© Newspix/Russell Shakespeare
Message from Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
for Neighbour Day 2012
When communities are connected and neighbours are engaged, our suburbs and towns are strengthened and lives are enriched.
But when residents are isolated socially or physically, we are all disadvantaged.
Knowing the person next door, across the street or on the next farm brings many advantages. It opens the door to friendship yet also provides reassurance there is someone to turn to quickly for help during a disaster or in an emergency.
Yet for all of us on a daily basis it is a direct connection into the place where we choose to call home. That simple relationship, which may be no more than a friendly hello, helps build communities which are friendly, safe, active and sustainable.
Communities in which each one of us has an important role to play.
Places where young parents in new homes band together to organise child-minding groups, or where older residents take a healthy step for a daily walk. Or where community-minded young people grow vegetables to share, trade or sell to local shop keepers.
Ten years ago the discovery of the lonely death of an elderly woman led to the founding of Neighbour Day. Each year since neighbours in the city and the country have used the last Sunday in March as the catalyst for stronger relationships between residents of all ages and backgrounds every day of the year.
Whether you decide to celebrate the 10th annual Neighbour Day with a street party or attend a council run event in a local park – or simply have a cup of tea and a chat with a neighbour – you will be helping to strengthen your community.
I extend my warmest congratulations and support for this wonderful Australian initiative, which reminds us a community of endless possibilities is just beyond our front door.
Quentin Bryce
1 Jan. 2012.