Suncorp Bank Family Friendly City Report

7/29/2019 Suncorp Bank Family Friendly City Report

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Suncorp Bank

Family FriendlyCity Report


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IntroductionLaunceston and Canberra have scooped the pool as Australias most family friendly cities, bumping Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to

14th, 23rd and 24th positions respectively, according to a study into the family friendliness of the nations 30 largest cities.

The inaugural Suncorp Bank Family Friendly Index shows that half of the top 10 family friendly cities are not state or territory capitals and

instead include the smaller, regional cities of Albury/Wodonga, Toowoomba, and Launceston.

The report finds that crowded, stressful, urban jungles and under serviced Eastern seaboard capitals are being upstaged by regional towns

as the most family friendly cities in Australia.

The inaugural Suncorp Bank Family Friendly City Index monitors the most populated 30 cities in Australia and ranks them according to

which city is the most family friendly across 10 key indicators. The indicators themselves are divided into two categories; Primary and

Secondary. Primary indicators refer to those indicators that have a larger bearing on a citys livability, (such as, crime education and

housing) as such these indicators are weighted double that of the secondary indicators.

While the Index analyses indicators such as Education, Crime, Health, Income, Unemployment and Connectivity, some notable omissions

include Environment (climate and weather), Lifestyle (beaches and parks) which have not been included due to their subjective nature and a

lack of consistent data for each of the 30 cities analysed.

Methodology

To derive the rankings for the Suncorp Bank Family Friendly City Index each city was systematically ranked on each of the 10 indicators.

For reasons previously explained the primary indicators received added weight when compiling the index, with each primary indicator worth

double that of a secondary indicator. Each of the indicators raw sources were tallied and then ranked one to thirty, with one being the mostdesirable score and thirty being the least. All scores (or ranks) were totalled with the lowest score being given the overall number one rank of

the inaugural Suncorp Bank Family Friendly Index.

A note about data sources

The Suncorp Bank Family Friendly Index is based on measurements gathered through robust government and private sector quantitative

data that is publicly available. The following data sources were used to obtain the index measurements.

Unemployment

Percentageoftheworkingagepopulationunemployed

DatasourcedfromtheAustralianBureauofStatistics

SourcedfromtheSocialHealthAtlasofAustralia2010http://www.publichealth.gov.au/data/

Income

Averageindividualtaxableincome

Datafrom2010/11

SourcedfromtheAustralianBureauofStatistics

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/by%20Subject/1301.0~2012~Main%20Features~Household%20income,

%20expenditure%20and%20wealth~193

Connectivity

%ofhouseholdswithbroadbandinternetconnections

Datasourcedfromthe2011census

http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/data?opendocument#from-banner=LN

Health 1

NumberofGPservicesprovidedoverthecourseof12monthsasaratioof thepopulation

Datafrom2010/11


Health 2

Currentlong-termconditionandreportingeitherverygoodorexcellenthealth (self-assessment)

Datafrom2008



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Crime

Crimeratesper100,000ofpopulation

Latestavailabledatabystate

SourcedfromtheABS,AustralianFederalPolice,VictorianPolice,QueenslandPolice,WesternAustralianPolice,NSWBureauofCrime

statistics, SA Office of Crime statistics and research

Education

Numberofschoolagedchildrenineachcitydividedbythenumberofschools

Datafrom2011/212 SourcedfromAustralianBureauofStatisticsandwww.education.net.au

Child Care

Numberofinfantsaged0-4dividedbythenumberofchildcarecentres

Datafrom2012

Sourcedfromhttp://www.echildcare.com.au/

Housing

Basedonaveragecostofhousingineachcity

Mostup-to-datedatasourcedfrom2011and2012

Sourcedfromwww.domain.com.au

Community

Basedonlocalgovernmentdata releasedinOctober2012

Voluntaryworkforagroupororganisation(basedonABS2011censusdata)


Five primary indicators

Crime

Crime rates dividedby population ofthe city

Health 1

Average numberofGPvisitsby population of

the city

Education

Schools in cityregion divided bynumber of school

age children

Housing

Average cost ofhouse in city

Unemployment

Unemploymentrate of city

Five secondary indicators

Income

Median weekly

disposable income

Child Care

Childcare centres

in city divided bynumber of childrenaged0-4years

Health 2

Self-assessmentof

long-termhealthofcity population

Connectivity

Percentage of

internet broadbandconnection in eachhome

Community

Percentage of

city population thatvolunteer for anorganisation

or group


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Suncorp Bank Family Friendly City Index

(Key indicator and overall ranking)

Rank

City

(State/

Territory) Crime Health 1 Education Housing Unemployment Health 2 Income Connectivity Childcare Community Total

1st Launceston(TAS)

3 4 1 4 7 15 29 29 6 13 130

2nd Canberra(ACT)

29 6 5 28 3 2 1 1 1 1 148

3rd Toowoomba(QLD)

16 8 16 6 1 13 14 12 15 8 156

4th Albury/Wodonga(NSW)

19 7 6 3 12 12 21 17 12 7 163

Equal5th

Adelaide (SA) 1 24 9 20 19 9 10 13 4 9 191

Equal5th

Perth (WA) 22 12 11 23 6 1 4 4 13 21 191

7th Hobart (TAS) 4 20 17 11 10 11 30 25 6 4 200

Equal8th

Darwin(NT) 6 5 26 29 2 21 2 8 17 17 201

Equal8th

Bunbury (WA) 2 2 28 14 8 7 7 28 27 24 201

10th Bundaberg

(QLD)

14 11 2 5 24 29 11 27 11 19 209

Equal11th

Mackay(QLD) 17 16 3 21 5 27 13 10 13 25 212

Equal11th

Burnie (TAS) 5 1 18 1 29 28 28 30 3 15 212

13th Mandurah(WA)

15 9 19 17 16 4 8 16 22 30 232

Equal14th

Melbourne(VIC)

13 22 10 27 15 5 9 7 16 22 233

Equal14th

WaggaWagga(NSW)

24 17 21 8 11 8 20 20 21 2 233

Equal16th

Bendigo(VIC) 10 13 22 9 22 10 25 22 23 5 237

Equal16th

Townsville(QLD)

27 3 29 16 4 24 16 11 8 20 237

18th Newcastle

(NSW)

7 18 7 25 14 22 23 15 9 28 239

19th Rockhampton(QLD)

23 10 4 10 23 23 12 23 25 17 240

20th SunshineCoast(QLD)

11 30 15 22 17 19 17 5 4 6 241

21st Wollongong(NSW)

9 25 8 19 25 26 22 14 2 22 258

22nd Ballarat(VIC) 21 15 13 7 30 6 26 24 29 3 260

23rd Sydney(NSW)

8 27 12 30 18 14 5 3 24 26 262

24th Brisbane(QLD)

28 21 24 26 9 17 3 2 18 11 267

25th Geelong(VIC) 12 19 27 18 20 3 27 21 26 14 283

26th Hervey Bay(QLD)

18 26 20 12 27 30 6 19 10 26 297

27th Cairns(QLD) 30 14 25 15 26 20 15 9 19 16 299

Equal28th

GoldCoast(QLD)

