Everybody needs good neighbours which is why the City of Whittlesea has handed out more than $10,000 in grants ahead of this year's Neighbour Day.
Neighbour Day is Australia's annual celebration of community and encourages people to connect meaningfully with those who live in their neighbourhood.
The theme for Neighbour Day 2023, which is celebrated during the week of 26 March to 2 April, is 'Create Belonging'.
This year Council has provided individual grants of up to $250 to help people organise a local activity to connect and form relationships where they live, work, play and/or worship.
City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said even small events could have major benefits down the track, particularly in times of crisis.
"When people connect with their communities, they have a greater sense of belonging, which leads to improved mental wellbeing and a reduction in loneliness," Ms Wilson said.
"It also contributes to strength and resilience in the face of external pressures and emergencies.
"It makes it easier to share things, like surplus produce, borrowing a ladder or helping each other during severe weather events or in an emergency.
"There are many different ways to participate in Neighbour Day, whether it's big or small - it all contributes to building respectful relationships, sustainable connections and reducing loneliness in our communities within the City of Whittlesea."
Council received more than 46 applications for grants and distributed over $10,250 towards a range of community-building activities.
These activities included:
- Twenty-three street barbecues
- Nepalese community in Doreen/Mernda to host a clean-up and morning tea
- Several Community Wellness Walk and Talks through the municipality's scenic landscape
- Street or community goods exchange
- Neighbourhood progressive dinner
- Street repair workshops
- Street bake-off.
