Grey nomads a beacon of hope

© iStockphoto.com/Linda & Colin McKie

NEW research shows grey nomads are more than a source of revenue for Australian towns - they have the potential to keep struggling communities alive by becoming volunteer workers on their travels.

Researchers from the University of Western Sydney, the University of Technology Sydney and Volunteering Australia surveyed 314 so-called grey nomads about their interests, goals and motivations for visiting regional areas.

The study revealed the thousands of grey nomads who explore Australia every year in their motor-homes and caravans could be mobilised as a powerful volunteer workforce in isolated towns.

Associate Professor Rosemary Leonard, from the University of Western Sydney, said the travelling retirees spend an average of $386 a week on things like food, petrol, accommodation sites and vehicle repairs.

"If outback towns can attract the travelling retirees and persuade them to stay in the region for an extended period, the 'grey dollar' would be extremely beneficial for the local industries and the economy," she said.

"With some foresight and planning, local governments can tap into their interests, create suitable volunteer programs, and mobilise them as an enthusiastic and valuable volunteer workforce."

The research found 50 per cent of the grey nomads considered voluntary activities to be part of their future plans, 51 per cent had reasonable volunteering experience, and 77 per cent would be interested in volunteering if it presented opportunities to meet local people.

The research team helped six towns in outback Queensland, NSW and South Australia develop volunteer programs, and monitored them over three years.

In Barcaldine in central-west Queensland, 33 Grey Nomads joined 23 projects during the 2010 tourist season ranging from painting the jump rails for the local pony club to helping out in school canteens, and repairing furniture and facilities for the local hospitals, schools, churches and museums.

Douglas Stewart from Barcaldine Regional Council said the volunteer program had been instrumental in attracting travelling retirees to the region.

"A large number who volunteered in 2009 have returned in 2010 and have committed to returning again in 2011 if their health permits," he said.