26 23 14 24 13 18 18 6 30 29 301

Equal28th

LaTrobeValley(VIC)

25 28 23 2 21 16 24 26 28 9 301

30th Coffs Harbour(NSW)

20 29 30 13 28 25 19 18 20 12 334

Key findings

LauncestonisAustraliasnumber1 familyfriendlycity,aheadofCanberra

OfthebigthreeMelbourneisranked14th,aheadofSydney(23rd)andBrisbane(24th)

Queenslandisthemostfamilyfriendlystate,withsixcities inAustraliastop20familyfriendly

TasmaniancityofBurnie isAustraliashealthiestcitywhileLauncestonenjoysthe leastcrowdedschools

QueenslandregionalhotspotToowoombaistheemploymentcapitalofAustralia

AdelaideisAustraliassafestcity,withthelowest levelsofcrime

CanberraisthevolunteercapitalofAustraliawiththecityspopulationclockingupmorecommunityworkhoursthananyothercity,while

it also wins the childcare and disposable income categories.



Crime

In a surprise result Adelaide took out the title of Australias safest city, having the lowest crime rate (per 100,000 of the population). The

measurement took into account all criminal activity over a 12 month period, with Western Australias Bunbury and Tasmanias Launceston

rounding out the top three.

Cairns,CanberraandBrisbanehadsomeofthehighestrecodedcriminalactivityoverthereportingperiodwithmorethan10%ofthe

population experiencing some form of crime, including domestic violence, fraud and sexual assault.

Rank City (State/Territory)Crime rates (per

100,000 of population

1st Adelaide (SA) 2,365

2nd Bunbury (WA) 2,830

3rd Launceston (TAS) 3,182

4th Hobart (TAS) 3,182

5th Burnie (TAS) 3,769

6th Darwin(NT) 4,606

7th Newcastle(NSW) 5,025

8th Sydney(NSW) 5,150

9th Wollongong(NSW) 6,323

10th Bendigo(VIC) 6,438

11th SunshineCoast(QLD) 6,804

12th Geelong(VIC) 7,021

13th Melbourne(VIC) 7,865

14th Bundaberg(QLD) 8,143

15th Mandurah (WA) 8,504

Rank City (State/Territory)Crime rates (per

100,000 of population

16th Toowoomba(QLD) 8,530

17th Mackay(QLD) 8,568

18th HerveyBay(QLD) 8,845

19th Albury/Wodonga(NSW) 9,188

20th CoffsHarbour(NSW) 9,571

21th Ballarat(VIC) 9,711

22th Perth (WA) 10,047

23th Rockhampton(QLD) 11,436

24th WaggaWagga(NSW) 11,712

25th LaTrobeValley(VIC) 11,977

26th GoldCoast(QLD) 12,083

27th Townsville(QLD) 12,768

28th Brisbane(QLD) 13,205

29th Canberra (ACT) 14,593

30th Cairns(QLD)1 15,531

Rank City (State/Territory)GP visits

per person

1st Burnie (TAS) 1.3

2nd Bunbury (WA) 2

Equal 3rd Townsville(QLD) 2.9

Equal 3rd Launceston (TAS) 2.9

5th Darwin(NT) 3.3

6th Canberra (ACT) 3.5

7th Albury/Wodonga(NSW) 3.8

8th Toowoomba(QLD) 3.9

9th Mandurah (WA) 4

Equal 10th Rockhampton(QLD) 4.3

Equal 10th Bundaberg(QLD) 4.3

12th Perth (WA) 4.4

Equal 13th Bendigo(VIC) 4.5

Equal 13th Cairns(QLD) 4.5

15 Ballarat(VIC) 4.6

Rank City (State/Territory)GP visits

per person

Equal 16th Mackay(QLD) 4.8

Equal 16th WaggaWagga(NSW) 4.8

18th Newcastle(NSW) 5

19th Geelong(VIC) 5.1

20th Hobart (TAS) 5.3

Equal 21st Brisbane(QLD) 5.4

Equal 21st Melbourne(VIC) 5.4

23rd GoldCoast(QLD) 5.5

24th Adelaide (SA) 5.6

25th Wollongong(NSW) 5.9

26th HerveyBay(QLD) 6

Equal 27th Sydney(NSW) 6.1

Equal 27th LaTrobeValley(VIC) 6.1

29th CoffsHarbour(NSW) 7.1

30th SunshineCoast(QLD) 8

Health 1

TheNorthernTasmaniancityofBurnieisthehealthiestcityinAustraliawitheachresidentonlyvisitingtheirdoctoronaverage1.3timesover

thecourseoftheyear.ThisindicatormeasuredhowoftenthecityspopulationvisitedtheirGPoverthecourseof12monthswithBurnie

betteringWesternAustraliasBunbury,QueenslandsTownsvilleandfellowTasmaniancityLauncestonforthetopspot.

AccordingtothismeasureAustraliasunhealthiestcity istheSunshineCoast,wheretheaverageresidentvisitstheirGPeight timesovera

12monthperiod.CoffsHarbour,SydneyandtheLaTrobeValleyalsofeaturedinthebottomthreeofAustraliasunhealthiestcities.

1ItshouldbenotedthattheCairnsdataincludesallcrimesrecordedintheCairnsPoliceDistrict,includingtheCairnsCBD,CooktownandWeipa.


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Housing

With a potential saving of up to $400,000, it is little wonder more Australians are moving to regional cities such as Burnie, the LaTrobe

ValleyandAlbury-Wodonga.Buyingafamilyhomeintheseareascostslessthanhalfofwhatyouwillpaytoliveinamajorcapitallike

Sydney, which is unsurprisingly the most expensive place to own a house.RoundingoutthemostexpensiveplacestoliveareresourceboomhotspotDarwinandhomeofthenationalpublicservicesector

Canberra.

Education

Launceston school aged children enjoy the title of having the least crowded schools according to the Family Friendly Index. This

indicatormeasuredthenumberofchildrenineachcity(aged5throughto19)dividedbythenumberofschoolslocatedwithina10km

radiusofthecity.QueenslandregionalhubsBundabergandMackaywereranked2ndand3rdrespectively.

However,anotherQueenslandregionalhubTownsvillerecordedoneoftheworstresultswith1,127childrenperschool,beatenonlyby

theNSWregionalcityofCoffsHarbourwhichhasthemostcrowdedschoolsinthecountrywith1,521kidsperschool.

