Very Neighbourly Tips
- Start simply with a smile – this can lead to a friendly hello and conversation.
- Share some home cooking as a welcome to a new neighbour or a friendly gesture to neighbours you already know.
- Offer to bring in your neighbour’s bins or their mail when they go away.
- Find a common interest – do you both have young children or pets? Are you into outdoor exercise? Arrange to go for a walk together or organise a playdate.
- Join your local neighbourhood group or association, or volunteer with a local community group.
- Joining a local sporting group is a great way to meet the locals.
- Invite a neighbour over for a cuppa or a barby – a good conversation starter is asking how long they have lived in the area.
- If you have a veggie garden share surplus fruits and veggies with your neighbours.
- Try carpooling if your kids go to the same school, or you work/shop in the same area.
- Make a special effort to introduce yourself to older residents and anyone who lives alone. Leave them your mobile or home phone number for use in an emergency.
- Be kind. Offer to help where you are able. Or offer a listening ear or friendly support.
- Introduce yourself or connect with neighbours you find difficult to meet in person with a simple postcard (a friendly message + your name and address) as an icebreaker.
- Exchange phone numbers and let your neighbours know you are happy to be of assistance in case of emergency.
- Offer to help your neighbours out when they are away. You could offer to collect their mail, mow their nature strip and keep a watchful eye on their property.
- Organise a street clean-up or a ‘gardening bee’ with other neighbours. You could join the local bushcare group.
- Link people you know may appreciate each other’s company in your street, or in your neighbourhood. Communities need more people to make an effort to connect others.
- Take the initiative – organise a simple Neighbour Day event and remember that every day can be neighbour day. You can invite new neighbours to join in and meet established neighbours.
- It’s important to understand that some neighbours may decline your welcoming approach. Respect their choice and build connections with others living nearby.