What if the simplest way to strengthen your community started with just saying hello?
That’s the heart of Neighbours Every Day (NED), a year-round campaign by Relationships Australia that empowers Australians to build more connected, respectful and inclusive communities. From casual chats over the fence to organised street events, the campaign reminds us that small, everyday actions can make a big difference.
Australia is facing a loneliness crisis; one in four people report they feel lonely, rising to one in three among young adults. The health impacts are serious, but the connection is powerful, and the community makes a difference.
Neighbours Every Day is more than just a message; it’s a practical movement. Backed by over 20 years of experience, the initiative provides free resources for individuals, councils, workplaces, schools and community groups. Its flagship event, Neighbour Day (held each March), sparks thousands of local gatherings.
Independent evaluation found 85% of participants knew their neighbours better after getting involved, with 99% of those relationships lasting. People reported feeling less isolated and more supported.
Community-Led Success
What sets this initiative apart is its grassroots, inclusive approach. Rather than top-down solutions, Neighbours Every Day supports local champions, offering scalable, sustainable support tailored for diverse communities — including youth, seniors, people with disabilities and multicultural groups.
The initiative has gained global recognition — acknowledged in Australia’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy and highlighted by the World Health Organisation as a model for connection‑based wellbeing.
Perfect Partnership
The alignment between Neighbourhood Watch Australasia (NHWA) and Neighbours Every Day is natural and powerful. NHWA’s core values — safety, community, inclusion, integrity and professionalism — mirror the Neighbours Every Day approach.
Both movements understand that strong, safe communities don’t just happen — they’re built through consistent care, connection and inclusion. Where Neighbourhood Watch focuses on safety through vigilance, Neighbours Every Day adds safety through belonging.
As this year’s theme reminds us: Belonging Every Day – starts with you. Every small act of connection helps build a more inclusive, resilient Australia.
NED Ambassador, Julie Goodwin, says, “I grow belonging by gathering people together around the table. The community and communion that happens over a shared meal is the most important thing of all.”
It doesn’t take much. A wave, a conversation, a simple invitation — these actions build safer, stronger and more connected communities.
Save the date! Neighbour Day 2026 is on Sunday 29 March. Visit neighbourseveryday.org to download free resources and get involved. Because when everyone feels they belong, everyone benefits.
