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