What is Relationships Australia?

Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship and community support and family safety services for families in Australia. Relationships Australia also provides a management and support function for Neighbour Day – its social connection campaign which operates year-round.

What is Neighbour Day?

Neighbour Day is Relationships Australia’s social connection campaign. The campaign encourages everyone to reach out and make meaningful connections with the people around us – every day. Connecting people and communities across Australia – one relationship at a time. Neighbour Day supports individuals, communities, governments and businesses to address social disconnection, loneliness, mental ill-health and suicidality through awareness-raising and capacity-building. Relationships Australia provides resources and support, as well as conducting research and engagement activities to enable all Australians to achieve positive, respectful and sustainable relationships.

Why did Relationships Australia choose to support Neighbour Day?

Relationships Australia, committed to the promotion of respectful and enduring relationships, sees Neighbour Day as an ongoing opportunity to remind people about the importance of community connection. Relationships Australia recognises the unique role our neighbourly and community relationships play in addressing mental ill-health and loneliness. Reducing social isolation and loneliness and creating stronger communities leads to more resilient, happier and healthier individuals and families. Neighbour Day supports Relationships Australia’s goals of enabling all Australians to achieve positive, respectful and sustainable relationships.

When was Neighbour Day founded?

Neighbour Day was founded in Melbourne, Australia in March 2003 by local resident, Andrew Heslop, after the remains of an elderly woman were found inside her suburban home, more than two years after her death.

Why should I get involved?

Neighbour Day has been independently evaluated since 2018. People who get involved in Neighbour Day report greater neighbourhood identification and satisfaction. For example, 80% said they could now rely on their neighbours for support during the pandemic and 75% said they continued these newfound relationships many months after meeting (Cruwys et al. 2019-2020). These relationships led to improved mental health and wellbeing and sustained reductions in loneliness.

Good relationships with others can and do change peoples’ lives and the community they live in. Neighbour Day brings together people, resources, and organisations to grow stronger, well-connected communities. It is something in which everyone can become involved.

How can I get involved?

All information on how you can be involved in Neighbour Day can be found on our website.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

  1. Join the neighbourly conversation. Grab a selfie sign, take pic of yourself (and maybe some neighbours or friends) and share on your social media. Together we can create connections to help end loneliness! [selfie-signs free to download from the website]
  2. For some neighbourly inspiration, check out our stories, free resources, tips and ideas to help you get you started.
  3. Do something neighbourly to help end loneliness! Perhaps a small gesture or something bigger – the choice is yours!

If you are interested in holding an event for Neighbour Day, we encourage you to register your event or neighbourly action.

What is a neighbourly action?

Many people like to celebrate Neighbour Day by ‘doing’ a neighbourly action, rather than hosting an event. A neighbourly action can be as simple as dropping off a connection card to a neighbour with your contact details or some flowers from your garden or some fresh baked goods. Or perhaps doing a favour such as helping your neighbour tidy their garage or garden. Or it could be an offer to do a neighbour’s shopping. An intentional act of kindness – small or big, can make a big difference, and make your neighbours feel supported and connected.

Who are the Neighbour Day Ambassadors?

Our Ambassadors are Andrew Heslop, Natalie Ahmat, The Hon Fred Chaney AO, Nick Duigan, Costa Georgiadis, Julie Goodwin, Hugh Mackay AO, Sophie Thomson and Mitch McPherson.

Can I book a Neighbour Day Ambassador to attend my event?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer Ambassador attendance at events, given the many hundreds of Neighbour Day celebrations that are held each year.

Are Ambassadors available for media interviews?

Media interviews with our Neighbour Day Ambassadors can be organised, depending on their availability. Contact our office for details.

Do you have resources that I can use for my Neighbour Day event or action?

The Neighbour Day website has a range of free, easy to use resources available to help make your Neighbour Day event a success. Help yourself!

Do I have to celebrate on the last Sunday in March?

Any day can be Neighbour Day. If you can’t celebrate on the last Sunday in March, choose another day that suits you and your neighbourly plans. Every day is neighbour day!

Where can I purchase Neighbour Day merchandise?

At this stage, Neighbour Day merchandise is not available for sale to the general public. Bulk orders of Neighbour Day tea towels may be possible with adequate notice. Contact.

Can I use the Neighbour Day logo and brand?

Free Neighbour Day branded resources are available on the Neighbour Day website. A selection of cobrandable resources are also available for download from the Neighbour Day website for Councils and Community organisations.

Will Relationships Australia cover my event for public liability?

Any risks associated with the conduct of Neighbour Day events are the responsibility of the host, individuals, organisations and their neighbourhoods and communities. The wellbeing of participants should be considered in the event planning. Your local council may be able to assist with planning for larger events.

Our website has some useful tips to help you ensure the safety of your Neighbour Day event.

What can I do to support my neighbourhood or wider community?

Our website has a list of organisations that you might like to connect with to support your local community as well as some resources to help you do that e.g. tips, neighbourly blogs and ideas related to mental health, loneliness, social connection, etc.

What if I need support in my neighbourhood?

Our website has a list of community support organisations and resources that can be accessed online, at the end of a phone, or in your neighbourhood.

Why is social connection so important to my health and wellbeing?

Social connection makes us feel better as it helps prevent loneliness, isolation and depression. Our website has research  on the benefits of social connection to our overall wellbeing.

Who funds Neighbour Day?

Relationships Australia funds the Neighbour Day campaign at the national level.

Councils, businesses, government departments, community organisations and individuals promote and support Neighbour Day in their communities and neighbourhoods. 

Is there grant funding available to support my council, community organisation or group, or me as a host, to get involved?

Relationships Australia does not have funding available for grants. Some state or territory governments offer community grants, and some local councils offer small grants or other incentives to hosts to join in and celebrate their neighbours. Other councils provide resources e.g. sporting equipment, merchandise, entertainment, coffee carts etc.

How do I become a supporter of Neighbour Day?

We work with like-minded organisations and businesses across Australia to help spread the neighbourly ethos to every day of the year. We are open to discuss sponsorship opportunities (financial, pro bono or in kind support). Please contact us!