Do you ever say hello to your neighbours or invite them in for a cup of tea?
Brimbank City Council is encouraging residents to get to know their neighbours this Neighbour Day, with grants of up to $250 available to host an event.
Neighbour Day is Australia's annual celebration of community and connection, and takes place on the last Sunday in March. This year, Neighbour Day falls on Sunday 29 March.
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou said up to 20 small Council grants of up to $250 are available to Brimbank residents to help with running an event that celebrates community.
'Neighbour Day is an annual celebration of connection and community – it's all about helping people who live in the same neighbourhood to connect with one another,' she said.
'We have such a vibrant and diverse community here in Brimbank, and Neighbour Day is the perfect day to celebrate all that brings us together through enjoyable activities.'
'Grants can be used for anything from a neighbourhood barbecue, to a game of street cricket, a picnic in the park – or just a cup of tea with a few people.'
Australia is in the midst of a loneliness crisis, with many in our community experiencing a deficit of social connection, which can contribute to mental and physical ill-health.
This year's theme is 'Social Connection', which is about flipping the discussion on loneliness to focus on building connections that help to give us a sense of community and belonging.
'Council wants to build an inclusive and liveable community where people are safe, healthy and well, and have opportunities to participate in community life,' Cr Papafotiou said.
'Being a good neighbour can start with simple acts of kindness – whether it's saying hello in the street, offering a message of support, or a cup of tea – these small connections, whether one-off or ongoing, are so important for our health and wellbeing.'
Grant applications need to show how the activity will connect people and encourage neighbourhood participation at a local level. Applications must also detail how the money will be spent. Grants cannot be used to purchase some items, such as alcohol.
Events do not have to be held on Neighbour Day (Sunday 29 March 2020) to be eligible for a Neighbour Day grant. Grant applications open on Wednesday 29 January 2020 and close on Sunday 1 March 2020.
