Latest news with #NickTebbey
The Age
02-05-2025
- General
- The Age
Six small (but effective) ways to connect with your neighbours
There's a lot of talk about Australia's loneliness epidemic. Despite most of the country's population living in cities, somehow we've reached a point where many have little or no connection with the people in their immediate vicinity. Add to that an international environment where the politics of division have become ubiquitous and we find ourselves even less inclined to make pleasantries with the neighbours. While some extol the virtues of grand events such as street parties or school fetes to build stronger communities, executive director of Relationships Australia Nick Tebbey says there's beauty in the small gestures which have the capacity for lasting impact. 'It's about keeping it simple, which is more sustainable over time,' he says. Stronger connections reduce our sense of loneliness, Tebbey says, which also has serious impacts for our mental and physical health. 'It also builds greater resilience because I know people in my local area are available should I need them.' Small acts, where the social stakes are low, are a great starting point. If a gesture doesn't land well, try something else. It's about sustainable behaviours with long-term benefits, says Tebbey, who points to Relationships Australia's Neighbours Every Day program as a resource for change. Here's six easy-to-action ideas to get the neighbourhood ball rolling. Just keep mowing If you already have the mower out on the weekend, and the neighbour's nature strip looks a little shaggy, Tebbey says it's not much extra effort to cut their grass too, as it were. This can be especially welcome where the neighbour is elderly or has mobility issues.
Sydney Morning Herald
02-05-2025
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
Six small (but effective) ways to connect with your neighbours
There's a lot of talk about Australia's loneliness epidemic. Despite most of the country's population living in cities, somehow we've reached a point where many have little or no connection with the people in their immediate vicinity. Add to that an international environment where the politics of division have become ubiquitous and we find ourselves even less inclined to make pleasantries with the neighbours. While some extol the virtues of grand events such as street parties or school fetes to build stronger communities, executive director of Relationships Australia Nick Tebbey says there's beauty in the small gestures which have the capacity for lasting impact. 'It's about keeping it simple, which is more sustainable over time,' he says. Stronger connections reduce our sense of loneliness, Tebbey says, which also has serious impacts for our mental and physical health. 'It also builds greater resilience because I know people in my local area are available should I need them.' Small acts, where the social stakes are low, are a great starting point. If a gesture doesn't land well, try something else. It's about sustainable behaviours with long-term benefits, says Tebbey, who points to Relationships Australia's Neighbours Every Day program as a resource for change. Here's six easy-to-action ideas to get the neighbourhood ball rolling. Just keep mowing If you already have the mower out on the weekend, and the neighbour's nature strip looks a little shaggy, Tebbey says it's not much extra effort to cut their grass too, as it were. This can be especially welcome where the neighbour is elderly or has mobility issues.
