Precede:
National Neighbour Day is this Sunday and is an annual celebration of community, bringing together the people next door, across the street or on the next farm for a cuppa and a chat.
Neighbour Day on 29 March is the perfect day to say thankyou to those great neighbours who help make the community such a great place to live.
Here’s to all the amazing neighbours who do so much more than bring in the bin and share a cup of sugar over the fence. We thank you for helping make Noosa such a wonderful community.
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I AM fortunate to live in a good street where many of us have known each other for several years. My neighbours Hazel and Peter have become dear friends during the last dozen years or so. Without their looking out for me in so many ways, it would have been difficult for me, approaching 80, to have maintained my independent lifestyle.
Not only do Hazel and Peter help me with mundane tasks like the wheelie bins (I’m so lucky my opposite neighbour, Allan, looks after this task also), newspaper collection, and mail when I’m away, but they have also driven me to hospital and specialist appointments numerous times and collected me, no matter whether rain or shine.
When I had two ginger moggies, Hazel and Peter would cheerfully step in to feed and pat them while I was away, at the same time making sure everything was in order in the house. They are people with an unselfish and very caring view of life and I’m not the only beneficiary of their kindness. I’m just lucky to live so close to them.
Anna Palthe,
Marcus Beach.
EIGHTEEN months ago we bought our touch of paradise. Being new to Queensland and even newer to Doonan, the previous owners introduced us to “them next door”, Rod and Tracy. An instant rapport was felt by all parties which has only strengthened over the past year and a half.
The list is long; from mowing our lawns while away, taking in/out our bins, blowing leaves from our driveway, loaning not only garden tools but manual labour to boot, having us over for dinner regularly, sorting out issues (irrigation, tanks, and water treatment systems – we from the southern states have little knowledge of), introducing me to the best hairdresser is Noosaville.
But, the most endearing generosity came when we were selected by two kittens from the RSPCA. Having to travel to Melbourne for a 70th, Rod and Tracy immediately offered to look after our new treasures. And not at our place, but theirs. As the fur babies were so young we kept them indoors, and that proved no impediment to Rod and Tracy. They built a cat run for the kittens. Yes. A cat run. Complete with toys, pillows and an armchair. Oh and dinner time included prawns, no less. Cat heaven! If that doesn’t make them the best aunty and uncle any self-respecting moggie has, then I don’t know what does.
I could wax lyrical about just how lucky we are to have them in our lives, which heightens our love of this wonderful part of the world and makes us feel so happy to be here. Thankyou Rod and Tracy, you’re the best there is.
Rob and Joc,
Doonan.
OUR neighbour is in her eighties and every day she plays the piano for only a few minutes. I mentioned to her one day that the sound of the classical piano was so soothing and relaxing. Now, when she knows I am home, she plays for at least an hour. I often take a seat in the backyard near the fence so I can hear the music well. She said she was worried the music would be annoying so she didn’t want to play too much. I’m glad she now plays for as long as she likes. Creating music can be amazing for the soul. Thank you, Betty, for your beautiful music.
Andy and Kim,
Peregian Beach.
