Since the launch of our Be Kind Maroondah campaign earlier this year we have been amazed and inspired by the many acts of kindness being shown across our city
We continue to receive many positive news stories and have had an overwhelming response to our recent Knit one, warm one campaign, with many people knitting beanies, scarves and blankets for those in need in Maroondah
We are again calling on the generosity and goodwill of our community to help others who may be feeling especially isolated.
Council has produced a Neighbour Help Card that you can use to connect with a neighbour and offer your support.
To take part, simply print off the card, fill in your details, and leave it in the letterbox of one, or more, of your neighbours. This will let them know that you’re around should they need any help.
What help you can offer is up to you – it could be picking up shopping and supplies, posting mail, helping out with pets, or a friendly phone call. If you don’t have access to a printer, don’t worry. We can print out the cards and post them to you.
Maroondah Mayor Cr Mike Symon says there’s never been a more important time to reach out to a neighbour, especially older residents who may be living alone.
“The Neighbour Help Card promotes kindness in times when community connection needs to take a different approach,” Cr Symon said.
“Social distancing can isolate the elderly even more at a time when they need the most assistance. The Neighbour Help Card is one way we can help maintain or build new connections with neighbours, and even make a few friendships along the way,” he said.
“Frequent check-ins with your neighbours during this time can create a support system that lasts well beyond the coronavirus pandemic.”
Cr Symon says that while social media and other digital platforms are helping many people stay connected, it sometimes leaves behind older people in our communities who are still unfamiliar with digital technology or are without internet access.
Latest research by the eSafety Commission reveals that 57 per cent of Australians aged 70 or older had little to no digital literacy.
“Offering to call a neighbour on either their mobile or landline can be the best way to help them feel they aren’t alone,” Cr Symon added.
According to Relationships Australia, a ‘neighbour’ can include anyone with whom you share a community.
“Even if you see your neighbour outdoors watering the lawn or checking the mail, a simple “How are you?” and “Do you need anything?” not only opens the door to possibly helping someone in need, but also builds a sense of community that isolated people may need at a time like this,” Cr Symon said.
The Be Kind Maroondah campaign is aimed at promoting kindness and goodwill, and building the resilience of our community.
