Community Associations and Other Interest Groups in Australia - Industry Market Research Report

Best interests: The COVID-19 pandemic has had mixed effects on industry organisations

Government support for organisations in the Community Associations and Other Interest Groups industry had been limited in the years before 2019-20 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Some industry organisations have sought revenue streams from alternative sources, like business partnerships and household donations, to compensate for limited funding. During the pandemic, stay-at-home requirements and limits on gathering sizes made fundraising for industry associations more challenging. Lower government funding for social assistance prior to 2019-20 led some community organisations to limit their services to reduce expenditure. But then funding and demand for industry services increased strongly in 2019-20 due to the Australian bushfires over the summer and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community associations and other interest groups are associations, clubs or organisations that promote community or other interests. These include formal political organisations, environmental groups, community groups, automobile clubs, veterans’ associations, welfare groups and youth groups. The industry excludes professional sporting clubs, religious groups, business and professional associations, and professional interests of labour and union employees, such as trade unions.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.