Yesterday's sixth annual Neighbour Day was held across Australia to promote the benefits of popping next door for a cup of sugar.

The City of Greater Bendigo offered a chance for neighbourhoods to get to know each other at local neighbourhood houses.

At Kangaroo Flat Neighbourhood House the new Bendigo Neighbourhood Party Trailer was officially launched by mayor David Jones.

The trailer, complete with BBQ, trestle tables, chairs, benches, sunshade and outdoor games, can now be hired by community groups and neighbourhoods who want to hold small neighbourhood celebrations in their local parks and streets.

Jointly funded by the council and the Department of Planning and Community Development, the trailer is available for a minimal fee.

Neighbour Day was founded in Melbourne in March, 2003, by Andrew Heslop after the remains of an elderly woman were found inside her suburban Melbourne home.

Mrs Elsie Brown had been dead for two years before she was discovered, forgotten and alone.

The aims of Neighbour Day are to strengthen communities and build better relationships with the people who live around us.

It strives to create safer, healthier and more vibrant suburbs and towns, promote tolerance, respect and understanding, break down community barriers and protect the elderly, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.

The Street Surfer Bus, a mobile youth centre, was also relaunched at Kangaroo Flat Neighbourhood House after a 12-month recess.

Coordinator Amanda Lonergan said the bus, which operates every Friday evening for youth, provided a safe place for youth to interact socially in a supervised environment.

"It's a great way for parents to know where their kids are," she said.

The bus, which is entirely staffed by off-duty police officers and volunteers, travels to four different neighbourhood houses in Kangaroo Flat, Long Gully, Eaglehawk, Heathcote and Bendigo each month.

Fitted out with a karaoke machine, flat screen TV, and space for board games, the bus will operate from 5.30pm to 7.30pm every Friday from May 2, 2008.

Amanda is looking for volunteers and people to drive the Street Surfer, and any sponsors interested in assisting with the running costs.

For further inquiries, contact Amanda Lonergan on 03 5443 2556.