Freo’s community spirit shines in Neighbour to Neighbour program

More than 660 volunteers have signed up for the City of Fremantle’s Neighbour to Neighbour program since it launched in mid-March.  

The City’s Neighbour to Neighbour program aims to assist people who may be vulnerable or isolated in our community during the COVID-19 health crisis, including seniors, people with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and Indigenous people. 

Within 24 hours of the program launching, 117 local residents registered online to help vulnerable people in their local area 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 program had received overwhelmingly positive feedback from members of the community, local governments and service providers.

“In fact, we’ve seen 15 local governments and three Volunteer Resource Centres keen to get involved with the City’s Neighbour to Neighbour program, as well as requests from the NDIS and Department of Communities to keep them informed of findings,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“It’s also fantastic to see how the Neighbour to Neighbour program is connecting local residents who were once strangers.

“One person in need of assistance was matched with a volunteer on their same street, and was extremely grateful they could connect with neighbours for the first time.

“In some cases people are isolated, scared and are unable to identify their needs, so the City’s Community Development team has taken the initiative and are calling over 3000 ratepayers to provide comfort and assistance in determining their immediate and future needs.

“Well done to all staff for their incredible efforts in providing reassurance and support for our community during these difficult times.”

Local resident Will Bessen registered as a volunteer and was matched with a person in his area requiring assistance.

“I was put in contact with a lady who lives just up the street, and I helped her with the gardening by mowing the lawn, trimming back the hedges and clearing some junk ahead of the City’s green waste verge collection,” Mr Bessen said.

“She was very grateful and happy for my help. It was also nice to chat, connect and get to know your neighbour.”

For more information about the Neighbour to Neighbour program, visit the City’s website.