General News
19 June, 2026
Youth volunteering explored as LEOs advance
Updated data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has given insight into the broader scope of young people choosing to volunteer and interact socially.
Data from the ABS’s most recent round of the General Society Survey detailed changing rates of community participation and perception of life from thousands of Australians.
Figures for those aged between 15 and 24 showed 14.1 percent of females had undertaken unpaid voluntary work in the past 12 months, and 44.8 percent stating they had been involved in social groups.
In that age group, just over 28 percent rated their overall life satisfaction as ‘very high’.
Some 15.7 percent of males said they had undertaken voluntary work and just over 51 percent of respondents had been part of social groups. From that demographic, 30 percent rated their overall life satisfaction as ‘very high’.
Carisbrook Lions and local LEOs advisor Jefferson Hoober said participation in volunteering is often dependent on connections to those already involved.
“Unless you have got a family connection, someone asks you to come along, or you get invited, sometimes they just don’t get involved,” he said.
“But not every kid plays sport, some are just sitting at home looking for a reason to catch up with their mates and do something fun and exciting.”
The data also detailed changing rates of community participation and life satisfaction of Australians aged 15 and over.
In 2025, 22.6 percent of all participants said they had volunteered in the past 12 months, less than 29.5 percent in 2019.
Just over 45 percent had been part of social groups, six percent less than 2019.
“I think COVID knocked a lot of people around, maybe a few people are more disengaged and they need more motivation to get out there,” Mr Hoober said.
“I think if everyone gave a bit of their time to volunteer, the world would be a better place. I think people need to be encouraged to get out and help in some way,” Mr Hoober said.
The LEOs club has been working toward international recognition since March, with their upcoming charter night being their formal initiation.
“We finally sent off an application to Lions international to officially register the club. The night is when it is made official,” Mr Hoober said.
“In our club, you come up with what you want to do, if it’s a trip to Melbourne, a fundraiser ... this is the start of these kids becoming famous. It becomes easier for them to go out there and get a job and meet people, it puts them on the right path. It’s very exciting.
“Some of these kids are communicating better, getting out of the house more, enjoying the fresh air, and have more confidence in themselves.”
On their charter night, current LEO members will be recognised as founding members with delegated roles and positions.
“Too often you hear a lot of old people say ‘kids today, they are just bad these days’. I want to change that image,” Mr Hoober said.
Those who wish to know more about the night are advised to contact Mr Hoober on 0427 326 166.