Winter is truly upon us with chilly weather and shorter days, but don’t stay holed up inside – get out and enjoy the sunshine with your neighbours.
A great way to connect with the people living around you is through a neighbourhood party – and with July just around the corner – Christmas in July is the perfect theme! So dust off the decorations, pull out your Christmas jumpers and start cooking up your festive favourites.
Your party can be as small as a BBQ in your local park or as big as closing down your street with Council’s help. We’ve got an easy step-by-step guide to walk through how to hold a Meet Your Neighbour Party.
Helga from Balgowlah has been holding an annual street party for over 10 years. We spoke to her about why the parties are so special to her and her neighbours.
How have the street parties helped to form social connections between neighbours?
It absolutely has brought our street together and fostered a sense of community with neighbours from all ages welcome and socialising. It has also opened the line of communication amongst the street. Being able to contact everyone now is such a good thing so we can all offer help during storm damage, power outages and emergencies.
What is the best thing about Meet Your Neighbour Parties?
To get to socialise and it brings all the children and families together creating a great atmosphere. Closing the street creates a safe, shared space. Kids look forward to this every year and they love writing in street chalk on the road.
What is involved in the planning of the street parties?
We have two to three neighbours who oversee planning the street party. We clean the street, get the cars off the road, everyone brings their own picnic, we have had free BBQs, and even a band. We also ask the local businesses to get involved with a few donations of pizza and sausages for sausage sizzle. The fire brigade also regularly makes an appearance and entertains the kids with a lolly scramble.
Any recommendations you have for people who would like to start with an annual Meet Your Neighbour Party?
We started a Facebook page for our local street which helps keeping the street informed. We also sent a flyer with the details on when and where the party will be and what everyone should bring.
If you’re interested in doing more to get to know your neighbours, take our Meet Your Neighbour quiz or four week challenge. Both will help inspire you with tips, videos, resources and more to build your local community’s resilience.
The program seeks to increase social connections at the local level and to see the Northern Beaches as a local area known for its vibrant and connected neighbourhoods.