More than 70 per cent of participants in the 2026 Heartbeat of Australia survey have indicated that their community is a great place to live. Additionally, nine out of 10 people in regional areas say that shopping locally and supporting local businesses is increasingly important in making them feel part of their local community.
However, more than half of the thousands of Australians who have already completed the 15-minute online survey, which remains open until June 6, report being very or extremely concerned about economic conditions, the cost of living, and energy costs.
One female Gen-Xer from NSW commented in the survey: "The cost of living is unmanageable. I am having to dig into savings to pay bills and I feel lucky that I had savings to fall back on. Many people don't. It's ridiculous that all those years of saving up are going on just making ends meet."
A female Baby Boomer from NSW added: "If you can't afford the rising mortgage payments, you lose the house. Can't afford the fuel, you lose the job. Can't afford the Doctor, your health suffers and the Casualty Department becomes stressed. Can't afford the food, your health and life suffer."
Only one in 10 survey respondents so far say they are feeling more positive about the future, a significant drop from one in three in 2025. However, people are finding support in strong relationships, with 50 per cent rating their personal relationships as a nine or 10 out of 10, compared to about a third in 2025.
Three out of five people say they are planning to travel in Australia for holidays over the next 12 months, while a third plan to head overseas. In another indication of cost-of-living constraints on household budgets, only one in 10 survey participants plan to buy a new or used petrol car in the coming year, compared to almost one in five who are considering an EV or hybrid.
The 2026 Heartbeat of Australia survey is the fifth annual national study of consumer sentiment, community wellbeing, and the role of local news conducted by ACM, the publisher of this masthead, and the University of Canberra's News and Media Research Centre. The purpose of the survey is to understand how people across Australia, especially in the regions, are feeling about their lives, where they live, the future, and how they stay informed and connected.
The findings help the News and Media Research Centre's continuing studies of how access to local news and information affects community wellbeing, including its Australian Research Council-funded research project tracking, understanding, and engaging news audiences. The confidential online survey takes about 15 minutes, and individual responses are not identifiable. Survey participants can enter a draw to win one of five $500 e-gift cards.
