As we approach Neighbour Day this Sunday (March 30th), I find myself reflecting on the state of social connection in Australia. The numbers from our recent Relationship Indicators research tell a sobering story, but also point to a path forward that gives me genuine hope.
Let me share what we’ve discovered in our Relationship Indicators study. In 2024, over 5.1 million people across Australia—that’s 24% of us—report often feeling very lonely. This represents a concerning increase from 20% just two years ago. When I dig deeper into these numbers, certain groups stand out: 33% of young adults aged 25-34, 35% of single parents with older children, and a staggering 49% of those living with long-term mental health conditions.
These aren’t just statistics to me. They represent real people in our communities who are suffering in silence. As someone who has devoted my career to strengthening relationships, I find it particularly troubling that social loneliness—the feeling of lacking a wider social network—has increased to 37% of the population.
But here’s where my hope comes in.
Relationships Australia’s Neighbours Every Day campaign isn’t just a feel-good initiative—it’s a proven intervention that creates lasting change. When people engage with the campaign, 85% report knowing their neighbours better afterward. And these aren’t fleeting connections—99% of these newly formed relationships endure over time. Most heartening to me is that 63% of participants see improvements in their mental health.
This confirms what I’ve always believed: that social connection is fundamental to our wellbeing. Our research shows that people who aren’t socially lonely are more likely to ask friends for support (39.7% versus 32.2% of socially lonely people), experience greater subjective wellbeing, and report higher relationship satisfaction.
The beauty of Neighbour Day is its simplicity. You don’t need special skills or resources to participate—just a willingness to reach out. Whether it’s hosting a street gathering, sharing a cuppa with the elderly couple next door, or simply introducing yourself to someone new on your street, these small actions create ripples of connection that extend far beyond a single day.
As Costa Georgiadis, our wonderful NED Ambassador, puts it: “When you reach out to others, you get back much more than you give. Sharing belonging is a real investment in everyone.”
I truly believe we can turn the tide on loneliness in Australia. The rising statistics are concerning, yes, but they also represent an opportunity for meaningful change. Every connection we foster this Neighbour Day contributes to more resilient communities that can weather challenges together.
This Sunday, I encourage you to take that first step. Visit our website for tips and ideas, download our free resources, or simply knock on a neighbour’s door. Together, we can create communities where everyone feels they belong—not just on Neighbour Day, but every day.
I’d love to hear how you plan to celebrate Neighbour Day this year. Share your stories and ideas on social media, and use the hashtags:
#NeighboursEveryDay #CreateBelonging #ShareBelonging #GrowBelonging #NeighbourDay2025
Nick Tebbey is the National Executive Officer of Relationships Australia, the home of the Neighbours Every Day campaign.