[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 is just around the corner
Thinking a street party or a community event would be the best way to celebrate this year’s Neighbour Day on
Sunday, 26 March? If so, now is a good time to start planning and local residents [For councils - are welcome to phone
us for planning assistance where permission is required]. [OR for community organisation – 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. Whether for a cuppa, a picnic in the park or a message of support; it’s the perfect opportunity to say thanks
for being a great neighbour and for being there when I needed you most.
People living in neighbourhoods that are highly connected enjoy, overall, higher levels of physical and mental health,
with the converse also true. 55% of people who ring Lifeline’s help line have been found to live alone and feel socially
isolated and lonely.
[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. When you connect with the people who live nearby, you’re showing you
care about what happens locally and are directly supporting safe, friendly and resilient neighbourhoods.”
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’]. Decide whatever is manageable
for you. 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 – as your personal Neighbour Day activity. You may just
drop off a kind note to an elderly neighbour 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 facilitate your Neighbour Day event is now available on the neighbourday.org website.
Everyone is encouraged to contact Neighbour Day through their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts to share
their 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.
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
-ends[INSERT name of community organisation or local government for media to contact and their phone number
and email]