Whittlesea have launched a new community grant to promote connections within neighbourhoods and communities.
The Neighbour Day Grants Program (NDGP) is available to individuals within Whittlesea wanting to build neighbourhood connections by celebrating Neighbour Day this year between March 26 – April 2.
The grants of up to $250 will help communities in delivering a local activity to connect and form relationships within their neighbourhood.
Whittlesea’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the grants will support the community to hold a gathering in their local area, where they live, work, worship or play.
“This not only promotes the benefits of social connections but also makes our City of Whittlesea community safer in an emergency,” she said.
“We know that a connected, inclusive and empowered community is more likely to cope during an emergency and during their recovery period.”
The Neighbours Every Day campaign, which National Neighbours Day is part of, is run by Relationships Australia.
According to Relationships Australia past events have included hosting a BBQ, morning tea, games day, or leaving a thoughtful note to a neighbour.
To be eligible for the Whittlesea NDGP you must meet the following criteria:
• The proposed event must take place in the City of Whittlesea.
• Hold a Neighbour Day Event on the weekend of Sunday 26th March 2023 to Sunday 2nd April 2023.
• The event meets Council approval guidelines.
• Agree to register your event at Create Belonging- Neighbours Every Day
• Agree to provide Council creative reporting on your event
Applications close on Wednesday, February 1 and applications will be notified of the outcome by Friday, February 24. Details: https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/NeighbourGrants?fbclid=IwAR3ro5QzWBTjtS7BZKpW-8wtyWbR4b7aLLMn5thDQVwPLMESag5c2-0pnf0
