As disaster recovery operations continue and residents begin to contemplate rebuilding their shattered towns after last month’s devastating bushfires and floods, Australians everywhere are being encouraged to act locally and celebrate their community on Sunday 29 March.

“Australia will never forget the heroes who lost their lives in the bushfires and we will always remember the brave women and men who rallied with the CFA volunteers to save their homes and towns,” said Neighbour Day founder Andrew Heslop.

“But away from the immediate danger were ordinary Australians working as trained volunteers, activated to set up vital services to help the evacuees. Australian Red Cross, Country Women’s Association, State Emergency Services and a range of local church and service clubs like Apex, Lions and Rotary were called upon to provide food, clothes, first aid, shelter and support.

“It is this important work, in conjunction with the police and emergency services, that’s often forgotten until disaster strikes. It’s work that is essential to communities all over Australia, but rarely is it celebrated. That’s why, on Neighbour Day this year, we should celebrate our community by getting together with our neighbours to say thanks,” said Andrew.

Held on the last Sunday in March every year, Neighbour Day was founded in Melbourne in 2003. Since then it has been responsible for better relationships between neighbours right across the country.

Neighbour Day has five principal aims, to

• strengthen communities and build better relationships with the people who live around us;

• create safer, healthier and more vibrant suburbs and towns;

• promote tolerance, respect and understanding;

• break down community barriers; and

• protect the elderly, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.