By Heidi Vernon, Ferntree Gully resident and Gully News walker

Some will be aware of the Empowering Communities initiative which is a community-led project, administered by Knox Council, funded by State Government, which is aimed at connecting neighbours in Ferntree Gully and to improve the safety and well-being of all.

The Neighbour Day project involves 57 neighbourhood gatherings, bringing together more than 1500 people. Our family in Simpson Road was selected as one of the households to host this event which took place on Sunday 24 March.

Every household in our street was delivered an invitation to come along to our afternoon gathering, where we had the opportunity to meet neighbours old and new, young and young-at-heart. We shared stories, played games and enjoyed the amazing food, supplied by Coffee & Co. in Alpine Street Ferntree
Gully.

Despite numbers being a bit lower than we’d have liked, the afternoon was a great success where new friendships and connections were made, and hopefully neighbours felt welcome and know they have somewhere to turn to if they need help, or just to see a friendly face.

We pride ourselves in Simpson Road by looking out for one another, and we thank Helen who is leading the Empowering Communities project, and Knox Council for this great community event. For more information see the Council website.