Changing population

• Australia’s population is changing at a macro and micro level.
  • 25% of Australia’s population was born overseas.
  • Almost 50% have one parent born in another country.
  • 260 languages are spoken.
  • one in five has a disability.
  • over 50% are women or girls.
• Australia’s life expectancy is one of the highest in the world and continues to rise (AIHW, 2018).
• One quarter of Australians were born overseas and Australia is likely to become more multicultural in the future, propelled by immigration patterns.

The demographic of the communities in which sport operates in Australia has changed dramatically over the last decade.

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Australia's changing community of 24 million people

• from 200 countries
• 200+ languages spoken at home
• 1 in 4 born overseas
• 50+ indigenous languages spoken
• 2.2% per year indigenous population growth
• 3.5 million hearing impaired
• 4.2 million with disabilities
• 11 in 100 of diverse sexual orientation, sex or gender identity.

What this could mean for sport?

• Consider modifications and safety in product design early, not just as an afterthought in delivery.
• Take time to talk to and understand older adults’ fitness, social and recreational needs, behaviours and preferences.
• Design quality products that can be modified at a local level to support the needs of the community population.
• Use imagery and visuals that reflect the changing population and be aware of channels you can use to promote and connect with target populations.

Resources

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – Older Australia at a Glance 2018, opens in a new tab
• Australian Bureau of Statistics – Population Projections, opens in a new tab
• Australian Government – Intergenerational Report 2015, opens in a new tab