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"Relationships and networks are at the core of society and are essential to individual well-being. People are linked together with family and friends, and in wider communities characterised by shared interests, sympathies or living circumstances. Individuals may also form looser networks with people encountered through various activities and life situations. A person's networks may be concentrated in a local area, or more dispersed and sustained by travel and communications systems. There is a growing exploration of the ways in which social attachment may contribute to positive outcomes for individuals in areas such as health and employment, and for communities in broader opportunities for participation and in safer environments." (footnote 1)

The 'Social Interaction of Queenslanders' web pages explore a range of data about Queenslanders from the General Social Survey and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey, both conducted in 2002. Topics discussed include Support Outside the Home, Barriers to Social Interaction, Influences on Social Interaction and Social Interaction of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Queensland.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Most (95%) Queensland adults (aged 18 years and over) reported having contact in the previous week with family or friends they did not live with.
• In 2002, one-third (37%) of Queensland adults had undertaken voluntary work in the previous twelve months. The age groups with the highest representation were those aged 35 to 44 years (44%) and persons aged 45 to 54 years (42%).
• The most popular social activity for all Queensland adults (aged 18 years and over) was to visit a cafe, restaurant or bar (82%), followed by attending a movie, theatre or concert (60%).
• Persons aged 65 years or over had the highest proportion (53%) of any age group that indicated having no personal stressors in the previous 12 months.
• In 2002, most Queenslanders aged 18 years or over (87%) felt that they could easily get to places where they needed to go. The proportion of young adults (18 to 24 years) and older persons (65 years or over) were below that for all Queensland adults, with 78% and 84% respectively.
• In 2002, 11% of Queenslanders experienced physical or threatened violence and, 13% actual or attempted break-ins. Young adults (aged 18 to 24 years) were the group most at risk with 19% experiencing physical or threatened violence and 23% actual or attempted break-ins.