Let’s get neighbourly in the Hawkesbury

19 March 2021

Neighbour Day is Australia’s annual celebration of community, encouraging people to connect with their neighbours. Neighbours matter, whether near, far, or online, and now, more than ever, is the time to make creative connections and to stay connected.

Neighbour Day 2021 will be held on Sunday, 28 March, providing us with the chance to recognise the strength we draw from our community, and to continue to build connections within neighbourhoods and wider communities.

Whether through a cuppa, a picnic in the park, or a message of support; Neighbour Day is the perfect opportunity to reach out and connect with your neighbours.

Drought, bushfires, floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the loneliness epidemic – have posed, and continue to pose, huge challenges. If ever there was any doubt, 2020 confirmed that staying connected with those around you is so important and that connected people connect communities.

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Patrick Conolly, is encouraging all Hawkesbury community members to get involved in Neighbour Day.

“I know we have a caring, connected neighbourhood and if you want to get involved too, you can use the tools at the Neighbour Day website for ideas,” Mayor Conolly said.

“If you’ve been meaning to get to know your neighbours, Neighbour Day is the perfect way to get started.”

Online registrations are open for you to register your Neighbour Day promotion, event or neighbourly action. Register at http://neighbourday.org/get-involved/event-registration

If you prefer not to register, you can still download the free e-kit and individual resources at https://neighbourday.org/resources/neighbour-day-kit

“Whilst Neighbour Day is officially celebrated on the last Sunday in March each year, the purpose of the campaign is to raise national awareness of the importance of social connection and neighbourly actions throughout the year,” the Mayor continued.

“It encourages us to make meaningful connections that last beyond the day itself.”

The Neighbour Day 2021 theme is ‘Every day is neighbour day’ – building on the growing movement of people taking neighbourly actions every day of the year.

Neighbour Day brings together like-minded people, resources, and organisations to grow stronger, well-connected communities. Neighbour Day is managed by Relationships Australia but Australia’s Neighbour Day belongs to every person, in every community so that we can all live in communities that are welcoming, kind and supportive.

See http://neighbourday.org for more details.

You can get creative, reach out, and encourage social connection: Connected people connect communities.

Five Creative Connections tips to try:

1. Leave a friendly calling or connection card for your neighbour.

Include your phone number and say they are welcome to call you for a chat. These cards promote kindness in times when community connection needs to take a different approach.

2. Visit a neighbour with your pet.

If someone in your neighbourhood is unable to have a pet, you could take yours for a visit. Having a pet is a well-known boost to wellbeing.

3. Help out those that are vulnerable, self-isolating or quarantined.

Offer to collect pharmaceuticals, groceries, or their mail – and leave it at their door.

4. Take a walk 'with' a friend who is somewhere other than where you are.

Set up a time, take your phone, give them a call and you can walk and talk together.

5. Start a Street Library – you can share books and go to the street library at different times.

See more #CreativeConnections Tips and ‘COVID-19 safe versions of connection and calling cards.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues worldwide and the strength we draw from each other, from our relationships and our wider communities, has never been more important. Social distancing does not mean social disconnection. See more information on Relationships Australia and Neighbour Day activities and COVID-19 here.

Please be aware of the public health authorities’ advice. Visit www.health.gov.au to stay up to date and informed, so that you can keep your neighbourhood healthy.