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Street party initiative aims to bring neighbours together

Peter LongPilbara News
City of Karratha residents are being encouraged to meet their neighbours through a new program.
Camera IconCity of Karratha residents are being encouraged to meet their neighbours through a new program. Credit: Pilbara News, Louise Allingham

There are many benefits to getting to know your neighbours and the people who live on your street.

It can be more peaceful living in proximity to people you know and respect because you are more considerate of each other and can watch out for each other and your property.

Living in a connected neighbourhood means you feel comfortable giving your neighbours a heads-up when you are heading out of town, which may extend to collecting each other’s mail or bringing the rubbish bins in after collection.

It also fosters a sense of personal wellbeing and can extend your social circle and support network without having to go far at all.

Being the nearest contact, your neighbours can also provide assistance in times of emergency and assist with security for you, your family and your home.

While it used to be quite common to knock on your neighbour’s door to introduce yourself when you moved into a new home, this practice seems to have diminished over the years.

Having a chat over the fence or on the street can be a great way to break the ice and get to know each other, but a street party is an even better setting to form friendships with other residents.

The City of Karratha’s new initiative, Meet the Street, makes hosting a street party easier and less costly than ever.

A Safer Communities Partnership initiative with local police, Rio Tinto and Woodside, the aim of Meet the Street is to encourage residents to get together to enhance social cohesion, build neighbourhood relationships and foster community safety.

After registering, hosts will receive a kit containing invitations and helpful tips about getting your street together and they will be able to borrow some fun games including giant Jenga, giant noughts and crosses, and cricket.

The City offers up to $100 reimbursement for party- related purchases, such as food and drinks, excluding alcohol, to all Meet the Street party hosts.

Since Meet the Street was launched in early June, hundreds of people have attended seven events in Nickol, Baynton and Wickham, with an additional eight registrations received to host street parties in Wickham, Nickol and Baynton in July and August.

The City has received positive feedback from Meet the Street party hosts.

Hosts have said the initiative provides an opportunity for residents to meet face-to-face for the first time and has prompted arrangements to host regular street parties.

Visit karratha.wa.gov.au/MeetTheStreet.

Peter Long is the City of Karratha Mayor.

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