Summary Results - COVID-19 Community Group Questionnaire | Page: 1

COVID-19 Community Group Questionnaire

Summary Report

July 2020

Background

From 14 May to 7 June 2020, Council provided community organisations and sporting clubs

with an opportunity to share how they have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Forty

completed “Have your Say” questionnaires were received from a variety of organisations

across the region. The information captured has directly informed the development of

Council’s COVID-19 community grants, future community training sessions and provided

baseline data on how COVID-19 has impacted the region’s community groups.

Key findings

90% of groups indicated that they had to cancel events, activities or workshops as a

result of COVID-19;

85% of groups had to cancel or reduce fundraising activities;

70% of groups indicated that they are facing uncertainty around planning future

events;

77.5% of groups advised that the impacts of COVID-19 are affecting their ability to

cover expenses in the next 6-12 months;

22.5% of groups indicated they had lost members as a result of COVID-19;

A reduction in regular activities resulted in organisations catching up on operational

activities such as reviewing policies and procedures (40%), undertaking facilities

upgrades/improvements (37.5%) and participating in webinars (17.5%).

Snapshot of respondents

Summary Results - COVID-19 Community Group Questionnaire | Page: 2

Summary Report

Community Group COVID-19 Questionnaire

July 2020

Communication during COVID-19

Results revealed that groups have used a range of platforms to connect with members, with

preferences being email (85%), social media (67.5%) and phone calls (67.5%).

DigitalConferencingMeetings (e.g.zoom/skype)

Emails Phone Calls Social Media Other (pleasespecify)

0.00%10.00%20.00%30.00%40.00%50.00%60.00%70.00%80.00%90.00%

How have you been able to communicate with your members during this time?

Responses

Summary Results - COVID-19 Community Group Questionnaire | Page: 3

Summary Report

Community Group COVID-19 Questionnaire

July 2020

Financial impacts

The financial impact of COVID-19 has been felt by 95% of respondents through the

reduction in fundraising opportunities, event cancellations, loss of revenue through

canteens/bar sales, and loss of memberships and sponsorships. Seventy-seven point five

percent (77.5%) of groups stated that these impacts have affected their ability to cover

ongoing expenses in the next 6-12months. The table below identifies which expenses are

most difficult for groups to cover.

Other expenses included rates, electricity, internet, repairs that were to be covered by

fundraising, GST and trophies for end of season.

Programs delivered by other funding bodies

Some organisations are recipients of non-Council grants for projects and activities. Fifty-five

percent of respondents indicated that they have been unable to deliver these projects due to

COVID-19. Of these, 27.5% would like assistance from the Community Partnerships Team in

seeking grant variations from the relevant funding body.

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

If yes, which expense/s are you finding it most difficult to cover? (Please select top 4)

Responses

Summary Results - COVID-19 Community Group Questionnaire | Page: 4

Summary Report

Community Group COVID-19 Questionnaire

July 2020

Regional, State or Federal governing body

Fifty-seven point five percent (57.5%) of the organisations that responded have an

overarching governing body. Of which, 60% of these had received communication about

COVID-19, and 12.5% had a reduction in fees or payment deferral.

Priorities for the next 6-12mths

A key priority for groups is re-engaging members and volunteers, with 95% of groups

indicating this as a high priority. Eighty-two point five percent (82.5%) are prioritising

modifying their activities to comply with the changing public health directions, with 60%

prioritising planning.

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

90.00%

100.00%

Priorities for next 6 - 12 months?

Responses

Summary Results - COVID-19 Community Group Questionnaire | Page: 5

Summary Report

Community Group COVID-19 Questionnaire

July 2020

Community training

The most popular training topic was grants and funding, with the second most popular being

promoting your club (social media and marketing). The table below indicates the overall

training preferences of respondents.

Next Steps

In response to the findings captured in this questionnaire, Council will:

tailor its Community Training program to meet needs identified by respondents and

work with Gympie Region Volunteer Centre to share training opportunities where

possible.

develop and implement COVID-19 Grants for Community Groups.

provide guidance and assistance to groups reopening community facilities as

restrictions ease.

provide guidance to community groups that requested assistance through the

survey.

include support for community groups in Council’s Regional Recovery Plan.

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

What community training topics or areas of support would benefit your members/committee?

Responses