Rank City (State/Territory)

Number of children at

each school (based on5 to 19 ages)

1st Launceston (TAS) 323

2nd Bundaberg(QLD) 349

3rd Mackay(QLD) 378

4th Rockhampton(QLD) 432

5th Canberra (ACT) 450

6th Albury/Wodonga(NSW) 467


8th Wollongong(NSW) 494

9th Adelaide (SA) 515

10th Melbourne(VIC) 542

11th Perth (WA) 548

12th Sydney(NSW) 563

13th Ballarat(VIC) 591

14th GoldCoast(QLD) 614

15th SunshineCoast(QLD) 651


Number of children at

each school (based on5 to 19 ages)

16th Toowoomba(QLD) 658

17th Hobart (TAS) 659

Equal18th Burnie (TAS) 663

Equal18th Mandurah (WA) 663


21st WaggaWagga(NSW) 715

22nd Bendigo(VIC) 750

23rd LaTrobeValley(VIC) 767

24th Brisbane(QLD) 775

25th Cairns(QLD) 856

26th Darwin(NT) 978

27th Geelong(VIC) 1007

28th Bunbury (WA) 1070

29th Townsville(QLD) 1127

30th CoffsHarbour(NSW) 1521

Rank City (State/Territory)Average cost of

a house

1st Burnie (TAS) $230,000

2nd LaTrobeValley(VIC) $232,000

3rd Albury/Wodonga(NSW) $267,000

Equal 4th Launceston (TAS) $280,000

Equal 4th Bundaberg(QLD) $280,000

6th Toowoomba(QLD) $286,000

7th Ballarat(VIC) $300,000

8th WaggaWagga(NSW) $305,000

9th Bendigo(VIC) $311,000

10th Rockhampton(QLD) $320,000

Equal 11th Hobart (TAS) $330,000

Equal 11th HerveyBay(QLD) $330,000

13th CoffsHarbour(NSW) $335,000

14th Bunbury (WA) $340,000

15th Cairns(QLD) $345,000

Rank City (State/Territory)Average cost of

a house

16th Townsville(QLD) $365,000

17th Mandurah (WA) $373,000

18th Geelong(VIC) $386,000

19th Wollongong(NSW) $397,000

20th Adelaide (SA) $405,000

21th Mackay(QLD) $420,000

22th SunshineCoast(QLD) $430,000

Equal 23rd Perth (WA) $467,000

Equal 23rd GoldCoast(QLD) $467,000

25th Newcastle(NSW) $474,000

26th Brisbane(QLD) $505,000

27th Melbourne(VIC) $530,000

28th Canberra (ACT) $545,000

29th Darwin(NT) $609,000

30th Sydney(NSW) $642,000



Unemployment

Queenslandslargestinlandcity,Toowoomba,recordedthelowestlevelofunemployment,whichmaybeinpartduetothegeneration

ofjobstohelpwithrecoveryeffortsfollowingthedevastatingfloodsinandaroundtheLockyerValleyin2011,withthecityat1.9%

unemployment.Darwin(2.1%)andCanberra(2.9%)werethecitieswiththenextlowestunemploymentlevels.

Ballarat,BurnieandCoffsHarbourrecordedthehighestunemploymentratesonandaround8%,thankslargelytomanufacturing

downturns which have crippled regional communities over the past decade.

Rank City (State/Territory) Unemployment

1st Toowoomba(QLD) 1.90%

2nd Darwin(NT) 2.10%

3rd Canberra (ACT) 2.90%

4th Townsville(QLD) 3.20%

5th Mackay(QLD) 3.50%

6th Perth (WA) 3.70%

7th Launceston (TAS) 3.80%

8th Bunbury (WA) 3.90%

9th Brisbane(QLD) 4.00%

10th Hobart (TAS) 4.20%

11th WaggaWagga(NSW) 4.50%

Equal 12th Albury/Wodonga(NSW) 5.00%

Equal 12th GoldCoast(QLD) 5.00%

Equal 14th Newcastle(NSW) 5.10%

Equal 14th Melbourne(VIC) 5.10%

Rank City (State/Territory) Unemployment

16th Mandurah (WA) 5.10%

17th SunshineCoast(QLD) 5.30%

18th Sydney(NSW) 5.60%

19th Adelaide (SA) 5.90%

20th Geelong(VIC) 6.00%

21st LaTrobeValley(VIC) 6.10%

22nd Bendigo(VIC) 6.40%

Equal 23rd Rockhampton(QLD) 6.70%

Equal 23rd Bundaberg(QLD) 6.70%

25th Wollongong(NSW) 6.90%

26th Cairns(QLD) 7.20%

27th HerveyBay(QLD) 7.50%

28th CoffsHarbour(NSW) 7.80%

Equal29th Burnie (TAS) 8.00%

Equal29th Ballarat(VIC) 8.00%

Health 2

Thesecondhealthindicatorisaself-assessmentbasedonwhethertheresidentsofeachcityconsiderthemselvesinexcellentorvery

good health. While the measurement is subjective, it is nonetheless a worthwhile indicator into how a citys residents perceive their

health, which can be used as a comparison to the overall population.

Perthisthenationshealthiestcitywith72%ofthecityspopulationconsideringtheirlong-termhealthoutlookverygoodorexcellent.

Canberra,GeelongandManduraharealsoingoodhealth.MandurahisthesecondcityinWesternAustraliainthetopthree,making

WA the nations most healthy state.HerveyBay,BundabergandBurniearethenationsunhealthiestwithonly60%ofthepopulationconsideringthemselvesinverygood

or excellent health.

Rank City Score (%)

1st Perth (WA) 72

2nd Canberra (ACT) 71.9

Equal 3rd Geelong(VIC) 70

Equal 3rd Mandurah (WA) 70

5th Melbourne(VIC) 69.9

6th Ballarat(VIC) 69.8

7th Bunbury (WA) 69.6

8th WaggaWagga(NSW) 69.5

9th Adelaide (SA) 69.2

10th Bendigo(VIC) 69

11th Hobart (TAS) 68.8

12th Albury/Wodonga(NSW) 68.7

13th Toowoomba(QLD) 68.1

Equal14th Sydney(NSW) 67.9

Equal14th Launceston (TAS) 67.9

Rank City Score (%)

16th LaTrobeValley(VIC) 67.8

17th Brisbane(QLD) 67.5

18th GoldCoast(QLD) 67.4

19th SunshineCoast(QLD) 66.6

Equal 20th Cairns(QLD) 66.4

Equal 20th Darwin(NT) 66.4

22nd Newcastle(NSW) 66.2

23rd Rockhampton(QLD) 66.1

24th Townsville(QLD) 65.7

25th CoffsHarbour(NSW) 65.6

26th Wollongong(NSW) 65.5

27th Mackay(QLD) 65.1

28th Burnie (TAS) 64.8

29th Bundaberg(QLD) 64.2

30th HerveyBay(QLD) 60.7


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Income1

Australias capital city Canberra took out the gong for Australias wealthiest city, which measured average wages and disposable income

from the 2011 calendar year as recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Canberra, which employs Australias most senior

publicservants,recordedmedianweeklydisposableincomeof$1,009whichismorethan$52,000ayear,aroundthecostofanew

family sized sedan.

One of the main themes we wanted to measure was how wealthy a city was in terms of its citizens and the contribution they make

to the local economy. It was argued that if a city had more disposable income its citizens would have more income to drive the local

economy and hence increase the wealth of that city and its contribution to the national economy

TheTasmaniancitiesofHobart,LauncestonandBurnierecordedthelowestmedianweeklydisposableincome$593.

