The ABC of Indigenous travel

Generation X (born 1965-1977) has the money and wants to spend it. Many in this age bracket earn more that $50,000 a year and like to see themselves as big spenders. Not surprising, gen X shows a greater propensity for five-star luxury and shopping holidays. Gen Xers think that a change of scenery is an essential ingredient in their recipe for travel. The motto “work to live, not live to work” is a neat summary of the attitudes of this generation.

The only change in the scenery for many Indigenous generation Xers is whether they choose to drive around their community, as part of their two days per week CDEP work, to pick up rubbish and mow lawns or drive out into the surrounding bush to go hunting.

Most Indigenous generations Xers can only dream of earning $50,000 a year. ABS reveals an annual income of $18,928, and even then it probably wouldn’t be enough to pay all their outstanding bills. Many typically live in a three bedroom house with their partner and children - maybe with a surviving parent and perhaps a recently homeless sibling and family, in addition to any transient relative that is looking for a free meal and a roof over their head. Most don’t know the meaning of “overstaying their welcome”.

Indigenous generation Xers do dream of 5 star luxuries but the only five stars they are likely to visit in their lifetime is a 5 Star supermarket for brand name grocery items.

For the generation Y (born after 1977) the digital era; web browsing, on-line chat, blogging, iPods and SMS, is an essential part of their life. Sometimes called generation Why for their tendency to question everything, people in this age group are used to the immediacy of technology, looking for immediate gratification. This active generation likes the thrills of bungy jumping, white-water rafting, skiing, snowboarding and an exciting nightlife.

The majority of Indigenous generation Ys are devoid of personal computers or lap tops at home. Certainly these essential items in today’s society are common place in the workforce but few Indigenous households enjoy them. I am aware of many Indigenous generation Ys using iPods and the SMS facilities on mobile phones regularly.

As for bungy jumping and white-water rafting - well the local swimming hole might create some white water if enough youngsters simultaneously jump off the highest tree overhanging a meandering river or off the edge of a jetty on the coastal fringe. Skiing and snowboarding are viewed as a “white thing” by many Indigenous generation Ys. Nightclubbing, on the other hand, is probably one passion that is universal in appeal and affordable for both groups.

And by the way, after all that rambling, I forgot to ask - how was your long weekend?