City launches Neighbour to Neighbour project

The City of Fremantle is providing assistance to members of the community facing unprecedented challenges and increasing isolation due to COVID-19. 

Launching today, the City’s Neighbour to Neighbour project aims to support communities at high risk of being impacted by the threats of COVID-19, including seniors, people with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and Indigenous people. 

Neighbour to Neighbour encourages local residents to sign up and volunteer to help vulnerable people in their community with simple errands, including grocery shopping, dog walking, posting mail or simply checking in with a friendly phone call.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the Neighbour to Neighbour project was ultimately about connecting community and helping each other in a time of crisis.

“We understand that there are many people living independently who may not have family or friends nearby to help them during this challenging time,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“Whether it’s helping someone with their grocery shopping or picking up mail, any little assistance you can offer will go a long way for someone in need.

“Residents can fill out a short survey on the City’s website to register as a volunteer, and will then be put in direct contact with people in their neighbourhood requesting assistance.

“Fremantle has always prided itself on being a welcoming, caring and compassionate community, so now is the time for us to show our true colours.

“In the coming days, City staff will also be contacting ratepayers aged over 70 via mail or telephone to touch base and offer assistance.”

The City of Fremantle has also created a new page on its website to provide up-to-date information about its facilities and services as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.

The new page - fremantle.wa.gov.au/covid19 - provides advice on what events and services have been cancelled and what facilities and services remain open for business as usual.

For more information about the Neighbour to Neighbour project and to sign up as a volunteer, visit the City’s website. The volunteer sign-up forms are also available in printed format and will be available across the community.