Everybody needs good neighbours

BEING neighbourly isn’t always a given, even in rural communities.
A large number of Shire of Yarra Ranges residents commute to work down the line and find getting to know the neighbours doesn’t always fit into the schedule.
But on Sunday 30 March – Get to Know Your Neighbour Day – residents are being encouraged to do the neighbourly thing and organise a barbecue or afternoon tea for their neighbours.
Get to Know Your Neighbour Day encourages people to introduce themselves to their neighbours and swap names and contact numbers in case of emergencies.
Karen Mueleman, the shire’s community strengthening officer, said people often forget about their neighbours until they need their help, or there’s an emergency.
“Just keeping a neighbourly eye on your street, keeping in touch and saying hello can make a big difference in people’s lives, especially for elderly people who can become isolated,” Ms Mueleman said.
Andrew Heslop founded National Get to Know Your Neighbour after hearing about an elderly lady who had died in her apartment and remained undiscovered for two years.
The day encourages people to make the effort to get to know the people living around them and create a greater sense of community.
Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan, a strong support of the initiative, has also called on shire residents to get involved.
“It only takes a small effort to get to know those around you but the benefits can be far reaching,” Cr Heenan said.
“Getting together with our neighbours helps create healthy, connected and safe communities,” he said.
Ms Mueleman said residents should register their events with the council.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re organising a barbecue or a cup of tea for the next door neighbour, the most important thing is the knowledge that someone is looking out for you,” she said.
A free kit containing ideas and resources for neighbourly activities is available from the shire.
To obtain a kit and to register contact the shire on 1300 368 333.