Next level neighbours

Sunday 31 March is Neighbour Day and we are giving a shout out to all of the wonderful neighbours who make Bayside a better place. Neighbours like Sally and Emma from Hampton........

Knowing your neighbours opens doors to great relationships that can last a lifetime, and it all starts with communication.

Taking time to meet people in your street leads to comfort in asking for an emergency cup of sugar, minding children, plants or pets, or asking your neighbour to take out the bin or accept a delivery. Simple niceties help when it comes to resolving the bigger neighbourly issues like noise, shared driveway access or tree removal.

Sally Stewart and Emma Nicholl are back fence neighbours in Hampton.

The two met shortly after Emma moved into the area almost a decade ago from England. It wasn’t long before they became friends, as did their husbands, and the children have grown up like cousins.

Where the families once used a ladder over the back fence, there is now a gate for easier access.

“When the kids were small we almost co-parented - sharing childcare during school holidays and helping out when our kids were sick,” Sally said. “We have gone through periods of regularly cooking for each other, and share special occasions.”

Emma makes an effort with all her neighbours and ensures new residents receive a warm welcome. “It is not hard to make an effort, even just an acknowledgement with a simple ‘hi’,” she said.

“One of my favourite things to do when someone new moves in is gather local takeaway menus and deliver them with a note, maybe a bottle of wine or an invitation to drop around. Everyone is busy, some people aren't looking for a friend but you never know if they are either.

“Building relationships helps sort out problems in a civil manner. You will get more out of life being part of an inclusive community than you can ever imagine.”

Find out more about Neighbour Day.