Social Capital and Health in a Rural Town

Funded by a Healthway starter grant, CURCH undertook a representative survey of residents in an isolated rural Western Australian town. The survey measured levels of social, community and civic participation, trust of sub-groups within the community and of government and private services, and experience of racial tension.

We learned that irrespective of gender and race, most residents stated that they enjoyed living in the town, felt that they could draw on the advice and support of their friends, with whom they met regularly, and would participate in activities of benefiting the community. Most residents attended community activities of some sort; the most popular being those suited to families. Participation in civic affairs was also high.

Yet within this cohesive community, residents also reported conflicts, stresses and loss of privacy that detracted from living in the town. Although the overall health of the community was similar to the national population, some subgroups and particularly Aboriginal people had much poorer physical and mental health. Further analysis is in progress.

The survey was repeated in 2005 in a broad acre farming region in partnership with Prof Donna Mak of Notre Dame University.

Download the preliminary findings report HERE. For more information about the projects, contact Dr Marisa Gilles.