From 26 May to 3 June, Manly Council, located on Sydney’s north shore, encouraged residents to give their support to a new Sydney wide community event called Know Your Neighbour Week.
Acting Mayor of Manly, Councillor Brad Pedersen, said that getting to know one’s neighbours is a simple way to help make a community a more friendly, safe and happy place to live.
“The best part is that getting to know a neighbour is as easy as saying hello,” he said.
Council suggested organising a night out with neighbours at a local restaurant, inviting them in for a cuppa, or even offering to mow their lawn.
“There is much research to suggest that being part of a cohesive community is good for the body, mind and soul,” Councillor Pedersen said. “People feel happier, safer and healthier when they feel connected to their local communities. Simply knowing who your neighbours are and having someone close by to call on in an emergency is a great way to feel safe.”
Councillor Pedersen said that as a result of Know Your Neighbour Week, people have made new friends, agreed to watch each other’s units and houses when they are away, and now greet each other by name when they meet each other on the street.
“On a more serious note, more vulnerable members in the community, including older residents, have someone to check on them to ensure they are okay,” he said.
“This can reduce their isolation and fears.”
As part of Know Your Neighbour Week, Council reinforced its Meet Your Street event program.
This initiative, which provides assistance to residents wanting to organise their own street parties, was developed by Manly Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal Committee.
It aims to improve the quality of life of people living in Manly through developing closer relationships between neighbours.
Residents can apply to Council to close their road to hold a Street Garage Sale, Street Garden Day, Summer Street Barbecue or a Street Christmas Party for the members of their street to attend.
Any individual or group of neighbours can initiate the process by submitting an application form to Council’s Meet Your Street Coordinator.
Over 60 Meet Your Street events have been held in Manly since the program was launched in 2005.
For further information contact Council’s Manager Events and Tourism, Chantelle Ryan on (02) 9976 1752.
