neighbours Every Day
Neighbours Every Day (NED) formerly known as Neighbour Day, is a year-round national campaign hosted by Relationships Australia that encourages communities to connect with each other, to increase belonging, and to reduce loneliness.
In Tasmania, NED is led by us at RA Tas.The campaign began in Melbourne after the founder, Andrew Heslop was moved by a story of an elderly lady Elsie Brown’s death, where it took two years for her passing to be noticed due to her social isolation. NED was created to reduce isolation in our communities and find ways to promote connection and belonging. The campaign has a National Day of Action, referred to as Neighbour Day, which happens every year on the last Sunday in March. This year it was held on Sunday 31 March.
RA Tas has continued its longstanding partnership with Healthy Tasmania, offering communities the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $1,250. These grants support neighbourly activities that foster social connections and combat loneliness. This year, we received over 80 applications from across the state, proposing a wide range of activities such as community teas, seed libraries, coffee groups, connection days, and movie nights. In total 52 projects received funding from Healthy Tasmania, totalling over $59,000.
“Through shared stories, attendees realised the power of community and the vital roles volunteers play. Many commented on how these conversations over tea bridged generational divides, reinforcing that our differences are fewer than expected. The event fostered belonging and mutual respect, encouraging members.”
Grant Recipient – West Winds Community Centre
The grant round received over 80 nominations from multiple corners of the state with activities ranging from community afternoon teas’ seed libraries, coffee groups, community connection days and movie nights.
Feedback from grant recipients was overwhelmingly positive, with many stating that their communities were in desperate need of something that brought people together. Recipients also highlighted a commitment to continuing these gatherings to strengthen relationships.
The West Winds Community Centre used the funding to host a morning tea to highlight the importance of volunteers in the community. The event attracted over 65 attendees from varied backgrounds and age groups.
“The day encouraged neighbourly connections as many members invited their neighbours or a friend to attend the Men’s Shed for the first time. Every visitor was looked after and paired with a buddy-member, as safety and friendship is a core feature of our shed.”
The Beaconsfield Men’s Shed hosted an open day with all members of the community invited. The day resulted in laughter, connections and new friendships.