find difficult to meet in person with a simple postcard (a friendly message + your name and address) as an icebreaker.
- Exchange phone numbers and let your neighbours know you are happy to be of assistance in case of emergency.
- Offer to help your neighbours out when they are away. You could offer to collect their mail, mow their nature strip and keep a watchful eye on their property.
- Organise a street clean-up or a ‘gardening bee’ with other neighbours. You could join the local bushcare group.
- Link people you know may appreciate each other’s company in your street, or in your neighbourhood. Communities need more people to make an effort to connect others.