Neighbour Day urges residents to check-in with other people to support the community’s vulnerable

Livingstone Shire Council is urging residents to check in on their neighbours on Neighbour Day on March 28.

Portfolio holder of Healthy Communities, Councillor Pat Eastwood, said now, more than ever, is the time to get to know your neighbours and stay connected.

“That way, the community is able to support its most vulnerable, tackle loneliness, and work together to ensure healthy and safe relationships,” Cr Eastwood said.

“Each person within this community and beyond felt the impact of the pandemic.

“There has been considerable discussion in the media about how the virus has impacted on our mental health.

“For some locals, the government restrictions put in place to combat Covid-19 have been a catalyst for relationships to be strengthened and reaffirmed, including developing new ways to work together.

“However, for many of us, while physical distance helped prevent people from contracting the virus, it also created other problems – including isolation, loneliness, and anxiety.

Cr Eastwood said, following the pandemic we have seen the renewal and importance of reaching out and being socially connected, even while physically separated.

“Some lost their jobs and others were worried their businesses would go under because of the economic downturn,” he said.

“Impacts on families and careers were significant and uncertainly was hard to deal with.

“Older people were challenged with changing their daily routines, the care and support they received, their ability to stay socially connected, and how they were perceived.”

Neighbourhood Day is a timely reminder that social connectedness is vital.

Cr Eastwood said we all want to live in a community that is welcoming, kind, and supportive.

“A neighbour can be someone in your street, the wider community, your workplace, or online.

“They could be in Livingstone Shire or overseas.

“Being a good neighbour is as simple as checking in regularly to make sure other people are ok and providing support in times of need.”

Cr Eastwood said he would also like to reiterate that The Community Centre also provides support to those who may be experiencing distress.

“The Community Centre is a hub space, located on John Street, Yeppoon, where people can go to seek advice and support, gather for group activities, and many other purposes.”

To find out more about Neighbour Day and The Community Centre, please visit https://neighbourday.org/ and https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/communitycentre.