The selfie-generation may not be as selfish and self-centered as first thought, according to new research.
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An NRMA Insurance Help study has shown that 80 per cent of those aged 18-34 are more likely to help others and 43 per cent of those in that age bracket volunteer with a community organisation.
The research also revealed residents in the state’s central and far west are among the most community minded in NSW, with over three-quarters of residents saying they give up their own time to help others in the community.
The results showed the central west was the fourth highest region in the state with 78 per cent of people volunteering. It sat behind the Riverina, Far Southern NSW and Sydney’s Northern Suburbs.
Young people said they were more likely to give back because it made them ‘feel good’ and because they wanted to make a difference. The number of young people registering these responses was higher than the average.
Young people were also more likely to volunteer though sporting clubs or environmental groups.
“While Millennials are often perceived as fickle or entitled, the relality is quite different. Young people are well connected, open-minded and have the energy and optimism needed to make a difference,” Execuitve general manager shared value Ramana James said.
“Help is who we are as Australians. We give people a hand up when they need it and we roll up our sleeves when things get tough. It’s reassuring to see that this spirit of ‘help’ is alive and well among those who are the future of Australia.”
The research also showed that people in the central west and far west of NSW thought the main challenges facing the region were unemployment and lack of jobs and drug and alcohol which tied equal first.
The regions aging population and a lack of affordable housing were also nominated as challenges for the region.
Lynn Rayner
I am the editor of the Daily Liberal, Mailbox Shopper, Western Magazine and associated western publications (Wellington Times and Narromine News which are both online only publications). I have been the editor for three years. I have been a journalist for 15 years and was formally the digital specialist for the Western NSW area assisting with digital coverage and growth across 13 mastheads, including the three dailies. Before that I worked as a journalist in Lithgow and Mudgee covering a number of different rounds. I established the social media accounts in Lithgow and took an interest in the digital aspects of the paper. I started my journalism career at the former Myall Coast Nota based as the journalist-in-charge at Tea Gardens while also working part time in Forster as the council reporter for the Great Lakes Advocate.
I am the editor of the Daily Liberal, Mailbox Shopper, Western Magazine and associated western publications (Wellington Times and Narromine News which are both online only publications). I have been the editor for three years. I have been a journalist for 15 years and was formally the digital specialist for the Western NSW area assisting with digital coverage and growth across 13 mastheads, including the three dailies. Before that I worked as a journalist in Lithgow and Mudgee covering a number of different rounds. I established the social media accounts in Lithgow and took an interest in the digital aspects of the paper. I started my journalism career at the former Myall Coast Nota based as the journalist-in-charge at Tea Gardens while also working part time in Forster as the council reporter for the Great Lakes Advocate.
