This weekend, the SES is encouraging people to make contact with the people who live around them as part of Neighbour Day on Sunday, with volunteers joining in the initiative themselves.

"There's research that shows those who have strong relationships with neighbours are more likely to help one another and get a better outcome in an emergency," Victoria SES's Jamie Devenish said.

Read more from the Bendigo Weekly here.

While the current health crisis means close physical interactions cannot happen, the SES encourages people to drop a note in their neighbours' letterboxes with a friendly message or an offer to help out if needed.

Mr Devenish said people could also simply say hello to one another over the fence, or send a text message to ask how their neighbours were going.

While good neighbourly relationships were encouraged year-round, Mr Devenish said Neighbour Day offered the perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Relationships Australia, the organisation behind the initiative, said good relaitonships with others could "transform communities".

"Social connection also makes us feel better as it helps prevent loneliness, isolation and depression," the organisation said.

For ideas on how you can get to know your neighbours, visit the Neighbour Day website.