Community Music Australia is pleased to announce the launch of Australia’s first National Community Music Survey, a landmark initiative designed to better understand and strengthen community music participation across the country.
Opening on 1 October 2026, the survey will gather information from community bands, orchestras, choirs, ensembles, music theatre organisations and other community music groups from every state and territory. The survey will remain open until 31 March 2027, with findings to be published in the inaugural State of Community Music in Australia report in June 2027.
For the first time, community music organisations across Australia will have the opportunity to contribute to a national picture of the sector. The survey will collect data on participation, volunteering, organisational capacity, finances, facilities, programs and the broader impact community music has on Australian communities.
The information gathered will help Community Music Australia advocate more effectively on behalf of the sector, support evidence-based policy development and identify opportunities to strengthen community music participation nationwide. Community music plays a vital role in Australia’s cultural and social life, yet there has never been a comprehensive national study examining its scale, reach and impact. The National Community Music Survey represents an important step towards addressing this gap and ensuring that future decisions affecting the sector are informed by reliable data and lived experience.
Community Music Australia encourages all eligible community music organisations to participate and help create the first comprehensive snapshot of community music in Australia.
Key dates
- Survey opens: 1 October 2026
- Survey closes: 31 March 2027
- State of Community Music in Australia report released: June 2027
Further information, including survey participation details and resources for organisations, will be released in the lead-up to the survey launch. Together, we can build a clearer understanding of community music in Australia and create a stronger foundation for its future.