Neighbour Day founder Andrew Heslop said the importance of community was never more relevant than over the festive season.

He said Ballarat families should consider their single, elderly or vulnerable neighbours who live alone to help break down the barriers of loneliness and isolation many people experience at this time of year.

“While the weeks ahead promise celebration, relaxation and great food... there will be neighbours who will not receive any gifts, visitors or the simple enjoyment of a delicious meal,” he said. 

Over the last week, Ballarat has displayed its community spirit following the robbery of an elderly woman by teenage thugs who stole her entire pension payment.

The Courier has received numerous offers from people within Ballarat to donate money to the victim and detectives at the Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit have also received offers to donate money.

The woman, 78, was driving her scooter along a bridge over the Yarrowee River near Leith Street when she was robbed just before 1pm last Thursday.

Anyone with information on the robbery can call Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit on 5336 6080.