Hello Neighbour cards helps locals connect

Published on 20 December 2024

A community-led initiative to grow neighbourhood connections and resilience is kicking off, with “Hello Neighbour” cards now available from Council.

The cards offer an easy way for residents to reach out to new neighbours and start conversations about local emergency risks and preparation.

Tolmie resident Helen Sieker said there had been an influx of new residents in the Tolmie area over the last few years.

“Many people have new neighbours that they may not have had the chance to meet yet,” she said.

“The Hello Neighbour cards are a simple yet effective way to start a conversation with your neighbour. Simply fill in the card and place it into your neighbour’s letter box or peg it to their gate,” said Ms Sieker.

Staying connected is an important part of building resilience in small or outlying communities. It helps locals can support one another and respond to emergencies without being totally dependent on emergency services.

The cards were an idea from Tolmie community members participating in the wider LEAPing into Resilience project, currently underway across Mansfield, Murrindindi and Strathbogie Shires.

LEAPing into Resilience has seen outlying communities come together to develop a local emergency action plan (LEAP) for their area, identifying important skills and resources needed to prepare for and recover from local emergencies.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said each community is different with its own strengths and needs.

“The great thing about the LEAPing into Resilience project is that it puts locals in the driver’s seat,” he said.

“We’re helping community members lead and contribute their knowledge, resulting in plans for future emergencies that best meets their needs.

“Neighbours are so important in rural communities. We support each other in hard times like fires and floods, and we can always help by just keeping an eye out for one another.

“The Hello Neighbour cards are a fantastic local idea. I encourage everyone to pick up a few and reach out to their neighbours,” Cr Rabie said.

The cards are available to collect from the municipal offices and the Mansfield Library and can also be downloaded from Council’s website.

For more information on the LEAPing into Resilience project visit engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au.