More community connection needed
03/11/2009
Many people in Perth are eating, shopping and exercising locally, but don't necessarily feel a part of their local community according to new SGIO research*.
The SGIO survey of more than 800 people in the metro area found that the vast majority use local shops, cafes and restaurants regularly and make good use of our local parks.
However, half of people (54 per cent) surveyed said that they don’t feel in touch with their local neighbourhood and three quarters don’t play an active role in their community.
SGIO spokesperson Rob Cory said that communities could benefit when people became actively involved with the life and activities within their local neighbourhood.
“We’re shopping locally and using local parks, but we’re not necessarily mixing with others through local activities, which can help us connect with our communities,” he said.
“Three quarters of people (78 per cent) said they don’t play any active role in their community, which may explain why so many people don’t feel part of their neighbourhood.”
“A sense of belonging and connection with our communities can deliver a range of longterm sustainable benefits including less crime, safer roads and lower carbon emissions.”
The SGIO survey asked a cross-section of people from across the metro area a range of questions about the level of engagement they experienced within their local community.
The survey forms part of ongoing research by SGIO into trends and issues that impact on people’s homes and local communities across the Perth metro area and regional WA.
SGIO research: how we’re connecting with our local community:
- 94 per cent of people use local shops and businesses regularly;
- 79 per cent of people use local cafes or restaurants;
- 74 per cent of people use local parks or nature areas;
- 54 per cent of people use their local library.
- 14 per cent of people use their community or civic centre;
- 20 per cent of people visit their local church or faith-based centre;
- 22 per cent of people are involved in a local sports club;
- 26 per cent of people use their local community swimming pool.