23 March 2022
Congratulations to the four friendly Southern Downs neighbourhoods who will receive funding towards their Neighbour Day celebrations courtesy of a Southern Downs Regional Council social connection competition.
Celebrating its twentieth anniversary on Sunday 27 March 2020, Neighbour Day is a national initiative launched by Relationships Australia to reduce loneliness by building respectful and sustainable connections across communities.
Funding from the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018) made it possible for Council to get on board with the initiative this year and Southern Downs residents across the region were invited to apply for grants of $200 each to host neighbourhood-organised events on Neighbour Day.
Southern Downs Councillor Marco Gliori said the winning entries embodied the humanity of Neighbour Day and reflected the spirit of inclusiveness.
“The quality of the entries is testament to the good old fashion country hospitality and values we hold here on the Southern Downs,” Councillor Gliori said.
“Congratulations to the region’s inaugural Neighbour Day competition winners – your entries demonstrate mateship and a willingness to connect with the people in your immediate community.
“I hope everyone enjoys the opportunity to come together and celebrate the friendly vibes within their neighbourhoods this Neighbour Day.”
Entries ranged from hosting a typical backyard BBQ to sharing food hampers with neighbours to grilling home-grown capsicums and playing bingo at the local community hall.
One entry was particularly moving and captured the essence of Neighbour Day and being neighbourly: “Four years ago, our friend and neighbour suffered a brain aneurysm. He was taken to Gold Coast Hospital by the Life Flight Helicopter and it’s a miracle he’s still with us. We try to engage with him in a variety of life experiences. The Neighbour Day celebration would be an enjoyable experience for him as he has a very social personality!”
Winners
- Frances Hodgson
- Nadine Richards
- Lauren Stephens
- Jenny Newton
Funding for this activity is through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018), a joint arrangement between the Australia and Queensland Government.
Last edited date 23 Mar 2022