Rank City (State/Territory)Median weekly disposable

income (2011)

1st Canberra (ACT) $1,009

2nd Darwin(NT) $895

3rd Brisbane(QLD) $783

4th Perth (WA) $780

5th Sydney(NSW) $779

Equal 6th Bunbury (WA) $743

Equal 6th Mandurah (WA) $743

8th Melbourne(VIC) $732

9th Adelaide (SA) $726

Equal 10th HerveyBay(QLD) $670

Equal 10th Bundaberg(QLD) $670

Equal 10th Rockhampton(QLD) $670

Equal 10th Mackay(QLD) $670

Equal 10th Toowoomba(QLD) $670

Equal 10th Cairns(QLD) $670

Rank City (State/Territory)Median weekly disposable

income (2011)

Equal 10th Townsville(QLD) $670

Equal 10th SunshineCoast(QLD) $670

Equal 10th GoldCoast(QLD) $670

Equal18th CoffsHarbour(NSW) $652

Equal18th WaggaWagga(NSW) $652

Equal18th Albury/Wodonga(NSW) $652

Equal18th Wollongong(NSW) $652

Equal18th Newcastle(NSW) $652

Equal 23rd LaTrobeValley(VIC) $610

Equal 23rd Bendigo(VIC) $610

Equal 23rd Ballarat(VIC) $610

Equal 23rd Geelong(VIC) $610

Equal 27th Burnie (TAS) $593

Equal 27th Launceston (TAS) $593

Equal 27th Hobart (TAS) $593

Connectivity

Canberratookouttheconnectivityindicator,withamassive78.4%ofallhouseholdshavingbroadbandinternetintheirhome.State

capitalsBrisbane(75.10%)andSydney(73.80%)roundedoutthetopthree.

Again,TasmanialaggedtherestofthecountrywithBurnie(59.80%)andLaunceston(61.0%)recordingthelowestscoresoverall.

Rank City (State/Territory) Broadband in home (2011)

1st Canberra (ACT) 78.40%

2nd Brisbane(QLD) 75.10%

3rd Sydney(NSW) 73.80%

4th Perth (WA) 73.40%

Equal 5th GoldCoast(QLD) 73.00%

Equal 5th SunshineCoast(QLD) 73.00%

7th Melbourne(VIC) 72.60%

8th Darwin(NT) 70.40%

9th Cairns(QLD) 70.30%

10th Mackay(QLD) 69.40%

11th Townsville(QLD) 69.10%

12th Toowoomba(QLD) 68.10%

13th Adelaide (SA) 67.20%

Equal 14th Mandurah (WA) 66.90%

Equal 14th Newcastle(NSW) 66.90%

Rank City (State/Territory) Broadband in home (2011)

Equal 14th Wollongong(NSW) 66.90%

17th Albury/Wodonga(NSW) 66.50%

Equal18th HerveyBay(QLD) 66.30%

Equal18th CoffsHarbour(NSW) 66.30%

20th WaggaWagga(NSW) 66.00%

Equal 21st Bendigo(VIC) 65.50%

Equal 21st Geelong(VIC) 65.50%

23rd Rockhampton(QLD) 65.30%

24th Ballarat(VIC) 65.20%

25th Hobart (TAS) 64.80%

26th LaTrobeValley(VIC) 63.00%

27th Bundaberg(QLD) 62.00%

28th Bunbury (WA) 61.60%

29th Launceston (TAS) 61.00%

30th Burnie (TAS) 59.80%

DuetotheunavailabilityofdataforsomeAustraliancities,regionalcitieswithinthesamestatehavebeengiventhesamedisposableincome.

1 The disposable income indicator was used as an important measure to differentiate living in a capital city to a regional city. However, as disposable incomes were notavailable for every city measures an aggregate state wide disposable income has been used for regional cities across Australia.



Child Care

Canberrainfantsenjoytheleastcrowdedchildcarecentresandmoreone-on-oneinteractionwithcarersaccordingtotheIndex.

Theindicatorlookedatthenumberofinfants(aged0-4years)ineachcityanddividedthatbyhowmanylong-andshort-termchildcare

centres operated in and around the city. Wollongong and Burnie rounded out the top three family friendly childcare cities.

Ontheotherendofthespectrum,theGoldCoast(30th),Ballarat(29th)andtheLaTrobeValley(28th)representedthecitieswiththe

most crowded child care centres in the country, with almost 300 children per child care centre.


Children per childcare

centre (based on 1 to 4

years)

1st Canberra (ACT) 27

2nd Wollongong(NSW) 42

3rd Burnie (TAS) 65

Equal 4th Adelaide (SA) 71

Equal 4th SunshineCoast(QLD) 71

Equal 6th Launceston (TAS) 77

Equal 6th Hobart (TAS) 77

8th Townsville(QLD) 80



11th Bundaberg(QLD) 89

12th Albury/Wodonga(NSW) 92

Equal 13th Perth (WA) 95

Equal 13th Mackay(QLD) 95

15th Toowoomba(QLD) 98


Children per childcare

centre (based on 1 to 4

years)

16th Melbourne(VIC) 106

17th Darwin(NT) 110

18th Brisbane(QLD) 116

19th Cairns(QLD) 120

20th CoffsHarbour(NSW) 123

21st WaggaWagga(NSW) 125

22nd Mandurah (WA) 146

23rd Bendigo(VIC) 147

24th Sydney(NSW) 148

25th Rockhampton(QLD) 154

26th Geelong(VIC) 155

27th Bunbury (WA) 164

28th LaTrobeValley(VIC) 202

29th Ballarat(VIC) 237

30th GoldCoast(QLD) 292

Community

One in four Canberrans volunteer their time and energy each year for an organisation or group, making them Australias most

community-orientedstateorterritory.NSWruralhubWaggaWaggaandVictoriasBallaratwere2ndand3rdrespectivelyinthis

category.

WesternAustraliasMandurahholdsthetitleofAustraliasleastphilanthropiccitywithlessthan15%ofitspopulationvolunteeringduring

thepast12months.TheGoldCoastandNewcastleroundedoutthebottomthreecitiesforthisindicator,bothwithlessthan16%ofthe

population undertaking volunteer work.

Rank City

Population %

that volunteer with

an organisation

or group

1st Canberra 24.80%

2nd Wagga Wagga 24.40%

3rd Ballarat 22.50%

4th Hobart 22.10%

5th Bendigo 21.50%

6th Sunshine Coast 20.90%

7th Albury/Wodonga 20.70%

8th Toowoomba 20.60%

Equal9th LaTrobeValley 19.40%

Equal9th Adelaide 19.40%

11th Brisbane 19.20%

12th Coffs Harbour 19%

13th Launceston 18.80%

14th Geelong 18.60%

15th Burnie 18.00%

Rank City

Population %

that volunteer with

an organisation

or group

16th Cairns 17.90%

Equal 17th Rockhampton 17.80%

Equal18th Darwin 17.80%

19th Bundaberg 17.40%

20th Townsville 17.30%

21st Perth 17.10%

Equal 22nd Wollongong 16.90%

Equal 22nd Melbourne 16.90%

24th Bunbury 16.50%

25th Mackay 16.10%

Equal 26th Sydney 16%

Equal 26th Hervey Bay 16%

28th Newcastle 15.80%

29th GoldCoast 15.40%

30th Mandurah 14.50%


10/1810 Suncorp Bank

1. Launceston Where the Living is Easy

Rank Indicator

3rd Crime

4th Health 1

1st Education

4th Housing

7th Unemployment

15th Health 2

29th Income

29th Connectivity

6th Child Care

13th Community

According to the Launceston City website Launceston has a

fantastic lifestyle, low unemployment, Mediterranean climate, great

educational opportunities, low levels of crime and affordable real

estatemakeLauncestonanidealsea-changedestination.

