Friendly neighbours

THE recent floods that struck Casey last month helped bring out the neighbourly spirit among the local community.
As flood waters began to rise, many Casey residents found help close at hand, from just next door, and when the flood waters receded, neighbours worked together to clean-up homes, gardens and driveways.
That is why the City of Casey is encouraging residents to get to know each other better on Neighbour Day on Sunday 27 March.
City of Casey mayor Shar Balmes said that getting to know your neighbours was one of the privileges and responsibilities of suburban life.
“The keystone of the municipality’s strong, vibrant community is the relationship between friends and neighbours – the willingness to stand together and help one another out,” Cr Balmes said.
“Developing strong relationships with the people next door and across the street, is an excellent way of strengthening our communities and creating safer, healthier and more vibrant places to live.”
City of Casey manager community strengthening Janette Green said that since its creation in 2003, Neighbour Day had been the catalyst for closer, friendlier relationships between neighbours right across the country.
“This is a chance to say g’day to your neighbours,” she said.
“Forming closer links with neighbours strengthens and creates a safer place to live knowing people are looking out for each other.”
‘Get to Know Your Neighbour’ kits are available, for residents interested in participating in Neighbour Day, at Neighbourhood Houses and Community Learning Centres, as well as Casey customer service centres.
The kits cover a range of activities including street party permit information, ‘Hello’ postcards translated into 11 different community languages, and a Get to Know Your Neighbour brochure.
For more information contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200.