Community Research

Community Research 

Wingecarribee Shire Council regularly undertakes community research to better understand local priorities, experiences, and perceptions. These surveys help us listen, learn, and respond to community expectations while tracking our progress toward the shared goals of the Wingecarribee 2035 Community Strategic Plan(PDF, 9MB) . 

Our Two Research Approaches 

Council runs two complementary surveys that capture community sentiment and satisfaction in different ways: 

 

1. Annual Community Sentiment Survey

The Annual Community Sentiment Survey is an online survey open to all residents through Participate Wingecarribee. It measures how the community feels about Council’s performance, leadership, transparency, and communication. 

It’s part of Council’s ongoing commitment to understanding community sentiment and improving the way we lead, engage, and serve. Your feedback helps us listen, learn, and respond. 

Survey Details

Most recent survey: 1-30 September 2026

Conducted by: Wingecarribee Shire Council 

Method: Online via Participate Wingecarribee 

Focus Areas: Trust, transparency, leadership, communication, and satisfaction with services 

Results: The Community Engagement Summary(PDF, 230KB) has been published on Participate Wingecarribee and Council’s website, with a summary included in the 2025–2026 Annual Report. 

2. Biennial Community Satisfaction Survey

The Community Satisfaction Survey is conducted every two years by a professional, independent research company provider. It involves a randomised and representative telephone survey of local residents to benchmark satisfaction with Council services and facilities over time.

Survey Details 

Most recent survey: February 2026

Conducted by: Independent consultant 

Method: Randomised mixed mode survey with over 400 residents conducted via telephone and online, with 341 telephone interviews (59 landline, 282 mobile) and 94 online responses.

Purpose: Assess satisfaction with Council services, staff contact, and overall performance 

Results: Community Satisfaction Research Report 2026(PDF, 3MB) 

Together, these surveys provide a balanced view, combining detailed service satisfaction data with broader community sentiment and trust measures.

2026 Community Satisfaction Survey - Explainer video

View our explainer video with Stuart Reeve, Managing Director of Micromex Research and Consulting, who talks through the results from our recent 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Annual Community Sentiment Survey?

It’s a short, online survey that gives the community an opportunity to share how they feel about Council’s leadership, performance, trust, communication, and services. 

Why is the Annual Community Sentiment Survey conducted?

The Annual is part of Council’s Delivery Program commitment to strengthen communication and engagement and track how community sentiment changes over time.

Who is Micromex?

Micromex is an independent research company that partners with Council to conduct community and employee surveys. 

Wingecarribee Shire Council has worked with Micromex since 2010, providing consistent, independent data over time. This long-standing partnership allows Council to track trends (longitudinal data), measure performance, and understand how community and staff sentiment changes year to year. 

Using an external provider ensures confidentiality, professional survey design, and reliable benchmarking against other councils and industry standards. 

Is the Micromex survey sample size large enough to be reliable?

Yes. The reliability of a survey is determined by the size and representativeness of the sample - not the total population size. 

For context, national opinion polls in the lead up to a federal election typically survey around 1,000 people to represent more than 18 million voters across Australia. 

Within that context, a sample of approximately 400 respondents focused solely on one Local Government Area is considered statistically robust. When designed and weighted correctly, this sample size provides a reliable and accurate reflection of community sentiment. 

How are the two surveys different?

The Annual Community Sentiment Survey focuses on trust, transparency, and leadership, and is open to everyone online. The Community Satisfaction Survey measures satisfaction with Council services and is conducted by independent researchers via phone every two years. Together, they provide a complete picture of community confidence and satisfaction. 

Do I have to take part in both surveys?

No. Each survey is optional and reaches different audiences. If you are randomly selected by the researcher, you’ll be invited by phone. The Annual Community Sentiment Survey, however, is open to all residents through Participate Wingecarribee. 

 

 

How is my privacy protected?

All responses are confidential. 

Council and independent consultants comply with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW). No personal details are published, and results are only reported in summary form. 

How does Council act on the feedback?

Survey findings directly inform Council’s planning, communication, and service improvement initiatives. They also help shape the Delivery Program, Operational Plan, and Annual Report, ensuring community voices guide decision-making. 

 

Where can I find past survey results?

All previous Community Satisfaction and Community Research reports are listed at the bottom of this page. Future results of the Annual Community Sentiment Survey will be published on both Participate Wingecarribee and this website once available. 

 

How can I stay informed about future surveys or engagement opportunities?

Register for updates through Participate Wingecarribee, Council’s online engagement platform, to receive notifications about new surveys, consultations, and community pop-up sessions. 

 

Previous Survey Results
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