Launceston offers a climate for living away from the gridlock of city

congestion with the ambience of a cosmopolitan European city. The

freshest air, the healthiest climate and the wildest places are on thecitys doorstep.

NortheasternTasmaniaisfastbecomingknownasahavenfrom

the harshest impacts of global climate change.

Quitesimply,Launcestonisaperfectplaceto;

Buildabusiness

Findyourdreamjob

Progressyourcareer

Unleashyourcreativity

Raiseafamily.

http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/

2. Canberra Australias Capital Region

Rank Indicator

29th Crime

6th Health 1

5th Education

28th Housing

3rd Unemployment

2nd Health 2

1st Income

1st Connectivity

1st Child Care

1st Community

Canberra is modern city, set within extensive parks and gardens

and enjoys four distinct seasons. It will celebrate its centenary as

the nations capital in 2013.

Canberra is located in the Australian Capital Territory, surrounded

byNewSouthWales.Thecityis150kilometresinlandand571

metresabovethePacificOcean,281kilometresfromSydneyand

660 kilometres from Melbourne. The latitude and longitude is 35

degreessouthand149degreeseast.

LocatedontheancientlandsoftheIndigenousNgunnawalpeople,

Canberras name is thought to mean meeting place, derived fromthe Aboriginal word Kamberra.

Europeansettlersarrivedinthe1830s,andtheareawonselection

byballotforthefederalcapitalin1908.Canberrasspecialcontrast

ofnatureandurbanlivingwasplannedin1912bymasterdesigner,

WalterBurleyGriffin,aChicagoarchitect,whowonaninternational

design competition.

TheprovisionalParliamentHouseopenedin1927inwhatwasthen

a treeless paddock. Since then, Canberra has grown into a vibrant,

cosmopolitan city with national attractions housing the heritage,

history and national collections that make Canberra the home of the

Australian story.

www.visitcanberra.com.au

3. Toowoomba The Garden City

Rank Indicator

16th Crime

8th Health 1

16th Education

6th Housing

1st Unemployment

13th Health 2

14th Income

12th Connectivity

15th Child Care

8th Community

Toowoomba is a picturesque mountain city located in south east

Queenslandsome127Kmwestofthestatescapital,Brisbane.

ClingingtotheedgeoftheGreatDividingRangeescarpmentatan

altitudeofsevenhundredmetersabovesea-level,thecityaffords

breathtakingviewsofTableTopMountainandtheLockyerValley

region across the east.

The city covers an area of approx. 117 Sq Km and is centred at the

intersectionoftheWarregoandNewEnglandhighways.Toowoombas climate can best be described as pleasant with

temperature ranges averaging a cool 5C to 16C in winter and a

mild 17C to 27C in summer.

Throughout the second half of the nineteenth century, Toowoomba

wouldprosper,beingproclaimedamunicipalityin1860,atownship

in1892,andacityin1904.

There are many things to see and do in Toowoomba all year round.

In spring time, Toowoombas parks and gardens become vibrant

and ablaze with colour and life, and to celebrate Toowoombas

statusasTheGardenCity,everyyearinSeptembertheCarnival

of Flowers is held, with a street parade, and other activities.

http://www.toowoomba.org/



4. Albury-Wodonga The Twin Cities

Rank Indicator

19th Crime

7th Health 1

6th Education

3rd Housing

12th Unemployment

12th Health 2

21st Income

17th Connectivity

12th Child Care

7th Community

Albury and Wodonga are located on opposite sides of the MurrayRiver,withAlburyCitylocatedinNewSouthWalesandtheCityofWodongalocatedinVictoria.Thecitiesaresituatedsome300kilometresnorth-eastofMelbourneand570kilometressouth-westofSydney.AlburyCityisboundbyGreaterHumeShireinthenorth,north-eastandnorth-west,whiletheCityofWodongaisboundbyTowongShireinthesouth-eastandIndigoShireinthesouthand

south-west.Theregionhasadistinctivenaturalbeauty:themajesticMurrayRiver winds its way through alpine terrain to the east and fertile riverplains to the west.It combines the convenience of a metropolitanlifestyle with the appeal of rural living. The region is all about lettingpeople enjoy life at their own pace, whether that be taking a strollalong the rivers edge, a day trip to historic Beechworth or thewineries at Rutherglen, a hit of golf on one of the four golf courses,water activities at Lake Hume or taking advantage of the proximityof the snowfields, there is something for everyone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albury-Wodonga

alburywodongaaustralia.com.au

5. Adelaide City of Churches

Rank Indicator

1st Crime

24th Health 1

9th Education

20th Housing

19th Unemployment

9th Health 2

10th Income

13th Connectivity

4th Child Care

9th Community

AdelaideisthecapitalcityofSouthAustraliaandthefifth-largestcity in Australia. Adelaide is north of the Fleurieu Peninsula, ontheAdelaidePlainsbetweentheGulfStVincentandthelow-lyingMount Lofty Ranges which surround the city. Adelaide stretches 20km(12mi)fromthecoasttothefoothills,and90km(56mi)fromGawleratitsnorthernextenttoSellicksBeachinthesouth.

NamedinhonourofAdelaideofSaxe-Meiningen,queenconsorttoKingWilliamIV,thecitywasfoundedin1836astheplannedcapitalfor a freely settled British province in Australia. Early Adelaidewas shaped by religious freedom and a commitment to politicalprogressivismandcivilliberties,whichledtothemonikerCityofChurches.

Adelaide is noted for its many festivals and sporting events, its food,wine and culture, its long beachfronts, and its large defence andmanufacturing sectors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide

southaustralia.com

5. Perth City of Light

Rank Indicator

22nd Crime

12th Health 1

11th Education

23rd Housing

6th Unemployment

1st Health 2

4th Income

4th Connectivity

13th Child Care

21st Community

Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of

Western Australia. It is the fourth most populous city in Australia.

Perths metropolitan area is formally divided into a number of local

government areas, which themselves consist of a large number of

suburbs, extending from Two Rocks in the north to Rockingham in

the south, and east inland to The Lakes.

