THE City of Mount Gambier is encouraging residents to get behind Neighbour Day on Sunday, March 29, a national initiative led by Relationships Australia through its Neighbours Every Day campaign, which encourages communities to build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.<\/p>\n
Held annually on the last Sunday of March, Neighbour Day is Australia\u2019s annual celebration of community.<\/p>\n
The initiative aims to help combat loneliness and strengthen social connections by encouraging neighbours to reach out to the people next door, across the street or around the corner.<\/p>\n
To help residents take the first step, the City of Mount Gambier has created \u2018Hello Neighbour\u2019 postcards, which provide a friendly and easy way for people to introduce themselves to those living nearby.<\/p>\n
City of Mount Gambier community development coordinator Kristi Brooks was encouraging residents to take part in Neighbour Day with a small gesture that could lead to a lasting connection.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven the small interactions can make a meaningful difference. By getting to know one another, we build respectful relationships, making connections and a resilient community – one where people feel comfortable reaching out and lending a hand when it\u2019s needed,\u201d Mrs Brooks said.<\/p>\n
Residents can fill in their details and deliver the postcard to neighbours as a simple gesture to open the door to conversation and connection.<\/p>\n
\u201cResearch from the Neighbours Every Day campaign highlights that strong neighbourhood connections can reduce feelings of loneliness, improve wellbeing and help create safer, more supportive communities,\u201d Mrs Brooks said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting involved can be as simple as smiling and saying hello, starting a conversation, organising a casual catch-up, or offering to help a neighbour by putting their bins out or feeding a pet while they are away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018Hello Neighbour\u2019 postcards are available to collect from Mount Gambier Library, The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, council\u2019s office at the Civic Centre and other participating community centres.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE City of Mount Gambier is encouraging residents to get behind Neighbour Day on Sunday, March 29, a national initiative led by Relationships Australia through its Neighbours Every Day campaign, which encourages communities to build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods. Held annually on the last Sunday of March, Neighbour Day is Australia\u2019s annual celebration of community. […]<\/p>\n