You know the song: Everyone needs good neighbours. On 12 June 2024, Lane Cove Council awarded its annual Neighbour Day Awards. These awards recognise neighbours who make a difference in their street or Lane Cove Community.
Christian Tobar
Christian tirelessly works to create a great neighbourhood. He is always willing to help his neighbours and is the first to respond to any requests.
He has created an organic garden that is open to everybody in his 30-unit block where he lives. He spends several hours every day tending to and watering it and sharing the fruits and vegetables that he grows in the community garden. He has also started a composting system for his neighbours to share.
He regularly hosts get-togethers for his block and is always ready to clean and fix things or report any neighbourhood issues. He is a quiet and modest contributor to our wonderful and thriving community. The award is a thank you for creating a connected and sustainable community.
Balu Moothedath
Balu is a great community champion, volunteering in many areas of local life, from multicultural support programs to participating in Council committees and local environmental programs.
But at home, in his unit block, he really goes above and beyond to help all his neighbours, providing Council welcome kits and information to newcomers and fostering community engagement from day one.
He’s transformed his unit complex by organizing compost bins, encouraging kitchen waste recycling, and creating a beautiful communal area for everyone to enjoy. Each week, he manages their recycling bins, ensuring they are properly sorted, contributing to a healthier community and planet.
His willingness to help everone in the units makes him an invaluable neighbour and deserving of the Neighbour Day Award.
Marcus Sollner
Over many years, Marcus has dedicated himself to keeping the grassy area between Austin Crescent and Sera Street litter-free. He regularly picks up twigs and branches and mows the grass between council visits.
Together with his wife, Robyn Brown, Marcus visits their elderly next-door neighbour daily, providing much-needed support and companionship.
Marcus also generously provides his BBQ and cooks for the annual Morrice St/Austin Crescent Street Party, which brings all the locals together. He and his wife are both active and social participants in the community and are great, friendly neighbours with everyone along the street.
How Do I Nominate a Neighbour for an Award?
Each year, the Lane Cove Council seeks nominations for the neighbourhood awards on its website. Nominations usually close around March. ITC also posts on our In the Cove Facebook site and in our Week in Review when nominations open, so keep an eye out for those posts.
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