Neighbour Day is Australia’s annual celebration of community, encouraging people to connect with those who live in their neighbourhood. Neighbour Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in March. In 2017, Neighbour Day falls on Sunday 26 March. This year’s theme is ‘The Importance of Social Connection for the Elderly’ with research showing older people with strong social networks experience better physical and mental health.
Get Involved
Whether it’s a cuppa with your favourite neighbour or a BBQ for your whole street, Neighbour Day can be as big or as small as you’d like.
For some of us, having people over is not possible, or preferred, so popping a Connection Card in your neighbour’s letter box may suit you better. To learn more about Neighbour Day resources and free e-kits click here.
Very Neighbourly Tips
The aim of Neighbour Day is to foster strong personal connections that last the whole year round. Like all relationships, often it’s the little things that makes all the difference.
The following is a list of neighbourly tips to help you and your neighbours stay connected:
- Offer to bring in your neighbour’s bins or their mail when they go away
- Invite a neighbour over for a cuppa or a barby – a good conversation starter is asking how long they have lived in the area
- Be kind
- Exchange phone numbers and let your neighbours know you are happy to be contacted in case of emergency
- Organise a street clean-up or a ‘gardening bee’ with other neighbours
- It is important to understand that some neighbours may decline your welcoming approach. Respect their choice and build connections with others living nearby
Share your Neighbour Day on social media!
Everyone loves a good neighbour story and sharing on social media is an easy way to be involved. By including #neighbourday in your post, you are connecting with everyone celebrating Neighbour Day.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neighbourday
- Twittter: https://twitter.com/NeighbourDay
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighbourday/
Register your event
Everyone organising a Neighbour Day event, or those planning to take neighbourly action, are encouraged to register. By registering, you are putting up your hand to show that you and your neighbours want to create connected, healthy, and resilient neighbourhoods.
The online registration takes about 30 seconds to complete. To register click here.
And one last thing: Have fun!
