NEW Verandah by Neighbour Day

Welcome to the first edition of Verandah

Many great conversations happen over our fences, on our streets, even walking the dog; and of course on the verandah. Every two months or so we plan to share what is happening in the Neighbour Day neighbourhood and around the country.

This edition, Neighbour Day Ambassador Costa Georgiadis gives his thoughts on being neighbourly; we announce the Neighbour Day photography competition 'my neighbours, my neighbourhood'; we highlight the power of a conversation; our friends from Street by Street provide some ideas about how to get involved in your neighbourhood; and we finish up with details about the home of Neighbour Day.

Costa reckons every day is neighbour day...

“Getting together with your neighbours or your local community is fantastic for lots of reasons. I know because it’s something that I do every day in communities all around the country, including my own. You don’t need to wait until Sunday 27 March, 2016 to be neighbourly.

I see friendships formed over community gardens week in week out. Verge gardens, pocket parks, laneways … you name it! Families, kids and elders are nurturing their environment and growing things for the birds, insects and people to share.

It’s not just the plants that are growing in the garden, people are too. They are connecting with one another, all ages together. So why not be neighbourly today!” Neighbour Day Ambassador Costa Georgiadis.

'my neighbours, my neighbourhood'
photography competition

Wonderful neighbours and neighbourhoods exist all over Australia. But what do they really look like?

Neighbour Day is putting the call out for great photos to help us show the diversity of our amazing neighbours and neighbourhoods – whether in the cities, suburbs, rural or remote Australia!

The Neighbour Day ‘my neighbours, my neighbourhood’ photography competition invites people in communities around the country to get out into their neighbourhoods and take good quality photographic images to share with Neighbour Day. Use your smartphone or 'old school' camera. There are cash prizes to be won! Entries close Monday 28 September 2015. Find out more neighbourday.org

Taking it to the streets...

Street by Street is a national project aiming to turn streets into communities by fostering an Australia-wide network of neighbourhood groups. If you’d like to kick this off in your area, they want to hear from you.

Simple social activities allow neighbours to get to know one another and discover common interests. Let’s help Street by Street create a new norm where we connect with the people who live near us. Information, support and resources are provided. Find out more and get involved at streetbystreet.org.au.

The home of Neighbour Day

The principal aim of Neighbour Day is to build better relationships with the people who live around us, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Relationships Australia firmly believes that a positive relationship with the people that live nearby can and does change communities. This social connectivity assists our personal well-being, in helping to prevent loneliness, isolation and depression.

Andrew Heslop as the Founder of Neighbour Day handed over its stewardship to Relationships Australia on 1 January 2014. As an Ambassador he continues to actively support Neighbour Day and advocates for strong socially inclusive communities. Relationships Australia is very proud to be the home of Neighbour Day serving as a 'social hub' to share, connect, and help provide access to all things neighbourly in our community. As Costa says, "Every day is Neighbour Day!"

Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities. We aim to support all people in Australia to achieve positive and respectful relationships. You will find us in every state and territory; a community-based, not-for-profit Australian organisation with no religious affiliations with services for all members of the community.

Welcome to the first edition of Verandah

Costa reckons every day is neighbour day...

'my neighbours, my neighbourhood' photography competition

The power of a conversation...

Taking it to the streets...

The home of Neighbour Day

'my neighbours, my neighbourhood'
photography competition