102
6.12.1. Volunteering
At the 2011 Census, nearly 15% of the population aged over 15 in the Study Area reported to having
done volunteer work for an organisation or group in the 12 months prior to Census night. This was
slightly below the Greater Adelaide volunteering rate of close to 18%. Within the region, West Torrens is
home to the highest concentration of volunteers at 16% and Port Adelaide Enfield the lowest at 13%.
Figure 6.38: Rates of Volunteering,2011
12
Data Source: ABS 2011 Basis Community Profile for the Cities of Port Adelaide Enfield, Charles Sturt, West Torrens and Greater Adelaide
1
Volunteering is defined as doing unpaid work for an organisation or group in the twelve months before census night.
2
Defined using the State Government Western Adelaide Region boundary (i.e. the population of Port Adelaide Enfield (west), Charles Sturt and West
Torrens)
6.12.2. Community Participation
The former South Australian Department for Families and Communities undertook a comprehensive
survey to try to better understand community participation (beyond the tightly defined Census question
about volunteering) as well as community connections and social capital.
At the 2006 Survey, data for the entire Western region is unavailable since percentage responses are
provided for each Council. Council by Council responses are provided below.
When asked about whether it is possible to get help from families, friends of neighbours when needed,
the overwhelming majority responded yes. Charles Sturt reported a particularly high proportion of yes
responses at 94.5%.
In terms of volunteering regularly (which was defined much more broadly than the ABS Census question),
response rates in all three Western Adelaide Councils were below the State-wide response of 35.7%.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Port Adelaide Enfield
Charles Sturt
West Torrens
Western Adelaide
Greater Adelaide
Percentage of population
aged over 15
