Entries are now open for Shellharbour City Council’s 18th annual Good Neighbour Awards. These awards celebrate neighbours and the relationships that make neighbourhoods a great place to live.

The awards are held in conjunction with Neighbour Day, Australia’s annual celebration of community. This year’s theme is: ‘Loneliness: What neighbours can do to create connections.’

Shellharbour City Mayor Marianne Saliba said the awards aimed to build connections between residents within neighbourhoods.

“Council believes in recognising and thanking the good neighbours in Shellharbour for their time, effort and willingness to assist others,” Cr Saliba said.

“Good neighbours help improve community safety and the quality of life in our community. The support and assistance good neighbours can provide is endless.

“This can be anything from looking after gardens, children and pets, to preparing meals at difficult times, and simply checking in on one another to make sure they’re okay.”

This year the Good Neighbour Awards includes a drawing competition for children aged 12 and under. Prizes include gift vouchers from sponsors up to the value of $500.

Nomination forms are available on Council’s website, Facebook page and at Council’s Civic Centre. Nominations close 4.30pm on Sunday 31 March 2019.

The 2019 Neighbour of the Year will be announced at the Good Neighbour Awards event in May.

Last year’s Shellharbour Neighbour of the Year was Joyce Stephens.

For more information about Neighbour Day visit: https://neighbourday.org/.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.