Australians are increasingly time poor, with many households having all adults in employment, and less time for community engagement and neighbourhood connection. Fewer people know, and interact with, their neighbours and are members of community groups. The circle of people we feel we can turn to when we need a hand, or a shoulder to cry on is shrinking in all age groups. But there are lots of ways that each one of us can build bonds that improve the quality of life for everyone in our community.
Neighbour Day is Australia's annual celebration of community, bringing together the people next door, across the street or in your neighborhood or city. Neighbour Day falls on the last Sunday in March each year.
A recent project to tell the stories of some of our best community builders has led to the production of a series of short films which were launched at the Port Fringe event and shown during March at our five libraries where local people had a chance to meet, share and forge new friendships.
We invited you to tell us what you appreciate about your neighbours, and we got some great submissions about how neighbours support each other in our communities. Competition winners to be announced shortly.
The Neighbour Day Website is full of useful ideas for your event, and other ways to stay connected all year round. Here are some other ideas to consider at any time.
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