Community spirit urged

Tim Taylor had Wilson, Ramsay Street had Colleen and Jerry Seinfeld had Cosmo Kramer.

Whether it’s sharing advice, popping over for a cup of tea or raiding the fridge, neighbours play an important part in community life – and one group wants Albany residents to celebrate with the person or people next-door.

Ahead of Neighbour Day 2019, Relationships Australia nominated the City of Albany as one of Western Australia’s most neighbourly organisations this month.

It’s an award Relationships Australia national executive officer Nick Tebbey hoped would help push people to embrace their neighbours with a chat across the fence, by helping bring in a rubbish bin or sharing a barbecue.

“Loneliness and social isolation are incredibly important issues and our latest research shows that one-in-10 people lack social support or connection and one in six are experiencing emotional loneliness,” he said.

“We know that those who have strong social networks are healthier both physically and mentally. Conversely, those who are disconnected from these networks often experience a wide range of serious health issues.”

Albany mayor Dennis Wellington said the City has put its support behind the initiative.

“Neighbour Day is a really important initiative that is in keeping with many of the City’s activities and programs that help foster a strong sense of community,” he said.

“Community development is something we place a high priority on and Neighbour Day provides a valuable reminder of the importance of maintaining connections with our friends and neighbours.”

Neighbour Day is held on March 31.