Everybody needs good neighbours

Pillich Court residents Geoffrey Biles, Mary Biles, Russell Donaghey, Anne Donaghey, Frank Williams, Jillian Williams, June Tom and Fred Tom often help each other out.

Allan Reinikka AR--

WHEN the residents of Rockhampton’s Pillich Court find themselves in trouble, they have always got good neighbours to lend a hand.

Jillian Williams and the crew often get together for parties and socialising, as well as helping look after each other’s dogs, and are always there to offer a friendly lift to the airport.

And with Sunday being national Neighbour Day, they would not have it any other way.

Neighbour Day was established in 2003 to encourage people to create a sense of community in their area.

Jill Williams said she really felt this sense of community in 2003 when she was diagnosed with leukaemia.

While she and husband Frank had to drop everything and get down to Brisbane, the neighbours took care of the garden and looked after the dog.

The Williamses were away from their house for 15 months and were grateful for help taking care of the yard.

“We really appreciated it,” she said.

The Pillich Court residents feel it is important to have the sense of community and it is an easy thing to have.

“If you’re friendly, it helps.”

“With the climate we’ve got here, you tend to be out and talking to people,” Mary Biles said.

Neighbour Day creator Andrew Heslop encourages people to get out and have a cup of tea with their neighbour, or just say hello.

The day is being celebrated officially and unofficially Australia-wide.