Published on 22 March 2024
Show an act of kindness
Neighbour Day – Australia’s national day to increase social connection in your local area – is coming up on Sunday 31 March and the City of Onkaparinga is urging residents to get into the spirit.
“Getting to know your neighbours is an incredible way to stay connected with your community and create a stronger, safer place to live,” says Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were.
“We know that communities with a high level of connectedness are safer and healthier places to live because neighbours look out for one another and friendships flourish. Quality connections instil a sense of belonging, increase confidence and improve health outcomes for all generations.
“That’s why we’re encouraging our residents to get into the spirit of Neighbour Day and show an act of kindness with their neighbours—whether next door, across the road or in the next street—in March.”
You can show an act of kindness by catching up with your neighbours, organising a neighbourly picnic at your local park, offering a neighbour fruit or veggies from your garden, or popping a ‘Hello Neighbour card’ (available at onkaparingacity.com) into a neighbour’s letterbox with a short kind message.
Another great way to get to know your neighbours and make new connections at any stage of the year is to organise a street gathering through the council.
If you live on a quiet residential street that meets certain traffic criteria, you can apply to the City of Onkaparinga to host a street gathering so you and your neighbours can come together safely.
“We’ll cover the costs and work with you in planning your session by taking care of the necessary permits and insurances, arranging traffic management plans to close off your street, and helping ensure the sessions meet COVID-safe practices,” says Mayor Were.
“For some gatherings, we can even supply bats, balls, hula hoops and skipping ropes to encourage kids and families to get active and play outside safely.
“All you need to decide is who’s cooking what, who’s going to bat and bowl first, and how many bags of ice you’ll need for the Eskies!
“Over the past two years our communities have hosted 10 street gatherings through the program, with 351 adults and 287 children coming together to build their community spirit.”
Learn more about Neighbour Day and its custodian, Relationships Australia, at its website.