Survey shows clubs, not phones, keep local communities alive

Queenslanders are turning off their screens and heading to RSLs, bowls and surf clubs, with new survey data showing face-to-face connection matters more than ever.

Recent data is showing more people are heading to their local club or RSL to stay connected rather than picking up their phone. Pictures: Clubs Queensland

Amid the swipe, scroll, and ping of daily life, Queenslanders are increasingly craving real human connection and they’re finding it at their local community clubs.

A 2025 survey of 930 club members across the state has revealed that two-thirds of respondents still prefer in-person conversation, with 43 per cent saying face-to-face communication has become more important over the past year.

Students from Coolnynpin State School at one of their favourite places - the Capalaba Sports Club. Picture: Capalaba Sports Club

By contrast, social media remains a distant second with just 7 per cent of Queenslanders viewing it as their preferred way to talk to others, despite 37 per cent spending more than an hour a day online and 20 per cent increasing their social media use over the past 12 months.

For many, a trip to their local club isn’t just about a having a beer or a meal.

Now it’s about social life and making connections by having a chat.

Nearly 75 per cent of respondents said their club visits were important for catching up with friends, playing a game of lawn bowls, hitting the greens at golf, cheering on surf lifesavers, or simply enjoying a beer with neighbours.

Nine in 10 said their clubs were essential to the local community, while one-in-seven said they wanted to expand their social circles, proof that clubs remained vital hubs for connection.

The cost of living crisis has also led to more people heading to clubs for social meals.

Clubs Queensland CEO Kelly Egan said the survey showed the enduring appeal of face-to-face interaction.

“Community clubs have been bringing Queenslanders together for decades,” Mr Egan said. “Whether it’s over a meal, a game, or a chat at the bar, people value the chance to connect in real life.”

Clubs Queensland CEO Kelly Egan says clubs are a focal point for communities. Picture: Clubs Queensland

The survey also exposed the bite of cost-of-living pressures.

Nearly 80 per cent reported being impacted, with 55 per cent cutting back on spending over the past year.

Affordable entertainment, social connection, and dining options were the top reasons people keep coming back to their clubs, making them not only social lifelines but also budget-friendly escapes.

Clubs Helensvale general manager Wayne Moffat loves to get together on the bowls greens with Australian lawn bowls champion Kelsey Cotterell and Clubs Queensland’s Kelly Egan. Picture: Clubs Helensvale

Queensland’s 1100-plus clubs employ more than 34,000 people, generate $2.5 billion in economic activity, and returning $549 million to communities each year.

With a combined 5.6 million memberships, these clubs remain at the heart of Queensland social life and places to meet, mingle, and remind ourselves that some things are best done face-to-face.

The survey was conducted digitally from July 15 to August 31 this year, covering members aged 18 to over 85 from across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Central Queensland, North and Far North Queensland, Darling Downs, Wide Bay, North Western Queensland, and Western Queensland.