Meet the Neighbourhood

National Neighbour Day  - March 25th 2012

This annual celebration of community provides an opportunity for neighbours from next door and across the street to get to know each other better.

City of Ballarat supports neighbourhood connections by encouraging the simple concept of “neighbourliness”. The aim is to raise awareness of the issues of isolation, security and the benefits of having connections within our communities.

The City of Ballarat is inviting residents to connect and celebrate with their neighbourhood by holding  a “Meet the neighbourhood” event

• Use the City of Ballarat  Meet the Neighbourhood Guide to hold a safe and child friendly neighbourhood gathering
   
• Submit an Event/Party Registration Form to potentially receive a $50 supermarket gift card to assist with BBQ/food costs. (Limited number availble)
    
• Use the City of Ballarat PDF Template or MS Word Template to promote your event.
  
  
• Look out for events at your local neighbourhood / community house!

Other Ways To Encourage Neighbourliness

Anyone can participate in Neighbour Day. You don’t have to buy a ticket or spend money. Here are some ideas:

• Organise a Neighbour Day event – a barbecue, garden party, picnic or afternoon tea in a local park.
    
• Go out and say “G’day” to your neighbours and maybe make some new friends!
    
• Make a special effort to introduce yourself to older residents on the street and anyone who lives alone. Leave them your mobile or home telephone number for use in an emergency.
    
• Help out by collecting mail when neighbours are away and keep an eye on their property.
    
• Try car pooling if kids go to the same school or you work/shop in the same area.
    
• Get fit, try jogging or walking together.
    
• Get together with neighbours who have dogs for walks.
    
• Share surpluses of garden produce and have preserving parties.

About the Meet the Neighbourhood Guide

The Community Safety Action Plan 2008 – 2013, identifies community strengthening as a priority area with the goal to increase social capital by enhancing opportunities for participation in the community.

The Health and Wellbeing Plan 2009 -2013 also identifies the importance of community connectedness with the goal of improving mental health and wellbeing through increasing community connectedness and strength by providing diverse and inclusive opportunities for social connection, cultural expression, community participation and healthy living in Ballarat.

The City of Ballarat has a commitment to safer neighbourhoods and communities and is trialing a project that assists the implementation of neighbourhood park parties. Called  “ Meet the Neighbourhood”, these events are encouraged as a means of creating greater community cohesion.

We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to get to know their neighbours a little better by organising a 'Meet the Neighbourhood Party'. The  Meet the Neighbourhood Guide provides guidelines and direction to achieve successful neighbourhood parties and events.

More about National Neighbour Day:

Founded in 2003 in Melbourne, Neighbour Day has five principal aims –

• Strengthen communities and build better relationships with the people who live around us.
• Create safer, healthier and more vibrant suburbs and towns.
• Promote tolerance, respect and understanding.
• Break down community barriers.
• Protect the elderly, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.