At AnglicareSA’s Grandview Heights retirement living village, the sound of laughter often drifts from the houses of Alistair and John, next-door neighbours and great mates.

John was one of the first to welcome Alistair and his wife Yvonne when they moved in two and a half years ago.

“John introduced himself about a month after we settled in,” Alistair said.

“Must have been one of my good moments,” John said with a chuckle.

Since becoming neighbours, the two have formed a close bond built on a shared sense of humour.

“They stir each other up,” Yvonne said.

“We have the same sense of humour, there’s no doubt about that,” Alistair said.

Behind the playful teasing and jokes, there is a sincerity to John and Alistair’s friendship that extends beyond casual conversation.

“If I haven’t seen him for a few days, I will check on him,” Alistair said.

“It’s nice to have somebody so close you can care so much about.”

John said the feeling was mutual.

“I have told Alistair and Yvonne to ring me any time of the day or night if they need me, and I will be there.”

 

 

The pair said connecting with your neighbour doesn’t need to involve grandiose street parties or happy hour–it could be just simple acts of kindness, like running errands, bringing in bins, and helping with daily needs.

“We just chat at every opportunity we can get,” Alistair said. 

“We do things for each other, like take each other to doctor appointments, bring in each other’s bins–just things you think of in the spur of the moment.”

“Good neighbours are just there for each other,” John said.

As Neighbour Day 2025 approaches, their message is clear–behind every good neighbour is a great friendship.

“I think to have good friendships like what we have, you have to care for other people,” Alistair said.

“If I get to 95 years old and I’m like John, I am going to be a very happy man. He’s a pretty amazing gentleman.”

“Just be there for each other,” John said.

“If you’re not fair dinkum, you’re a counterfeit.”

For more information about AnglicareSA’s Grandview Heights retirement living village, please click here.