[INSERT COUNCIL OR COMMUNITY ORGANISATION LOGO AS APPROPRIATE]

Media release template - For use by councils & community organisations, feel free to add your own details.

MEDIA RELEASE [INSERT date]

Neighbour Day – building social connections that make a difference

What are your plans for March 29th, 2020? If you haven’t already, why not start brainstorming ideas for how you can connect with your neighbours on Neighbour Day. A BBQ, a pool party, a neighbourhood day of sports and activities, the opportunities are limitless!

Now is the perfect time to organise your ideas and plan your event, and local residents [For councils - are welcome to phone us for planning assistance where permission is required]. [OR for community organisations – should contact their local council for planning assistance where permission is required.]

Neighbour Day is Australia’s annual celebration of community that encourages people to connect with those who live nearby. The theme for Neighbour Day 2020 is ‘Social Connection’. This year, we are encouraging Australians to build strong social connections with the people around them, because it can truly make a difference to the lives of those who may be struggling with isolation or loneliness.

All Australians are urged to reach out to the vulnerable and lonely members of their community to create a connection – whether it’s a few friendly words across the back fence, inviting your elderly neighbour in for a cuppa, organising a community get-together, or stopping for a chat when you’re walking the dog.

We tend to think of lonely people as old or single people living alone. However, people experience loneliness across the age and social spectrum, including young people, people living with their families, and even people surrounded by others in the workplace. It is critical that we reinvigorate our communities; persuade people to connect with their neighbours and in doing so, conquer loneliness in Australian neighbourhoods. That’s what Neighbour Day is all about. We feel better when we belong.

[INSERT name of Council representative or community group representative said]: “Neighbours are important because good relationships with others can and do change communities. Social connection makes us feel better as it helps prevent loneliness, isolation and depression.”Your Neighbour Day action can be as big or small as you’d like. You can organise an event on your own or work with a group of neighbours, or host an event for your street or [INSERT ‘town’ or ‘suburb’]. Neighbourhood event ideas include: a BYO everything street gathering; a game of cricket in the local park; a barbie at the end of the cul-de-sac; a party on the front lawn; afternoon tea in the back paddock; a picnic; or an outdoor movie – just to name a few.

[INSERT council or community organisation name and representative’s name] says: “It’s important to plan ahead for a street party or an event in the local park, especially if you plan on closing streets or using large areas of a public space. Call or email on [insert relevant council phone number or email] to find out if you need council permission for your event.”

You could also keep it very small and make a pledge to yourself to introduce yourself to a new neighbour or have a yarn to someone you haven’t spoken to before in your street. You may just drop off a kind note to neighbours with a young family, or invite them over for a cuppa. You can never have too many friends around you and your note or invitation may make a significant difference to the life of your neighbour.

[INSERT any relevant information about your council or community organisation as well as any event or other support you may be offering]

Everything you need to help organise your Neighbour Day event is now available on the neighbourday.org website. You can also connect with Neighbour Day via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram accounts to share your neighbourhood stories and exciting plans. You can download a Neighbour Day sign from the Neighbour Day website for selfies and post your neighbourly pics on your favourite social media platform.

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Neighbour Day is brought to you by Relationships Australia, a national not for profit organisation that works to improve relationships in all their forms. www.relationships.org.au

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