In celebration of Neighbour Day, we recently asked members across Australia to recognise a neighbour who goes above and beyond to make their community a stronger, safer and better place to call home. Hundreds of nominations flooded in from every corner of Australia highlighting heartwarming stories of people making real social impact in their neighbourhoods and beyond. Nextdoor is proud to recognise the following well-deserving winners of our 2019 Neighbour Day Awards.
And the winners are…
Amy Basman – Glenmore Park, New South Wales
Always sharing a helping hand to someone in need, Amy recently hosted a fundraiser for a neighbourhood family and raised more than $13,000 for them in two days. Amy also worked with the Make a Wish Foundation to help support the family. Regularly, Amy volunteers as the operations manager for the Mama Lana’s Community Foundation in Penrith, and works for Anglicare as a carer. She was recently nominated as a New South Wales “Women of the West” for all of her recent incredible efforts to support and strengthen her community. Good on ya, Amy!
Joanne Hussein – Salter Point, Western Australia
Joanne is instrumental in introducing neighbours to each other. She creates many events and parties that help build community, and has even turned her garden into an outdoor movie theatre where she hosts monthly neighbourhood movie nights. Joanne also looks after all the elderly neighbours in the community celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries and other special events. Joanne is responsible for regular neighbourhood get-togethers that often have attendees that span three generations. Joanne has brought joy to so many people in her community.
Joanne (front row, second from left) with her neighbours at one of their movie nights
Robert Peachey – Heathcote, Victoria
Rob started Foodshare Heathcote two years ago; the organisation feeds close to 1,000 people. Rob recognised that so much food went to waste and through Foodshare, he now rescues around 8,000 kilograms of food a week. Rob organises all of his volunteer workers and he selflessly works 7 days a week with them. He also has another shop, which he runs to raise money to pay for petrol and running costs of Foodshare. Now, Rob has helped open Foodshare in Axedale, Redesdale, and Romsey. In addition to Foodshare, Rob is always at council meetings attempting to help Heathcote’s community in any way he can.
Rob (second from left) volunteering at Foodshare
Phillip Pitt – Bentleigh East, Victoria
Phil has worked hard over the past year to help manage a local community not-for-profit club called the SOCial (South Oakleigh Club). Not only has Phil been instrumental in keeping the club running, but Phil has also helped his neighbours in times of need. He helped organise fundraisers for his neighbour with young children who lost her husband to cancer, dressed up as Santa for a Christmas party for kids last year, has organised lunches and sung to entertain the elderly in local nursing homes. Phil helps organise street parties to bring the neighbours together, and regularly invites neighbours to his house for lunch as a way to build community.
Anastassio Rovolis – Kurraba Point, New South Wales
Since opening Bakaliko, a convenience store in Kurraba Point, a few months ago, Tass has truly brought the neighbourhood together. His shop has become much more than just a place to buy beautiful and often surprising produce (including the best rosewater Turkish delight this side of the Southern Hemisphere). It’s a true hub for community connection where neighbours become friends, locals feel welcome, and the spirit of old school community values truly come alive. Tass’ shop is warm and surprising; a home away from home. In our screen-obsessed, fast-paced, disconnected world, Tass’ Bakaliko has become a slow-living haven, where you can stop, sip a coffee and watch the world go by.
Tass (right) at Bakaliko & Co
Daniel Sulkowski – Seacombe Heights, South Australia
Daniel is the ultimate good neighbour. He often helps neighbours in their yards, loans his trailer out to neighbours in need, looks after neighbours’ dogs when the owners are away, and helps his elderly neighbours with general household jobs. He’s never too busy to help a neighbour, and has a chat with anyone and everyone he passes on the street!
Jeannie White – Southport, Queensland
Jeannie founded the community garden at Southport in 2010, and works tirelessly to keep it running today. The community garden is an incredible asset for the locals of Southport and its surrounding visitors. Since its beginning in 2010, Jeannie has coordinated the building of approximately 40 garden beds for local residents to grow their own produce, a large storage shed, composting areas, and a plant nursery to raise funds to keep the garden growing!
Congratulations to these inspiring neighbours! We thank you for your commitment to your community, and the impact you’re making to better your neighbours’ lives.
Be on the lookout throughout the month of April to learn more about each winner!
