Australian generosity despite cost-of-living pressures

People in Australia have continued to be charitable in the face of cost-of-living pressures according to data released today by Australian Red Cross.

From May 2022 to December 2023, a total of 69,000 people donated an average of $400 each to the humanitarian organisation.

While people have remained generous, the impact of consecutive interest rate rises and cost-of-living pressures on household and personal finances has taken its toll based on a 21 per cent reduction in donations when compared to the period May 2021 – December 2022.

Australian Red Cross interim Chief Executive Officer Penny Harrison says the ongoing generosity of donors across the Australian community is critical to ensure Australian Red Cross can provide vital support to people who need it.

“We know there is increasing pressure on household budgets and yet people are still giving what they can to Australian Red Cross. With more people needing our support each year, every dollar counts,” said Ms Harrison.

Despite increased living costs data shows:

• Low-income earners donated a total of $6.2m and a higher proportion of their income (0.14%) than high and middle-income earners (0.13% respectively).
• Women continue to display higher levels of generosity year on year making up 56 per cent of all donors.
• Men tend to donate higher volumes on average gifting $672, while women donate an average of $525.

When it comes to States and Territories:

• Western Australia ranks highest in average donation at $1,111.
• Victoria came in second at $653.
• In third is New South Wales at $648.
• Followed by South Australia ($490) Tasmania ($470), Australian Capital Territory ($464), Queensland ($441) and Northern Territory ($333).

“In the lead up to tax time we’re hoping people will consider donating to Australian Red Cross to ensure we can continue to be there for those in need,” said Ms Harrison.

“That could be emotional support for people taking shelter in evacuation centres, daily phone calls to older and isolated members of our community to help them feel safe and connected or helping communities through disaster preparedness.”

In the past year, across the country whether regional, rural, remote or in cities, Australian Red Cross supported 324,000 people during and after disasters, trained 53,000 people in first aid, supported almost 20,000 people to settle into Australia through migration programs and delivered over 200,000 hours of support to older or vulnerable members of the community.

“We can’t do this important work without the generosity of donations from the Australian community,” said Ms Harrison.

To make a tax-deductible donation, head to redcross.org.au by June 30.

To donate time as a volunteer in your local community go to redcross.org.au/volunteer.

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Media inquiries: For media enquiries contact: media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443.

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State and Territory Generosity Statistics

New South Wales

21,900 New South Wales residents donated an average of $648 each making it the most generous state based on dollars raised. Sydneysiders in the CBD and city-fringe locations, which include a mixture of residents and businesses, contributed most donations, gifting on average $58 per person on a per capita basis.

Victoria

20,500 Victorian residents generously donated an average of $653 each. In Melbourne, residents from Camberwell and Hartwell contributed most donations, gifting on average $43 per person on a per capita basis.

Western Australia

7,200 West Australian residents generously donated an average of $1,111 each, a figure which was 40 per cent higher than the next most generous state - New South Wales. In Perth, residents from Karrinyup, Innaloo, Doubleview, Perth, Churchlands, Gwelup and Woodlands contributed most donations.

Australian Capital Territory

2,800 Australian Capital Territory residents generously donated an average of $464 each. In Canberra, residents from Ainslie, Dickson, Downer, Hackett, Lyneham, O’connor and Watson contributed most donations on a per capita basis.

Queensland

9,300 Queensland residents donated an average of $441 each. In Brisbane, residents from Brookfield, Chapel Hill, Fig Tree Pocket, Kenmore, Pinjarra Hills and Pullenvale contributed most donations.

South Australia

4,900 South Australian residents donated an average of $490 each. In Adelaide, residents from Saint Peters, Stepney, Maylands, Evandale, College Park and Hackney contributed most donations, gifting on average $22.50 per person on a per capita basis.

Tasmania

1,700 Tasmanian residents donated an average of $470 each. Residents from the Midlands, including Campbell Town, contributed most donations, gifting on average $98 per person on a per capita basis.

National Giving Trends