Howdy, neighbour

NEVER met your neighbours? Ever wondered who lives across the street?
Casey residents are encouraged to make a special effort to introduce themselves this Sunday for national Get to Know Your Neighbour Day.
The day was initiated by Andrew Heslop after the tragic death of Elsie Brown, an elderly Melbourne woman whose remains were found two years after she died when neighbours noticed her mail was untouched.
They then contacted the police with their concerns.
Widespread local and national media interest in the case instigated the establishment of national Get to Know Your Neighbour Day to help create a greater sense of community care and safety.
City of Casey community development manager Janette Green said everyone could get involved in the day just by saying hello and introducing themselves to their neighbours.
“Just keeping a neighbourly eye on your street, particularly making yourself known to those who may be elderly or live alone, can make a real difference,” Ms Green said.
She suggested leaving contact details for neighbours to use in case of an emergency. The council’s community development team is helping build and strengthen Casey’s communities through Casey Neighbourhood Barbecues and the Hello postcards.
The postcard encourages the use of the word ‘hello’ in a range of languages to recognise the diversity of residents and help people welcome a new resident to the street.
For more information on National Neighbour Day, the Casey Neighbourhood Barbecue program or Hello postcards, contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200.