Organised by Neighbourhood Watch for the Pyrenees and City of Ballarat Police service area, the program at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts included the presentation of Ballarat’s Best Neighbour.

The award was won by Joan Shannon, who was described by the resident who nominated her as the “guardian angel” of Golden Point.

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Senior Constable Janine Walker said the day was a celebration of the efforts of the community, police and business partners who work to create a safer community.

“National Neighbour Day began to encourage people to get to know who their neighbours are,” Senior Constable Walker said.

The highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of Mrs Shannon as Ballarat’s Best Neighbour. Mrs Shannon, who has lived in Barkly Street for most of her life, won the award from a field of 12 after being nominated by her neighbour, Rhonda Norman.

Ms Norman said although Mrs Shannon was in her 80s, she still looked out for an elderly neighbour while nursing her husband, who turns 90 this year.

“As I work, Joan will also take my washing off the line and put it under the carport when it starts raining – she is like a fairy godmother,” Ms Norman said.

Mrs Shannon also established a garden at Mt Pleasant reserve for everyone in the neighbourhood to enjoy.

“What I do I do for love of people,” Mrs Shannon said.