Our Territory Connections and why they matter

Territorians are being encouraged to participate in a new survey launched today by Charles Darwin University (CDU) to better understand what makes a good life for people living in the Territory.

CDU researchers from Northern Institute are surveying NT residents aged 18 and over across Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs and beyond as a part of the My Territory Connections survey.

The survey focuses on the connections residents have with family, friends, neighbours, and the attachments to the place Territorians live.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman has encouraged as many people as possible to participate in the survey to add to useful data to improve quality of life in the Territory.

“This survey relates to the Territory’s social capital which is built from the strength of our community connections, people coming together, people feeling included, and people supporting each other,” Professor Bowman said.

“We draw on social capital when things go wrong – when we are recovering from natural disasters like cyclones and floods, and also health disasters like the pandemic.

“So, this survey is really timely, and it begins our commitment to checking in on how everyone is doing over time.”

CDU’s Northern Institute Demographer Fiona Shalley said data would be used to inform decision-making on how to improve the lives of people living in the Territory and make things fair for all. 

“We want everyone to participate because their stories are important to build resilient communities and properly reflect the rich diversity that makes the Territory such a special place to live and work,” Ms Shalley said.  

“The results of the survey will be used to help governments, service providers, community organisations and businesses to make decisions about what is helping to make life better and who might be missing out.”

Territorians who complete the survey have the chance to win cash prizes worth up to $500. The survey will run up until May 2022 and the results will be available at the end of 2022.

Take the survey at https://myterritoryconnections.cdu.edu.au/