We are in a situation where the neighbourhood in which we live has changed dramatically from 1987, when we first moved into our house, to 2024.

When we moved, the neighbourhood was primarily occupied by somewhat different people. Housing policies and Darwin were other factors that differed in how they operate today.

A fair bit of my response on this topic is based on observations of general awareness and more direct experience.

So, I would be a good neighbour if the following observations about my conduct were made.

• No throwing gifted plants back over the fence with a string of expletives at 3 a.m.

• There are no overlooking annual treatments for cockroaches and other insect controls to prevent the spread around the neighbourhood.

• Making sure I don’t have rubbish strewn in the yard because of its detracting neighbourhood look and propensity to blow into neighbouring yards.

• Ensuring that my recycling bin is not filled with general refuse, meaning it cannot be collected and sits increasingly stinky.

• Making sure the influence of alcohol or social drugs does not impact my behaviour and demeanour toward my neighbours.

• Guaranteeing never to go out into my yard in the early hours of the morning, calling out my neighbours for running around in the nude, being a paedophile and a generally unsavoury character – all with the loudest of voices and with the utterances going on for two or three hours.

These commitments will do for now.