Celebrate Neighbour Day on March 31

West Australians are being encouraged to reach out to those who live nearby this month as part of Neighbour Day on March 31.

Neighbour Day was started to promote a return to neighbourly values — whether it’s a street barbecue, returning your neighbour’s bin on rubbish day, or simply saying g’day.

Relationships Australia national executive officer Nick Tebbey said the day was a reminder of the role neighbours played in building inclusive communities and combating loneliness.

“We know that people lead increasingly busy and fragmented lives, and this leaves less time for forming connections with our neighbours,” he said.

“Each Neighbour Day ... we hear of refugees welcomed into new communities, of people supported by their neighbours when they’ve fallen on hard times, and of children who owe their lives to the actions of quick-thinking neighbours.

“Neighbour Day serves as a celebration of neighbourly values and encourages all Australians to build better relationships with the people who live around us, especially the vulnerable and elderly.”

Mr Tebbey said strong social networks improved physical and mental health.

“On March 31, we’re asking all Australians to reach out to the vulnerable and lonely members of their community to create a connection, even if it’s through a small gesture,” he said.