Don’t fight, get help.
If the neighbour’s loud music won’t let you sleep, resist the urge to swear at them or throw something at their windows.
Instead, take the advice of Oatley MP Mark Coure and take your dispute to the NSW government’s free mediation service — Community Justice Centres (CJCs).
Mr Coure said the service was ready to take the heat out of neighbourhood conflict in the St George area.
‘‘Poor relations with your neighbours can be stressful and in most cases mediation is a better option than expensive legal action or trading insults over the fence,’’ Mr Coure said.
‘‘While many neighbours enjoy spending time together over the holiday period, others find themselves at their wits’ end as they endure raucous parties, noisy air conditioners, pool pumps and children.’’
Mr Coure said CJC’s mediations provided a safe and neutral environment for people in dispute to put forward their point of view and listen to the concerns of others.
‘‘The professional mediators don’t make judgments but work equally with all parties and achieve an agreement in almost 80 per cent of cases,’’ he said.
The CJCs will arrange a session at a location convenient for all involved.
The top 10 neighbourhood mediation topics are trees, fences, animals, privacy, children, access, retaining walls, common facilities, trespass, plumbing
The service also helps resolve conflict between family members, work colleagues and groups.
For more information, visit: www.cjc.justice.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 990 777.
