Les and Pippa Newby, Delphie Dib-Milston with son Jasper Hicks, Aaron Damiani with Delphie’s son Charlie Hicks and Irene Magno in front of Pippa’s mural. d402209
Camera IconLes and Pippa Newby, Delphie Dib-Milston with son Jasper Hicks, Aaron Damiani with Delphie’s son Charlie Hicks and Irene Magno in front of Pippa’s mural. d402209 Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Neighbours living in suburban harmony

Staff ReporterEastern Reporter

The residents, comprising young couples, kids, seniors and even a prominent local chef share lemons, figs, flowers, baked goods and happily help with each other’s home repairs and dog duties.

Ms Newby is at the heart of the hub residing at her Vincent Street address with husband Les for 40 years.

‘The lane (where she plants cacti and nasturtiums) at the back of our homes is what brings us together. It is where we socialise, mainly because no one can access or park on the busy streets we live on,’ she said.

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‘My family has owned our house for 100 years ” since it was built ” and we’ve never had such wonderful neighbours in that whole time as we do now. We often socialise together, sharing 60th, 30th and 1st birthday parties, and even some Christmases.’

The latest buzz in the ‘burb is Ms Newby’s 16-metre-long, ocean-inspired mural in her back yard.

‘I created it after our neighbours Sonja and Aaron built a three-metre high gym and later a two-metre tall rendered side wall,’ she said.

Delphie Dib-Milston lives on the other side.

‘Our house had a big fort-like double garage and wall at the back so we couldn’t see people in the lane.

‘We ended up taking that down and then in the storm of March 2010, the whole fence blew over and we rebuilt the outdoor area,’ she said.