High density living

Improving social connection among high density apartment residents

In Willoughby City, 43% of residents live in high density housing compared to 27% in the rest of Sydney. Our most recent Community Wellbeing Survey demonstrated that people who live in apartments are less likely to be actively engaged with their local community and more likely to experience loneliness or isolation. The impact of social isolation in our communities has been brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting our most vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Being connected to your neighbours and your neighbourhood is vital to community resilience and cohesion. As we continue to face unexpected challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather events, it’s important that we can support each other as a community in times of crisis.

Council is piloting an innovative new program, 'Hi Neighbours', to promote neighbour connections and reduce social isolation among high rise apartment residents. Residents will be invited to take part in engaging events and connect with their neighbours to create cohesive ‘vertical communities’.

Council will be working with residents to develop their own projects to engage their neighbours and foster a sense of community within their own apartment buildings.

For more information, contact Susan Chen, Community Projects Officer, Community Development 02 9777 7592.

This project is funded by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, and delivered in partnership with Lane Cove Council.

Hi Neighbours