But Wodonga Council believes these “humble” citizens deserve acknowledgement.

“These people are the ones that may go unnoticed in communities and quite often shy away from recognition,” Cr Eric Kerr said.

“But they need to be recognised for being such wonderful contributors to the city and our community.”

Cr Kerr is encouraging anyone with a loyal neighbour to nominate them for the council’s Good Neighbour award, which aimed to reconnect neighbourly relationships lost in time.

“In days of old everyone on the street would know everyone and they would all catch up at the end of the day and share a story and a tale,” he said.

“It’s nice to promote good spirit in your neighbourhood because you never know when someone could come in handy.

“It’s not a benefit knowing your neighbour, it’s a privilege.”

Wodonga’s Elizabeth Wilson was one of three who won the award last year and believes it to be a great incentive.

“With people working a lot more and busier lifestyles people don’t know each other like they used to,” she said.

“I think a good neighbour is someone who is friendly and gives you a wave, which is a lot like the street I live in.”

Mrs Wilson said her street, Dunluce Place, had a strong sense of community, which was a world away from what she experienced when living in Sydney.

Nominations can be made at the Hovell Street council offices or wodonga.vic.gov.au/goodneighbour by February 28.