Berwick resident Annie Jellyman-Turner and her neighbour Nichole Hayes will celebrate Neighbour Day this weekend. 44653Picture: Kim Cartmell
By Kelly Yates
ANNIE Jellyman-Turner makes her street feel like a community.
Lending a helping hand to her neighbours is simply part of the Berwick mother’s nature.
Ms Jellyman-Turner is often seen mowing her neighbours’ lawns, cleaning swimming pools and decorating their houses with Christmas lights.
She will be recognised for her community spirit with a high tea at Parliament House hosted by Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley to mark Neighbour Day, Sunday 28 March.
Neighbour Day is an annual celebration of bringing people together and was founded in 2003 following the discovery of remains of an elderly woman in a suburban house who had been deceased for two years.
Since then, Neighbour Day has helped build and develop friendships between neighbours across Australia.
“The message of Neighbour Day is to strengthen communities and protect the elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged,” Ms Graley said.
“Whether it’s with a barbie, a cuppa or a chat, Neighbour Day is a great way of bringing the local community together.”
Ms Jellyman-Turner’s neighbour, Nichole Hayes, describes her as a kind-hearted person who helps everyone on the street.
“When I was sick, she helped me around the house and looked after my children,” Ms Hayes said.
Ms Jellyman-Turner and her husband, who moved from New Zealand to Australia in 2005, says she was raised by her parents to always know her neighbours.
Ms Graley is celebrating Neighbour Day by giving out an award to a Casey resident.
For details, email judith.graley@parliament.vic.gov.au
