Mosman celebrates Neighbour Day
Mosman Council will be promoting the importance of a supportive neighbourhood and community for children and young people, proving the proverb ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ this Neighbour Day on Sunday 25 March 2018.
Mayor of Mosman, Carolyn Corrigan urged residents to celebrate Neighbour Day by reaching out to others: “We are blessed in Mosman with a strong sense of community and I encourage residents to plan a get-together with neighbours, including children and young people, to get to know each other better”.
Cr Corrigan highlighted that fostering neighbourliness, community and intergenerational connection were integral to Council’s ‘Mosman Connects’ strategies across community services, programs, and events, along with playground, open space and urban design.
“Our children and young people are our future so we need to work together as a community to create a supportive environment that enables them all to thrive”.
In supporting connection for families with children, the Connections playgroup at Mosman Drill Hall meets every Monday 10-12 noon during the public school term. It provides a welcoming space for parents, grandparents, and carers to meet and make connections while facilitating play and development for their prior-to-school aged child. Many members are new residents and have relocated to Mosman without existing support networks of family and friends. Playgroup members Jen and Radka described their positive experiences in being made welcome to the playgroup and the Mosman community: “Connections Playgroup is a fantastic way to socialise in a safe indoor environment,” Jen said. “My little one has made lots of friends here,” Radka agreed.
A Neighbour Day lunch will be held at the Community Restaurant, Mosman Seniors Centre on Tuesday 27th March with participants encouraged to bring their neighbours.
Neighbour Day is celebrated across Australia to encourage people to connect with their neighbours and local residents. Opportunities for connecting with each other could be a picnic in the park, a street get -together, a cup of tea and a chat, or as simple as introducing yourself to a new neighbour. Relationships Australia, which promotes Neighbour Day, cites the evidence from research that shows children feel safer when they know the people in their community; and that a friendly adult can make a big difference in the life of a child or a young person. The organisation encourages people to be positive role models in remembering to smile, say hello to people and to build relationships, including with children and young people, in local neighbourhoods.
For information on ‘Mosman Connects’: mosman.nsw.gov.au/community/mosman-connects.
For information on Connections playgroup: mosman.nsw.gov.au/community/children-community/connections-playgroup/.
For information on Neighbour Day events: events.mosman.nsw.gov.au.