PerthwasoriginallyfoundedbyCaptainJamesStirlingin1829asthe administrative centre of the Swan River Colony, and gained city

statusin1856(currentlyvestedinthesmallerCityofPerth).Perth

becameknownworldwideastheCityofLightwhencityresidents

lit their house lights and streetlights as American astronaut John

GlennpassedoverheadwhileorbitingtheearthonFriendship7in

1962.ThecityrepeatedtheactasGlennpassedoverheadonthe

SpaceShuttlein1998.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth

cityofperth.wa.gov.au

westernaustralia.com

7. Hobart The Colonial City

Rank Indicator

4th Crime

20th Health 1

17th Education

11th Housing

10th Unemployment

11th Health 2

30th Income

25th Connectivity

6th Child Care

4th Community

The City of Hobart is one of the most beautiful and liveable Cities

in the world. As the second oldest city in Australia the City offers a

wonderful blend of built and cultural heritage; environment; a vibrant

artanddynamicsportingcultureandalowstresslifestyle.Nestled

underMtWellingtonontheDerwentRiverHobartisrenownedforits

heritage buildings, beautiful parks, fine restaurants, the Salamanca

Markets and its Festivals. It is a city rich in maritime history, and

is shaped and defined by water. A diverse range of craft including

Antarctic supply vessels, sailing dinghies, catamarans, kayaks,

ocean racing yachts, fishing boats and square riggers ply the waters

oftheDerwent.

http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Hobart/Living_in_Hobart



8. Darwin The Cosmopolitan City

Rank Indicator

6th Crime

5th Health 1

26th Education

29th Housing

2nd Unemployment

21st Health 2

2nd Income

8th Connectivity

17th Child Care

17th Community

DarwinisarguablyAustraliasmostcosmopolitancity,boasting

a population made up of people from more than 60 nationalities

and 70 different ethnic backgrounds. The citys multicultural mix is

particularly highlighted by its many exciting ethnic cultural festivals

andweeklyfoodandcraftmarkets.Darwinhasevolvedfromits

days as an incredibly laid back frontier town and while it still retains

its relaxed charm, it has become a highly sophisticated city. In

businessandindustrycircles,DarwinisdescribedasAustralias

gateway with South East Asia. Its closer to the Indonesian capital of

Jakarta than it is to Canberra and is about the same flying time from

Singapore and Manila as it is from Sydney and Melbourne.

http://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/

8. Bunbury The City of Three Waters

Rank Indicator

2nd Crime

2nd Health 1

28th Education

14th Housing

8th Unemployment

7th Health 2

7th Income

28th Connectivity

27th Child Care

24th Community

The port city of Bunbury is the third largest city in Western Australia

after the state capital, Perth, and Mandurah. It is situated 175

kilometres(109mi)southofPerthscentralbusinessdistrict(CBD).

The port services the farming, mining and timber industries of thesouth west originally connected via an extensive rail network.

The city of Bunbury is renowned for its wild but friendly bottlenose

dolphins which you can meet at the shoreline or out in the bay

aboard a dolphin watching and swimming tour. Its also the setting

of many maritime legends and the northern gateway to Australias

SouthWest-oneofthemostbiodiverseregionsonEarth,where

world-classwine,pristinebeachesandforestsoftimbergiantscan

all be enjoyed in a single day.

http:www/bunbury.wa.gov.au

10. Bundaberg A City of Charm

Rank Indicator

14th Crime

11th Health 1

2nd Education

5th Housing

24th Unemployment

29th Health 2

11th Income

27th Connectivity

11th Child Care

19th Community

Bundabergwasnamedin1867,thenamecomingfromthelinking

ofBundathenameofanaboriginalelderandbergbeinga

variation of an old Saxon word for town (burg). These days a more

familiar version has surfaced with the name being shortened to

Bundy for use in conversation.

WiththeGreatBarrierReefjustoffourshoresandahostofthings

to see and do, Bundaberg is a great place to visit.http://www.sunzine.com.au/bundaberg/bundaberg-city.html

bundabergregion.org

11. Mackay The Sugar Capital

Rank Indicator

17th Crime

16th Health 1

3rd Education

21st Housing

5th Unemployment

27th Health 2

13th Income

10th Connectivity

13th Child Care

25th Community

MackayisacityontheeasterncoastofQueensland,Australia,

about970kilometres(603mi)northofBrisbane,onthePioneer

River. Mackay is nicknamed the sugar capital of Australia because

its region produces more than a third of Australias cane sugar.[2]

Tropical, picturesque and relaxed, Mackay city offers everything

you could want from a major regional centre. The blue Pioneer River

flows past the citys historical buildings, and stately palm trees

fringe the main street with shopping hotspots, and plenty of magical

spots for a picnic by the river, or dine al fresco by the marina on our

fabulous local seafood.

Mackay is famous for its history as one of Australias largest cane

farming regions. However, in recent years, the mining industry has

become the mainstay of the local economy. Heavy investment and

planning is also going into Mackays growing tourism industry.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackay,_Queensland



11. Burnie Australias Sleepy City

Rank Indicator

5th Crime

1st Health 1

18th Education

1st Housing

29th Unemployment

28th Health 2

28th Income

30th Connectivity

3rd Child Care

15th Community

BurnieoverlooksEmuBay,onthenorth-westcoastofTasmania.

Burnie is a proud industrial city and is Australias fifth largest

container port. Burnie was once surrounded by dense rainforest, but

this slowly disappeared as fortunes were made felling and milling

timber. The paper and pulp mill on the citys outskirts operated from

1938to1998.

Burnie was first explored by Bass and Flinders and was known as

EmuBaywhenitwassettledbytheVanDiemensLandCompany

in1827.Burnieexperiencestemperateconditions,withanaverage

maximum of 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) in January

and 13.5 degrees Celsius (56.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in June.

Thecityis30minutesdrivewestofDevonportor152kilometres

(94.5miles)north-westofLaunceston.

http://www.about-australia.com/destinations/burnie/

burnie.net

13. Mandurah Dynamic, Diverse

and Friendly

Rank Indicator

15th Crime

9th Health 1

19th Education

17th Housing

16th Unemployment

4th Health 2

8th Income

16th Connectivity

22nd Child Care

30th Community

Mandurah is one of the most vibrant regional cities in Western

Australia. The city is also a gateway to the States South West

Region. Situated on Western Australias beautiful coastline about

72km south of Perth, Mandurah prides itself on a mix of inner city

andsemi-rurallivingbetweentheIndianOcean,theexpansive

waterwaysofthePeel-HarveyEstuaryandthelowerreachesofthe

Serpentine River.

Mandurah has retained its relaxed, holiday atmosphere despite

recent rapid growth as a major sea change destination in Australia.

One of Mandurahs greatest assets is its diverse and friendly

community.VotedtwiceasWAsTopTourismTown,Mandurahwelcomes friends and family from around the globe to enjoy its

relaxed coastal lifestyle. In fact, the name Mandurah is derived from

the Aboriginal word, mandjar meaning meeting place.

http://www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/

14. Melbourne Australias Cultural Capital

Rank Indicator

13th Crime

22nd Health 1

10th Education

27th Housing

15th Unemployment

5th Health 2

9th Income

7th Connectivity

16th Child Care

22nd Community

TheentireMelbournemetropolitanareacovers7,694sqkmand

has a population of around 4.1 million, it also hosts over a million

international visitors each year.

Melbourne has a reputation for its changeable weather. A tip for any

visitor is to be prepared for anything take an umbrella and wear

layers that can be worn or removed as needed.

