NEIGHBOURS across the country will be turning on the kettle and lighting the barbecue on Sunday as part of national celebrations for Neighbour Day, Australia’s annual celebration of community.
Neighbour Day founder Andrew Heslop said recent events across the nation – from Queensland’s floods and cyclone damage to bushfire tragedies in our own State – highlighted how neighbours shared similar experiences.
He said communities and councils had already arranged and registered a variety of events for Sunday, but people without plans could still use the day for an informal catch-up with those who live close by.
“Wherever you live, whatever your personal circumstances, everyone is a neighbour and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to participate,” Mr Heslop said.
“However the critical element is to make that connection with the person next door, across the street or on the next farm. As we have seen just recently, you never know when you might need help from a neighbour.”
People can download a free Neighbour Day kit – complete with invitations, name tags and posters – at www.neighbour day.org to help promote their community event.