Neighbour Day - 31 March 2013

The Community you want starts at your front door

Neighbour Day is Australia's annual celebration of community, bringing together the people next door, or across the street for a drink, a BBQ or just a cuppa.

In 2003, following the lonely death of an elderly woman and a growing awareness of the isolation of the growing number of people living alone, Andrew Heslop wrote to the editor of a Melbourne newspaper to express his concern. From this small act of compassion the idea of an annual celebration grew, which is now endorsed at a global level.  Held on the last Sunday in March every year, it's the perfect day to say thanks for being a great neighbour.

The aims of Neighbour Day are to:

1. Strengthen communities and build better relationships with the people who live around us.
2. Create safer, healthier and more vibrant suburbs and towns.
3. Promote tolerance, respect and understanding.
4. Break down community barriers.
5. Protect the elderly, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.

Getting started

• Go out to say hello to your neighbours
• Invite a neighbour to your home for a 'cuppa'
• Plan a BBQ, picnic, or afternoon tea and invite your neighbours
• Print invitations or knock on doors to explain your ideas
• Keep in touch - consider a street Facebook group to share news and needs
• Compile a list of benefits to gain from a neighbourhood network, such as shared childcare, carpooling, dog-walking, bulk shopping, house-sitting, a shared library of garden or DIY tools, camping or sports equipment, shared storage space and disaster preparedness

Assistance

For more ideas and resources visit the official Neighbour Day website. Woollahra Council's Community Development Team can help you to organise a Neighbourhood gathering by providing information on how to book public space and helping you promote your particular gathering.

We look forward to hearing about how you decide to celebrate Neighbour Day.

For more information please contact:

Community Development Team
Telephone: 9391 7166
Fax: 9391 7044
Email: community@woollahra.nsw.gov.au