Photo: Brimbank City Council

Mayor Cr Lucinda Congreve said 22 grants of up to $250 each would be available to residents who organise a local activity that will help those living nearby connect with each other.

“Neighbour Day is all about bringing people together to build stronger communities – something that Brimbank Council is proud to support.

“This wonderful celebration is a chance to showcase what a welcoming, and proudly diverse community we have here in Brimbank.

“This year’s Neighbour Day theme is loneliness, and the steps that neighbours can take to create connections.

“Being a good neighbour can start with simple acts – such as a smile and hello, sharing fruit and vegetables from your garden, or helping to bring in your neighbour’s bins.

“Getting to know our neighbours is good for all of us – children, youth, single people, older residents and families – we all feel better when we belong.

“I encourage as many people as possible to talk to their neighbours and apply for a grant to organise a neighbourhood celebration,” Cr Congreve said.

In past years Neighbour Day grants have been used across Brimbank to fund community picnics at local parks, barbecues, to help expand neighbourhood groups, or even hold a neighbourhood garage sale.

“Community wellbeing is one of Council’s key objectives, and Neighbour Day can help achieve this by bringing people together and helping to build community.

“Grants can be used for a range of activities, such as a community barbecue, or a sports game and a picnic in a local park,” Cr Congreve said.

Applications for Neighbour Day grants open on Tuesday 29 January and close on Friday 22 February.

To be successful grant applications need to show how the activity will connect people and encourage neighbourhood participation at a local level. Applications must also detail how the money will be spent. Grants cannot be used to purchase some items, such as alcohol.

Events do not have to be held on Neighbour Day (Sunday 31 March) to be eligible for a Neighbour Day grant.

For more information or to apply, visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/neighbourdaygrants or call Council on 9249 4000.