From amidst the overwhelming tragedy of the people who lost their lives in the bushfires, came evidence and stories of neighbours who valiantly fought danger. Some were successful but many were sadly, tragically, defeated by the force of nature.

As neighbours worked side-by-side to protect property and save lives, in safe zones and staging grounds, others set up facilities to help.

Representing a host of agencies from Australian Red Cross to the SES and the CWA these trained women and men provided vital support to the evacuees and victims as well as to the police, the ambos and the heroic volunteer firefighters. These are everyday people who are our neighbours. That’s why the message for Neighbour Day on Sunday March 29 is Celebrate Your

Community.

It’s the day to say thanks for collecting the mail, feeding the cat, taking the kids to school and for being there when I needed you most.

Thankfully disasters don’t happen every day but luckily neighbours are always willing to help when they do. For more information visit www.neighbourday.org

A Heslop

Sydney