7 ways to be an awesome neighbour

1. Say “hi” and wave.

If you’re out and about, and see one of your neighbours, given a wave and a smile and say “hi”. If it’s a nice day, sit outside in your front yard with a cuppa and wave and say “hello” as your neighbours go by. A small interaction can really brighten someone’s day.

2. Offer to help with their gardening.

Bit of a green thumb, or just want another reason to get out of your house? You could offer to mow your neighbour’s lawn or nature strip while you’re doing your own. You could also help with weeding or trimming back shrubs, trees and lawn edges, especially around windows and entry ways.

3. Brighten their day with a homemade surprise.

It could be a bouquet of flowers or a potted cutting from your garden, some home grown veggies or fruit, a jar of homemade preserves, a plate of home-baked treats or perhaps some fresh eggs, if you have chooks. Maybe when you’re cooking your own meal, make an extra serve for your neighbour and drop it around. If you’re a bit shy, you can leave the goodies on their door step with a note. You will definitely put a smile on their face.

4. Leave a note in their mailbox offering to help.

If you have neighbours who are elderly, live alone, have disabilities or are immunocompromised, download and print out our “Happy to help” help. Simply fill them in and drop them in your neighbours’ letterboxes. You can offer to pick up groceries, prescriptions or other essentials, run an errand, take their dog for a walk, have a regular “check in and chat” or anything else. It’s a great way to reach out. And don’t be offended if they turn down your offer – they may already have someone looking out for them.

5. Invite them over for a cuppa.

Pop the kettle on and invite your neighbour over for a cuppa and a friendly chat. You never know, you might find  things that you have in common, like hobbies, sports or backgrounds. And if you both have kids, you can make it a play date as well.

6. Organise a driveway happy hour.

Grab a chair, your beverage of choice, your sandwich, some nibblies or even your barbecue and sit in your front yard or driveway. Encourage your neighbours to do the same. If you’re musically-inclined you could add instruments and singing to the mix and start your very own neighbourhood band.

6. Start or join a neighbourhood chat group.

Start a chat group for your street or neighbourhood on WhatsApp or Messenger or join an existing one. Residents can post requests for assistance, make offers to help or share info. It’s an easy way to communicate with your neighbours wherever you happen to be. And if you're interested in starting a Neighbourhood Watch group, get in touch with us.