Street parties, events make good neighbourhoods

COUNCILS have been urged to do more to bring neighbours together.

Victoria University community psychologist Heather Gridley said local councils had an important role in facilitating street parties, social groups and community events.

They could help by reducing red tape associated with street parties or community events, and providing permits and insurance, she said.

She applauded Port Phillip Council’s work to promote street parties by providing “road closed” signs and making permits easy to obtain.

This had fostered a real sense of community in the area, which includes St Kilda and Elwood, she said.

“Neighbour relations are so good that people babysit for each other, shop together, take in mail for neighbours who are away and check up on older residents,” she said.

“We are so busy these days that people can become quite insular. Many people work long hours, which reduces time to interact with friends and neighbours, so there is a greater role for councils in facilitating community cohesiveness.”

Source: PartyOz