Say G’day on Neighbour Day

Following the discoveries this year of a number of elderly people who died at home alone and unnoticed, an initiative aimed at inspiring closer communities is taking off in the Illawarra.

Sunday, March 30 is the 6th Annual Neighbour Day.

All local residents are encouraged to say ‘g’day’ to the people living in their street.

Neighbour Day was founded by Melbourne resident Andrew Heslop after the remains of an elderly woman, Mrs Elsie Brown, were found inside her suburban Melbourne home.

While Andrew did not know Mrs Brown, he was appalled by the apparent ease with which she was left behind by the world around her.

It was only when concerned neighbours eventually noticed piles of mail, catalogues and newspapers had built up at her door that they called the police.

Remarkably the gas, electricity, water and telephone were still connected.

Also in January, the body of a 64-year-old man was found inside his Yagoona unit.

It was estimated he had been dead for up to 12 months.

Mr Brown said getting to know your neighbours makes for a happy and healthy life.

“Getting together with our neighbours creates vibrant, healthy communities,” Mr Heslop said.

“It breaks down the barriers of loneliness and isolation experienced by the elderly and people who live alone.

“This makes our suburbs and towns safer, happier places to live and raise a family.”

Neighbour Day has five principle aims:

1. Strengthen communities and build better relationships with the people who live around us;

2. Create safer, healthier and more vibrant suburbs and towns;

3. Promote tolerance, respect and understanding;

4. Break down community barriers; and,

5. Protect the elderly, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.

People can take part in Neighbour Day simply by introducing themselves to their neighbours, older residents or to people that they know live alone.

Information about Neighbour Day can be found online at www.neighbourday.org.