Cost of living pressures and the impact on access to basic needs like health services is one of the issues emerging from the Country Women's Association (CWA) of NSW Annual Women's Survey.
The survey is now in its second year and is currently open to all women in communities across the state and is already attracting a lot of interest.
"Last year's survey really proved to us the need for somewhere for women to highlight their greatest concerns and the issues having the greatest impact on their lives, and on their communities as a whole," said CWA of NSW President Tanya Jolly.
"We got hundreds of responses that have helped inform and strengthen our advocacy efforts in 2025, and we're confident of a similar level of engagement with our second survey. Being able to show these results to policy-makers, and present really clear evidence for change, is the strength of a survey like this and I'd urge all women to take some time to put their feelings and experiences forward."
The survey closes at the end of October, but some preliminary results show that economic pressures, job security and the state of rural and regional health services are currently among the leading concerns of respondents.
"One of the questions asks what would improve their economic wellbeing, with an analysis of interim responses revealing recurring themes of financial stress, structural barriers, and unmet needs, pointing to areas for urgent policy focus and systemic change," Tanya said.
"Cost of living topped the concerns, respondents saying their income whether from work, pensions, or support payments was no longer sufficient to cover basic needs like groceries and utilities. This financial pressure was amplified in remote areas where goods and services cost more."
Concerns are also being raised about the precarious nature of work in many regional communities, especially for casual workers, carers returning to work, and younger women. It was also highlighted that available jobs often don't cover the cost of living or lack stability.
On the question, "What would make the biggest difference to healthcare in your community?", the urgent need for more GPs and primary care doctors is currently leading responses. The affordability of health care is also being highlighted, exacerbated by the decline in bulk billing in many communities.
The survey covers a raft of issues, including housing stocks, education opportunities, infrastructure, childcare options and telecommunications.
"To date, the types of concerns that are coming to light are not really a surprise, particularly for those in remote, rural and regional NSW, but what this survey offers us is the chance to put concrete numbers around the problems, and their significance, that can speak louder than words alone when it comes to our discussions with policy-makers," Tanya said.
"To continue with our efforts to make a case for change, we need every woman's voice, so I'd urge you to complete the survey if you haven't already and urge your friends and family to be involved, too."
To complete the survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VV7HSZB Responses close on 31st October.
