Canberrans are happier than other Australians, according to the results of an annual survey from the University of Canberra (UC).
The university’s Survey Lead at its Health Research Institute, Jacki Schirmer said the Living well in the ACT region survey measured several wellbeing indicators, including personal wellbeing, access and connectivity; connection to nature; health, identity and belonging; living standards; and safety and social connection.
Professor Schirmer said the fourth annual survey found 17.6 per cent of ACT adults reporting low wellbeing in comparison to 24.8 per cent for all Australians.
“These recent results provide an interesting comparison to the 2020 survey, given data was compiled during both COVID-19 lockdowns in each year,” Professor Schirmer said.
“While personal wellbeing fell during the first lockdown, it didn’t decline as significantly for most Canberrans during the second,” she said.
“The survey results suggest that while 47.1 per cent of Canberrans told us they found the second lockdown harder to cope with than the first, many actually managed to maintain their wellbeing despite the challenges of lockdown.”
However, Professor Schirmer said that some groups found the last year more challenging than others, including people who were carers and those living with a mental health disability.
“We saw certain groups with an already lower-than-average level of wellbeing struggling during the past year, and I think it shows the need to invest in supporting these groups,” she said.
“That’s something that everyone can contribute to – we sometimes think it’s the role of Government or support services, but our data tells us that having support from friends and family is just as important.”
Professor Schirmer said the results also uncovered a decline in the overall liveability in the region, down to 87.8 per cent from 94.7 per cent in the 2020 survey.
She said this decline was felt more amongst younger Canberrans, renters, those living in units and apartments, and those who had lived in Canberra for less than five years.
Professor Schirmer invited people living in Canberra and the surrounding regions, including Queanbeyan, Yass and Murrumbateman, to take part in the next phase of the research by reporting how their wellbeing was going in 2022.
Information on how to participate can be accessed at this PS News link.