As a general rule, Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with warmto hot summers, mild and sometimes balmy springs and autumns,

and cool winters.

While Melbourne has a reputation for rain, the city actually receives

less rainfall than either Brisbane or Sydney.

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/

MelbourneProfile/Pages/Melbournelifestyle.aspx

14. Wagga Wagga The City of Good Sports

Rank Indicator

24th Crime

17th Health 1

21st Education

8th Housing

11th Unemployment

8th Health 2

20th Income

20th Connectivity

21st Child Care

2nd Community

The City of Wagga Wagga is part of the Murrumbidgee Region in

theheartlandoftheNewSouthWalesRiverina.Wagga Wagga is also one of the seven recognised EvoCities in

regionalNewSouthWales.TheseareCitieswhichasdefinedas

clean and green, vibrant, dynamic, innovative,

professional, accessible and globally linked regional destinations

that provide a certain quality of life and livability that continues to

attract visitors and residents alike.

KnownastheCityofGoodSports,manyofAustraliassporting

heroes hail from the regional city of Wagga Wagga, including

former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor, rugby league great

Peter Sterling and AFL legend Paul Kelly. The high number of elite

athletes produced by the Riverina City was the subject of a study by

the Australian Institute of Sport in 2005. The research proved that

the Citys talent pool was more than just good luck, describing thesporting phenomenon as the Wagga Effect.

http://www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/



16. Bendigo The Goldrush City

Rank Indicator

10th Crime

13th Health 1

22nd Education

9th Housing

22nd Unemployment

10th Health 2

25th Income

22nd Connectivity

23rd Child Care

5th Community

TheCityofGreaterBendigoissituatedinthegeographiccentre

ofVictoria,ontraditionalJaaraCountry,covering3,000square

kilometres. Bendigo has a rich and prosperous heritage dating

back to the days when gold was discovered in the area in the

1850s.Sincethen,Bendigohasbeenthesecondhighestproducing

goldfield in Australia and remains the seventh largest in the world.

Bendigos rich gold history has produced a city of unparalleledopulence and grandeur. Stunning architecture and manicured

gardens are all symbolic of Bendigo.

http://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About_us/About_Greater_Bendigo

16. Townsville The Gateway City

Rank Indicator

27th Crime

3rd Health 1

29th Education

16th Housing

4th Unemployment

24th Health 2

16th Income

11th Connectivity

8th Child Care

20th Community

TownsvilleisthecapitalofNorthQueenslandandremainsone

of the fastest growing cities in the state. Located about halfway

between the tip of Cape York and Brisbane, Townsville stretches

across 3,736km2 and is nestled on the shores of Cleveland Bay.

Even from its earliest days, Townsville has been the commercial,industrialandadministrativehubofNorthQueensland.Thecitys

strategic location, with rail and road links the north, south and west

allows the sea port to manage shipments of minerals, livestock,

sugar and other cargo. Businesses are also attracted by our plentiful

supply of water, power and real estate. The city is renowned for its

easy going lifestyle, tropical weather, and natural surroundings, from

aridlandscapestorainforestsandtheGreatBarrierReef.Family-

friendly entertainment and vibrant cultural experiences are on offer

both day and night. In terms of lifestyle, Townsville has something

for everyone!

http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/townsville/cityinfo/Pages/default.aspx

18. Newcastle The Steel City

Rank Indicator

7th Crime

18th Health 1

7th Education

25th Housing

14th Unemployment

22nd Health 2

23rd Income

15th Connectivity

9th Child Care

28th Community

NewcastleisNSWssecondoldestcity,andisaregionrichwith

unique history. The Awabakal and Worimi peoples are recognised

and acknowledged as traditional custodians of the land and waters

oftheNewcastlearea.TheearliestAboriginalreferencetothe

namingofNewcastleisMuloobinba,meaningedibleseafern.

FollowingEuropeansettlement,Newcastlebecameapenalstation,

acoaltown,asteelcity.Today,itisNSWssecondlargestcityand

the seventh largest city in Australia.

FormerlyknownasSteelCity,Newcastlehasundergonea

transformationinthepastdecadefromanindustrialtown-hometo

BHPSteelworksformorethan90years-toabuzzing,compactand

highly liveable city with a vibrant culture of cafes, food and wine,

surf, art, theatre, music and fashion.

http://www.visitnewcastle.com.au/pages/newcastle-snapshot/

19. Rockhampton The Beef Capital

of Australia

Rank Indicator

23rd Crime

10th Health 1

4th Education

10th Housing

23rd Unemployment

23rd Health 2

12th Income

23rd Connectivity

25th Child Care

17th Community

Rockhampton, the Beef Capital of Australia is located on the

Tropic of Capricorn and is the gateway to the Coast and the

Outback.Foundedin1853,themajestyofRockhamptonshistorical

architecture has captured the hearts of visitors for decades.

Many fine public and private buildings, including the Customs

House, old Post Office, Cathedrals, banks, business houses

and homes, are constant reminders of the city with an exciting

background. Six bull statues representing the main breeds of

the area are situated throughout Rockhampton in recognition of

RockhamptonsBeefCapitalofAustraliatitle.GracemereSaleyards,

on the outskirts of Rockhampton, handle the largest throughput

ofexportbeefcattleinQueensland,andisthelargeststud-selling

venue in the Southern Hemisphere. Public are welcome. Experience

thecountryinthecityattheGreatWesternHotel,whichholdsweekly rodeos at the back of the pub.

http://www.sunzine.com.au/rockhampton/rockhampton-city.html

rockhamptioregion.qld.gov.au



20. Sunshine Coast City of Beaches

Rank Indicator

11th Crime

30th Health 1

15th Education

22nd Housing

17th Unemployment

19th Health 2

17th Income

5th Connectivity

4th Child Care

6th Community

Although it does not have a central business district, by population

the Sunshine Coast ranks as the 10th largest metropolis in Australia

andthethirdlargestinQueensland.

The Sunshine Coast economy is currently dominated by three main

sectors tourism, retail and construction. The region also has a

strong agricultural sector. Strong efforts are being made to diversify

the regional economy by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council andotherswithanemphasisoncleanandgreenknowledge-based

businesses across sectors such as information and communication

technologies, cleantech, creative industries, aviation, education and

food and beverages.

Several stretches of the Sunshine Coast are lined with

unbrokenbeachesfromSunshineBeachnearNoosato

Coolum Beach; the coast from Point Arkwright to Mudjimba;

the MaroochydoreMooloolaba stretch; and from Buddina past

Caloundra to Pelican Waters.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Coast,_Queensland#Beaches

visitsunshinecoast.com.au

21. Wollongong The City of Five Islands

Rank Indicator

9th Crime

25th Health 1

8th Education

19th Housing

25th Unemployment

26th Health 2

22nd Income

14th Connectivity

2nd Child Care

22nd Community

WollongongisAustraliasninthlargestcityandislocated80km

south of Sydney on a narrow coastal strip bordered by the Royal

NationalParktothenorth,LakeIllawarratothesouth,theTasman

Sea to the east and the Illawarra Escarpment to the west. It is a

city with strong manufacturing, education, technology research &

development sectors.

