Neighbour Day 

From an initiative by Relationships Australia

Each year in Australia, communities are encouraged by a federation of state organisations, Relationships Australia, to mark Neighbour Day - set for the last Sunday in March each year.

In 2025, the chosen theme was, “Create, Share, Grow Belonging,” which called on all Australians to strengthen community ties and foster a sense of belonging in their neighbourhoods and beyond.

Nick Tebbey, National Executive Officer at Relationships Australia, emphasises the campaign’s significance: “Neighbour Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of social connections in our lives. Our research shows that when people engage with their communities, they experience improved mental well-being and reduced loneliness. This is crucial, as recent research reveals that nearly one in three Australians report feeling lonely, with over 15% saying they often or always feel lonely. This affects people across all age groups, with young people aged 18-24 being the most likely to often or always feel lonely.”

Recent research conducted on behalf of Relationships Australia by the Australian National University and University of Queensland reveals that Neighbour Day participants experience significantly reduced levels of loneliness compared to the general population. It is also 80% more cost-effective than other loneliness and health interventions. In addition, nearly 65% of participants report improved mental health outcomes, particularly during these challenging times.

Relationships Australia Neighbour Day promotion gives people the tools, resources, and reasons, to reach out and grow belonging, whether for themselves, their families, or their neighbours. By embracing genuine inclusion and connection, they challenge communities to engage with empathy and compassion. Relationships Australia try to mobilise communities, and provide the tools they need to create connection. They stress that this isn’t just about one day – it’s about building a culture of connection that sustains communities throughout the year.

Everyone in Australia is invited to participate in various ways, from hosting a BBQ to organising a street party, or simply reaching out to someone new. Every action contributes to building more resilient and supportive neighbourhoods.

Here is a sample list of resources to create, share and grow belonging every day:

• Social Media posts
• Poster
• Connection Cards
• Colouring Pages
• Welcome Cards
• Conversation Cards
• Invitations and Name Tags
• Calling Cards
• 56 Great Ideas for Connecting with your Neighbours
• Conversation Starters
• Exploring neighbourhood street play
• 21 Connection Tips to Create, Share & Grow Belonging
• Community Language Resources
• QR Code
• Key Messages and Talking Points
• Important Tips for Events
• Brand Use Guidelines

There are also additional resources for Councils and Community Organisations

Read more here.