Young West Australians living in rural/regional areas are more concerned about getting a job than those living in Perth, according to the results of a survey carried out by community service organisation, Mission Australia.

Getting a job was important for 21.2% of those living in rural/regional WA, compared to 12.1% of those from Perth and metro areas. The results are contained in a new publication of rural and regional responses based on Mission Australia’s 2005 National Youth Survey.

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey, which is conducted online, through schools and colleges – and with the assistance of community organisations, government agencies and corporate partners – is one of the largest studies of young Australians.

More than 11,000 young people aged between 11-24 years (with the majority of respondents between 11-19) participated in the 2005 survey, which aims to identify and clarify key and emerging issues for Australian youth.

47% of respondents were from outside the capital cities. In WA, around 1,700 young people participated. Other results which reveal the differences between rural and metro-based West Australians include:

• Depression was more of an issue for young people living in Perth, than for the rest of the state (38.2% compared with 27.9%).
• Friendships/relationships were ranked highly by 76.8% of respondents from Perth and 68% of those from the rest of WA.
• Respondents living in rural/regional WA had slightly higher rates of involvement in sports (67.5% compared to 61.7% of those in Perth).
• Those based in Perth and metro areas were more involved in arts/cultural activities and volunteering (49% and 22.5% respectively) than those in rural/regional areas (40% and 18.3%).

Mission Australia’s WA State Manager, Angie Paskevicius, said the differences identified in the survey showed young West Australians were confronting issues in different ways.

“Firstly, we need to stress that our survey showed that there are many similarities between what young West Australians in rural/regional areas, and those in metro areas, are thinking and feeling and in what they value,” said Ms Paskevicius.

“Regardless of where young people live, family relationships and friendships are what they value most. They’re also involved in their communities; through sport, youth groups, arts and cultural activities and volunteering."

"These are very positive messages for the wider community, as young people are often presented as being interested only in themselves or financial success."

“However, the differences between the two groups emphasises for us, once again, that young people in WA are not a homogenous group."

“It also shows us that when tailoring programs to meet some of the problems facing young people – unemployment, drug and alcohol issues, suicide and depression – one size definitely does not fit all."

“Whatever the differences between WA’s youth, we need to continue making sure that our young people – and their parents and families – have the information they need to deal with the issues confronting them,” Ms Paskevicius said.

Mission Australia’s youth initiatives target young people who are most at risk of family breakdown, homelessness, unemployment, alcohol and other drug misuse, or becoming generally disconnected from their family, friends and the community.

These community and employment services are offered throughout WA and help educate young people develop their potential through programs involving music, art and other creative and enterprising activities.

For more information on the services Mission Australia offers in WA, please visit www.missionaustralia.com.au or call (08) 9225 0400.

Media enquiries: Michelle Kosonen, PPR, (08) 9388 0944 or 0424 070 003; Alana Ortiz, PPR, (08) 9388 0944 or 0430 038 338