When we talk about social connection, it’s easy to picture neighbours chatting over the fence or waving from their driveways. But at Neighbours Every Day, we know that building a more connected Australia takes more than individual acts — it needs a community-wide approach, where workplaces, councils, and local groups are all part of the conversation.
That’s where Very Neighbourly Organisations, or VNOs, come in.
What is a Very Neighbourly Organisation?
A VNO is any organisation — big or small — that actively supports the values at the heart of the Neighbours Every Day campaign: social connection, kindness, inclusion and respectful relationships. These organisations come from all sectors — local councils, national charities, neighbourhood houses, and even private businesses — and they all share a simple but powerful belief: that everyone has a role to play in creating a sense of belonging.
Being a VNO is free and voluntary. It’s not a corporate partnership, but a values-based acknowledgement of shared purpose. We don’t ask for funding or lengthy paperwork. Instead, we look for a genuine commitment to social connection — whether that’s through inclusive community programs, positive workplace culture, or just making space for everyday moments that matter.
Why VNOs Matter
Neighbours Every Day is a national social connection campaign led by Relationships Australia. While the campaign is best known for its annual celebration of Neighbour Day, we work year-round to promote everyday actions that reduce loneliness and build stronger, more respectful communities.
Very Neighbourly Organisations help us bring that vision to life. They’re the local libraries running community storytimes, the councils hosting street parties, the organisations embedding inclusion into how they work — all showing that connection isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s a cornerstone of community wellbeing.
How It Works
Joining as a VNO is simple. Organisations express interest online and share a short statement about how they currently support (or plan to support) connection and belonging. From there, we have a friendly chat and swap stories – to make sure there’s a good fit. Once confirmed, VNOs receive:
- A digital badge and optional comms toolkit
- Access to campaign updates and shared resources
- Listing on our Very Neighbourly Organisations webpage
- Invitations to quarterly online catch-ups with other VNOs
It’s a light-touch but meaningful way to recognise and amplify the work so many organisations are already doing — and to connect those efforts to a bigger national movement.
It All Adds Up
Neighbours Every Day is about taking the lead, building trust across sectors, and empowering everyday actions that create lasting social change. Very Neighbourly Organisations are a key part of this, helping us move beyond awareness to real-world impact — one conversation, one connection, one moment at a time.
Want to learn more or become a VNO yourself? Visit neighbourseveryday.org to find out how.