Community spirit in Alice recognised

Relationships Australia Alice Springs recognised the work of two Alice Springs volunteers with ‘Neighbour Day Unsung Hero’ Awards for their contribution towards Neighbour Day.

Jonathan Pilbrow and Hannah Maljcov were joint winners of the award.

Relationships Australia Alice Springs recognised the work of two Alice Springs volunteers with ‘Neighbour Day Unsung Hero’ Awards for their contribution towards Neighbour Day.

Jonathan Pilbrow and Hannah Maljcov were joint winners of the award. Ms Maljcov was the event co-ordinator for the Ragatt St Neighbour Day Event in Old East Side and said she wanted to do something special for the neighbourhood.

“I thought, what can I do that is inclusive and exciting and accessible for everyone in the neighbourhood?” Ms Maljcov said.

“Sometimes people feel nervous walking into a backyard or they are not too sure, who is going to be there or what’s happening. So we put it into the street and we got enough space to do that. I then created a poster and put it in everyone’s letterbox.”

Ms Maljcov has been living in Alice Springs close to two years and will be leaving the Red Centre at the end of 2019, and described the town as a one off community

“Alice Springs is a very diverse, unique and supportive community. Generally I think it’s very diverse and my favourite thing about living in Alice Springs is that you kind of feel like you are living in another country when you are here,” she said.

Mr Pilbrow has been living in Larapinta for over 20 years, and was recognised for his involvement in the Neighbour Day Committee. He said a common theme that was shared among his neighbours in Larapinta, was the area is kid friendly.

“People love hearing the chatter of kids in the street after school. There are kids up and down riding their bikes, skateboards, scooters using other neighbours driveway, and it’s fantastic,” Mr Pilbrow said.

“I think we can all play a role in creating a safer community. Alice Springs faces enormous challenges and I think Neighbour Day is one way that we can actually each play a role in making this a safe place.”