Andrew Heslop, founder, Neighbour Day, Sydney
IN February we witnessed the power of nature when frightening fires raced across regional Victoria.
In northern NSW and north Queensland parched paddocks became torrents as flood levels went higher.
From amidst the overwhelming tragedy of the people who lost their lives in the bushfires came evidence and stories of neighbours who valiantly fought danger.
Some were successful but many were, tragically, defeated by the forces of nature. As neighbours worked to protect property and save lives, in safe zones and staging grounds others set up facilities to help.
Representing a host of agencies from the Australian Red Cross to the SES and CWA, these women and men provided vital support to the evacuees and victims as well as to the police, the ambos and the volunteer firefighters.
These are everyday people who are our neighbours. That’s why the message for Neighbour Day on Sunday, March 29 is Celebrate Your Community.
It’s the day to say thanks for collecting the mail, feeding the cat, taking the children to school and for being there when I needed you most.
Thankfully, disasters don’t happen every day but luckily neighbours are always willing to help when they do.
For more information visit www.neighbourday.org