Hume will promote and begin an annual acknowledgement of ‘Neighbour Day’, aiming to promote neighbourly relationships and reduce loneliness.
Neighbour Day, an initiative of Relationships Australia, promotes hosting or supporting events in local areas that increases social connection.
Next year’s Neighbourhood Day will be held on Sunday, March 30.
Hume council will host a ‘community challenge’ in recognition of the day, where residents will go into the draw to win one of 20 $100 gift cards if they share a story and image on how they have connected with their neighbours.
The council will also promote the day and its events through its social media and newsletter.
Cr Karen Sherry said the event will help alleviate isolation and loneliness in the region.
“This will foster respectful and sustainable relationships across the community if it gets off the ground,” Cr Sherry said.
Cr Carly Moore said that the council hosting the event is “a good thing to try”.
“Let’s see how this goes … I think it’s really important that our community gets to know each other, and if this is something that will promote community spirit, then I’m happy to see how it goes,” Cr Moore said.
The estimated cost of the Neighbour Day community challenge campaign and promotional materials is a total of $3000 from existing council budgets.
The council noted that Brimbank council awards up to $250 per applicant towards holding events that promote neighbourly connection and community.
