Connect with those who live nearby on Neighbour Day

BOROUGH of Queenscliffe Mayor Bob Merriman says social connection helps prevent loneliness, isolation and depression, and is encouraging locals to reach out on Neighbour Day later this month.

Neighbour Day, which is on Sunday March 31, is Australia’s annual celebration of community, inspiring people to connect with those who live nearby and reach out to the vulnerable and lonely members of their community to create a connection.

This can be as simple as a few friendly words across the back fence, inviting your neighbour in for a cuppa, organising a community gettogether, or stopping for a chat when you’re walking the dog.

“In our close-knit community, we understand the importance of neighbours,” Cr Bob Merriman said.

“Good relationships are at the heart of our involved and caring community.”

The 2019 Neighbour Day theme is ‘Loneliness– what neighbours can do to create connections’. Loneliness is experienced by people across the age and social spectrum, including young people, people living with their families, and even people surrounded by others in the workplace.

Run by Relationships Australia, Neighbour Day is all about reinvigorating our communities, getting people to connect with their neighbours, and putting a dent in loneliness.

To find out more about Neighbour Day, subscribe to the monthly Neighbour Day e-Newsletter, and register a Neighbour Day event, visit neighbourday.org.au.

Neighbour Day is a national not-for-profit organisation that works to improve relationships in all their forms – visit relationships.org.au for more information.