Neighbours of Monash

In 2021 we invited you to share your stories of friendship to highlight the value of cultural diversity that exists in Monash and to share the connections that make us a stronger and more vibrant community.

A collection of 10 of these wonderful stories of friendship and neighbourliness have been collated into a booklet, Neighbours of Monash.

Neighbours of Monash booklet(PDF, 16MB)

The booklet feature 6 drawings from students from Grades 3, 5 and 6 at Albany Rise Primary School in Mulgrave. The children's artworks reflect on a friend from a different cultural background and describes what that friendship means to them. 

The stories show that friendships can come along when you least expect them but quite often right when you need them. Many of these stories highlight the welcoming nature of our Monash residents who are happy to lend a hand to their neighbour in any way they can.

The cross-cultural, gender and generational friendships in these stories are truly remarkable. From an elderly lady striking up a pen pal friendship with an 8-year-old girl during the time of COVID lockdown to a local gentleman teaching a group of Chinese women conversational English in his spare time.

These stories show the generous and amicable nature that make Monash the community it is.

Neighbours of Monash was produced as part of the 'Hello Neighbour' Project funded by the Victorian Government - Community Harmony Grants Program. Monash Council would like to thank the Victorian Government for their support.

More information

Cultural Diversity Community Development Officer
Kate Wijeyesinghe (she/her)
Phone: 9518 3241
Email: kate.wijeyesinghe@monash.vic.gov.au