ACM's Heartbeat of Australia survey is now open, inviting Australians to share their thoughts on life in their local communities. The survey, now in its fifth year, is a collaboration between ACM, the publisher of this masthead, and the University of Canberra's News and Media Research Centre.
What Matters Most in Your Community?
The survey explores key issues such as housing affordability, crime, climate change impacts, and the importance of shopping locally. It also asks about trust in social media and generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT as sources of news and information.
ACM chief marketing officer Jarrah Petzold emphasised the survey's role in understanding regional Australians. "ACM's longstanding news brands around the country provide a trusted voice for the millions of Australians who live outside the state capitals," Mr Petzold said. "Heartbeat of Australia is a chance for Australians to share how they feel about the future, their plans for the next 12 months, and how they stay informed and connected."
How to Participate
The confidential online survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Individual responses are not identifiable. Participants can enter a draw to win one of five $500 e-gift cards.
To take the survey, click on the link provided in the article. The survey aims to understand how people across Australia, especially in regional areas, feel about their lives, their communities, the future, and how they stay informed.
Research Impact
The findings contribute to the News and Media Research Centre's ongoing studies on how access to local news and information affects community wellbeing. This includes an Australian Research Council-funded project tracking, understanding, and engaging news audiences.
The centre is Australia's only research centre specialising in news consumption, social and digital media networks, and the legal, ethical, and social impact of communication technologies. It produces the annual Digital News Report: Australia, part of a global study covering more than 40 countries.
Cost-of-living pressures, housing availability and affordability, the role of social media and AI are among the personal and community concerns the Heartbeat research seeks to understand, particularly among young people and regional residents.
Take the 2026 Heartbeat of Australia survey now and have your say on what matters most in your community.
