By Oliver Lees
Melton council has resolved to formally celebrate Neighbour Day for the first time later this month, with special prizes designed to encourage community values.
Starting 20 years ago as an initiative of Relationships Australia, Neighbour Day, which takes place on March 27 each year, was designed to address loneliness in communities across the country.
Neighbour Day ambassador Andrew Heslop first developed the concept after hearing of the news of Elsie Brown, who lay dead in her home for two weeks before she was found.
On March 7, Melton councillor Steve Abboushi brought the suggestion of promoting the event across the municipality.
Mr Abboushi said following two challenging years brought on by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the community deserved a day to celebrate togetherness.
“A lot of our residents feel isolated, they haven’t been able to mix with their neighbors,” Cr Abboushi said.
“I just think to be able to bring them a little bit of cheer for such a small cost per ward would probably go a long way. We want to try and encourage people to get back to normality and to do things together and to look out for each other.”
With the proposal receiving support from the chamber, council officers will now set about establishing a campaign where residents can go into the draw to win a prize valued up to $250 from a local business.
Each of council’s three wards will host an event to mark the occasion, with $3,000 going to each area to facilitate the festivities.
Cr Kathy Majdlik said she was happy to support the Melton’s newest celebration.
“I actually don’t believe it’s a cost, it’s an investment into our community,” Cr Majdlik said.
“I think what the pandemic has done and the restrictions that we’ve been through the last two years has caused absolute devastation in our community.”
