New Neighbourhood Social Network - NABO

A major new neighbourhood social network, supported by Westpac, could be the answer for the majority of Australians to help them connect with their neighbours and community initiatives.

Launched nationally in December 2014, Nabo (nabo.com.au) is a free social media network that enables individuals and community organisations to instantly and directly connect online with others in their suburb.

The launch followed research conducted by Nabo – a survey of an independent panel of 1,000 Australians[1] – that revealed more than 50 per cent of Australians are not connected with their neighbours beyond a chat over the fence, more than 80 per cent know of no community initiatives that could connect them with others in their suburb, and more than 50 per cent believe no adequate initiatives exist.

Less than 30 per cent are connected with their neighbours by phone number or email.

The research also revealed that those who spend more time on social media platforms spend less time with their neighbours, and find it more challenging to reach out to them.

Nabo CEO and Founder, Adam Rigby said that up until now, it has been clear that community initiatives and social media platforms have not succeeded in connecting people with their neighbourhoods and that less than 8 per cent of survey respondents are connected with their neighbours on Facebook, for instance.

“Nabo is the answer. Nabo is not just another online community but a community online that corresponds to the suburb you live in. Nabo’s benefits are enormous in terms of building better and healthier communities, reducing crime and connecting people who may feel socially isolated,” Rigby said.

To celebrate its launch, Nabo this month kick started its national community grants program.

Starting in Queensland, the program is looking to provide funding of up to $10,000 nationally to community projects or programs that build safer, stronger and more connected communities.

This could be anything from health education classes for locals, flood response projects or support programs for the elderly or disabled.

“It is Nabo’s aim to connect more people and organisations in their local communities,” Rigby said.

“Local projects and groups are a major part of this interaction. By launching a community grants program, we hope to encourage more local groups to thrive,” Rigby said.

[1] An online survey of an independent panel of 1000 Australians, with nationally representative quotas for age, gender and location, conducted by Pure Profile.