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Do you know your neighbours or the people living across the
street? What about the people that you share the work elevator with?
This Sunday 30 March marks national Neighbour Day and the
coming together of neighbours and people who’ve never met.
“It’s about connecting with the people around us and
fostering a sense of community,” Relationships Australia NT CEO Marie Morrison
said.
“We all lead busy lives and have precious spare time, but
Neighbour Day reminds us to pause, look around and get to know the people next
door or in the same street.”
Ms Morrison said getting to know your neighbours isn’t only
the foundation of a healthy community, but it will make you happier and help
you live longer.
“Evidence says that connecting with your neighbours
increases your happiness and longevity,” Ms Morrison said.
“For example, a study by Duke University in the USA found
that people aged 55 to 80 who trusted their neighbours lived longer on average
over the next 14 years than those who didn’t.
“Other studies have found that interacting with your
neighbours lifts your mood, reduces your stress and instils a sense
of belonging.
“The better you get to know your neighbours the more likely
you are to trust them and the more you stand to gain in health and wellbeing.”
Relationships Australia said it’s holding a morning tea with
Neighbour Day Ambassador and Darwin Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim for the
businesses at 43 Cavenagh St on Wednesday, 26 March.
The community service organisation is also encouraging all
locals to get behind the cause.
“Why not hold a BBQ, say a simple hello or head to one of
the publicly registered morning teas and barbeques in your area,” Ms Morrison
said.
Neighbour Day public events in your area on Sunday 30 March:
·
Jonathan Pilbrow BBQ, Larapinta. Connect with
‘Friends of Larapinta’ Facebook group
·
Kylie Adams BBQ, Sadadeen
·
Allan Mitchell BBQ, Anula
·
Alice Springs Town Council BBQ, Frank McEllister
Community Park, 10am to 2pm
Please call Relationships Australia and ask for Tracey for
all the details on 8923 4926 or visit www.nt.relationships.org.au/
For media enquiries please contact Domonique Young on 8941 9169 or email domonique@creativeterritory.com.
