Find out why Neighbour Day is encouraging Territorians to say g’day to their neighbours

This Sunday, Territorians are being encouraged to stick their head over the garden fence and say G’day to their neighbours. Find out why.

Larapinta resident Jonathan Pilbrow talks to Emma Bonacci, Camilla, Relationships Australia Central Australia regional manager Kate Muir and Mica and at Lyndavale Park ahead of Neighbour Day on Sunday March 30. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Sunday’s the day to say G’day to your neighbours says one not-for-profit which is behind a special day born out of a tragedy which could have been avoided – had someone checked on their neighbour.

March 30 is Neighbour Day, run by Relationships Australia.

The day was born out of a tragedy where a man was horrified to discover an elderly woman was dead in her home for two years before she was discovered.

Since then, Neighbour Day has grown, with Relationships Australia Central Australia regional manager Kate Muir calling it a “powerful reminder of the importance of social connections in our lives”.

Relationships Australia Central Australia regional manager Kate Muir with Mica and Larapinta resident Jonathan Pilbrow. Picture: Gera Kazakov

“Neighbour Day aims to build better relationships with the people who live around us, especially the elderly and vulnerable, in order to grow stronger, well-connected communities,” she said.

“This year’s theme, ‘Create, Share, Grow Belonging,’ calls on all Australians to strengthen community ties and foster a sense of belonging in their neighbourhoods and beyond.”

Larapinta resident Jonathan Pilbrow said the day was a great way to stay connected with your neighbours.

“Knowing neighbours means we can call on each other for assistance or support, to water gardens or collect mail or look after animals when people are away,” he said.