By Candice Prosser. Topic: Community and Society. A Christmas street party in Cheltenham has become a yearly event in the neighbourhood. ABC News. In Australian suburbia, people can live for years without ever knowing their neighbours. But in some neighbourhoods, a party in the middle of the street can be all it takes to unearth the rare and precious gemstone of community connection. In Adelaide's inner-western suburb of Cheltenham, mother-of-three Bec Keller has created something of a Christmas tradition for her neighbours.
What started as casual drinks in her front yard almost a decade ago has now expanded into a street-wide event. Bec Keller started a street party to get to know her neighbours better. Ms Keller said once she realised the local council was offering free applications to residents for so-called "street meets" — where a suburban street is legally closed off to host neighbourhood events — she jumped on the chance to make it official.
Ms Keller said the event had brought her neighbours closer together, even if only for one day a year. Many local councils have their own version of the street meets program, and while the format and application processes vary, they have a common theme of encouraging local communities to reconnect. City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans said street-meet-type events were something she wanted to see more people get involved in.
Street parties build a sense of community and make neighbourhoods safer for children. Ms Keller said one of the keys to success was keeping the party fun and relaxed. Some people show up after work," she said.
Street meets are a great way to foster connection between neighbours. Angela Evans says street meets are a great way to get to know your neighbours. Supplied: City of Charles Sturt.
