Do people care about each other in Melbourne ?

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ElliesMum

Generally Australians enjoy helping others, but we are wary of being conned or scammed, or feeling used. As a mum who pushes a pram, everytime I get to stairs there is always without fail, an offer to help me get the pram up/down the stairs. If I take my baby (no pram) on a crowded tram, someone gives me a seat without me asking.
Someone will always help an elderly person, a lost tourist, etc.

We are however wary of people asking everyone for money, or looking like they are trying to sell us something on the street. And the more people are exposed to this, the more brusque they become.

Max A

Yes they do.

ll_jenny_ll here

I would say most people are.
It is second nature for me to reach out and help somebody if i can.
I went to the city yesterday and i know I helped at least three strangers.
One was a man who had dropped a lense out of his glasses and because I had noticed I picked it up and chased after him and gave it back .. It cost me nothing but a couple of minutes to do so .. so I just wonder why anybody wouldn't help him.
The second was a young mum who was boarding a tram with a child in a pusher.. so because i was close to the door i helped her lift the pusher on.
The third was an elderly lady who was going down the escalator and was trying to balance and hold on to her shopping trolly . so i asked her if i could hold the trolly for her..

I didn't do anything heroic , but just three tiny little things. I think everybody should help if they can .

YET .. I do have to say .. the last time i was in the city .. an elderly lady was asking me to help her with a train timetable .. and as I was trying to .. a scruffy young man also offered to help .. I was happy to have him help us but the elderly lady became quite rude towards him .. so some people TRY and help and get treated rudely

The_Mouse

I have noted that you posted other questions along this line of people helping each other. Are you experiencing some personal isolation?

Please don't assume that everyone in Australia is uncaring. People do care and help but it is hard to help when they don't know you need help. Don't expect people to read your mind.

May be the help that is needed is complex and people don't know how to help so they don't kow what to offer. You may need to talk to people who have the resources to help you. Local Community Centres and services is a good place to start. They have people who can point you to the right place for help.

Help can not come to you if they don't know you need help.

Fuzzy Wuzzy

It really depends on the situation.

If I saw you begging in the street, I'd give you my change, but if you asked me to drive you somewhere, then no, I'd not oblige.

I do care, but I will not compromise my safety or that of my own family. I think that this is a common theme, but then again, I'm probably speaking for myself...

Batako

G'day,

Helpful and caring... yes. Although how much is on the eye of the beholder. Some even bordering on the intrusion, but it's different story I suppose ;)

I certainly hope this helps.

Welcome to Australia and enjoy.

Suzieq

I like to think that I am caring, If someone looks lost I will ask if they need any assistance. I will offer my seat on the tram to an elderly or pregnant woman.

If it is anything to go by, the $11million raised in the Good Friday appeal for the childrens hospital would say that we are a very caring bunch

tenko

Do people care about each other in general around the world? Maybe - but its a very open question and one that some people might base purely on one or two (fortunate or unfortunate) experiences. I live and work in Melbourne city and most people are very considerate, however dont expect strangers to invite you into their home for a cup of tea randomly. Thats just odd. Its a relatively safe place and most people are great.

Â§illyneÂ§Â§

Most people are too absorbed in their own little world to care about anyone else.

If someone needs help on the street, it's more likely that people will choose to look the other way than to offer assistance.

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