The name Wollongong originated from the Aboriginal word

woolyungah meaning five islands. Archaeological evidence indicates

that Aboriginals have lived here for at least 30,000 years. Wodi Wodi

is the tribe name of the Aboriginal people of the Illawarra.

http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/city/demographics/Pages/

default.aspx

22. Ballarat The Resting Place

Rank Indicator

21st Crime

15th Health 1

13th Education

7th Housing

30th Unemployment

6th Health 2

26th Income

24th Connectivity

29th Child Care

3rd Community

Ballarat is located on the Yarrowee River and lower western plains

oftheGreatDividingRangeinthestateofVictoria,Australia,

approximately105kilometres(65mi)west-north-westofthestate

capital; Melbourne. Ballarat is the third most populous urban area in

the state and one of Australias most populated inland settlements.

Ballarat was named by Scottish squatter Archibald Yuille who

established the first settlement, his sheep run called Ballarat in1837[7]withthenamederivedfromlocalWathaurongAboriginal

wordsforthearea,Ballarat,thoughttomeanrestingplace.

TheVictoriangoldrushtransformedBallaratfromasmallsheep

stationtoamajorsettlement.GoldwasdiscoveredatPovertyPoint

on18August1851andnewsquicklyspreadofrichalluvialfields

where gold could easily be extracted.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballarat

ballarat.com

23. Sydney The Emerald City

Rank Indicator

8th Crime

27th Health 1

12th Education

30th Housing

18th Unemployment

14th Health 2

5th Income

3rd Connectivity

24th Child Care

26th Community

SydneyisthecapitalofNewSouthWalesandthemostpopulated

cityinAustralia.Givenitslocationastheeconomicandcultural

heart of Australia, the City of Sydney is highly and densely

urbanised. Its land is intensively used for a variety of purposes

including residential and commercial use as well as tourist and

cultural attractions, and parks and open space. It is home to the

highest commercial and residential densities in Australia.

TheSydneyOlympicGames(2000),widelyregardedasthebest

games ever, put Sydney on the map internationally.

The term Emerald City is used as a metaphor by the character

ElaineRossinDavidWilliamsonsPlayOz,describingSydneyas

theEmeraldCityofOz,wherepeoplegoexpectingtheirdreams

to be fulfilled, only to end up with superficial substitutes and brokendreams.SubsequentlyEmeraldCityhasoccasionallybeenused

as an unofficial nickname for the city of Sydney.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_City

Sydney.com.au



24. Brisbane The River City

Rank Indicator

28th Crime

21st Health 1

24th Education

26th Housing

9th Unemployment

17th Health 2

3rd Income

2nd Connectivity

18th Child Care

11th Community

BrisbaneisthecapitalofQueenslandandnamedafterSirThomas

Brisbane,notedastronomerandformerGovernorofNewSouth

Wales.BrisbaneisthemostpopulouscityinQueenslandandthe

third most populous city in Australia.

BrisbanewaschosenasthecapitalwhenQueenslandwas

proclaimedaseparatecolonyfromNewSouthWalesin1859.

Brisbane has hosted many large cultural and sporting events,includingthe1982CommonwealthGames,WorldExpo88and

thefinalGoodwillGamesin2001.Brisbaneisthelargesteconomy

betweenSydneyandSingapore,andasof2008isclassifiedas

aGlobalcity.[6]Itwasalsoratedthe16thmostlivablecityinthe

worldin2009bytheEconomistIntelligenceUnit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane

visitbrisbane.com

25. Geelong The Cliff City

Rank Indicator

12th Crime

19th Health 1

27th Education

18th Housing

20th Unemployment

3rd Health 2

27th Income

21st Connectivity

26th Child Care

14th Community

GeelongisaportcitylocatedonCorioBayandtheBarwonRiver,inthestateofVictoria,Australia,75kilometressouth-westofthestate

capital,Melbourne.ItisthesecondmostpopulatedcityinVictoria

andthefifthmostpopulatednon-capitalcityinAustralia.

Geelongwasnamedin1827byGovernorRichardBurke,with

the name derived from the local Wathaurong Aboriginal name for

theregion,Jillong,thoughttomeanlandorcliffs.Geelongwas

proclaimedacityin1910,withindustrialgrowthfromthistimeuntil

the1960sestablishingthecityasamanufacturingcentreforthe

state. It is known for being home to car manufacturer Ford Australia

andalsotheGeelongFootballClub,nicknamedTheCats.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geelong

geelongaustralia.com.au

visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

26. Hervey Bay The Whale Watch Capital

of the World

Rank Indicator

18th Crime

26th Health 1

20th Education

12th Housing

27th Unemployment

30th Health 2

6th Income

19th Connectivity

10th Child Care

26th Community

HerveyBayhasoftenbeencalledthejewelinQueenslandscrown.

It is also referred to as the Whale Watch Capital of the World. A

scenic 3 hours drive north of Brisbane and only 45 minutes by air

from Brisbane.

The city has a wonderful subtropical climate. Temperatures range

from14to23degreesCentigradeinwinterand22to29degreesCentigrade in summer.

RainfallislowandtherearemorefinedaysthanotherQueensland

city.

http://www.discoverherveybay.com/

27. Cairns Australias Tropical Paradise

Rank Indicator

30th Crime

14th Health 1

25th Education

15th Housing

26th Unemployment

20th Health 2

15th Income

9th Connectivity

19th Child Care

16th Community

NestledonthecoastofFarNorthQueensland,Cairnsistucked

betweentheGreatBarrierReefintheCoralSeaandthelush

rolling downs of the Atherton Tableland to the west. The city was

namedafterWilliamWellingtonCairns,then-currentGovernorofQueensland.Itwasformedtoserveminersheadingforthe

Hodgkinson River goldfield, but experienced a decline when an

easierroutewasdiscoveredfromPortDouglas.Itlaterdeveloped

into a railhead and major port for exporting sugar cane, gold and

other metals, minerals and agricultural products from surrounding

coastal areas and the Atherton Tableland region.

CairnsisknownforitstourismisattractionsliketheGreatBarrier

Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest.

http://tools.cairns.com.au/about-cairns/about-cairns.php



28. Gold Coast Australias Golden City

Rank Indicator

26th Crime

23rd Health 1

14th Education

24th Housing

13th Unemployment

18th Health 2

18th Income

6th Connectivity

30th Child Care

29th Community

Famousforitssun,surfandsand,GoldCoastCitystretchesalong

57 kilometres of coastline.

TheGoldCoastisknownforitsbeautifulbeachesandvast

rainforest hinterland. It is the sixth largest city in Australia and one of

the fastest growing regions in the country.

Covering an area of 1400 square kilometres, the citys boundaries

extend from just south of Beenleigh to Coolangatta, taking inSouth Stradbroke Island and part of Moreton Bay and extending

west to the hinterland of Mount Tamborine and the Lamington and

DarlingtonRanges.

http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/default.html

28. La Trobe Valley Mountains, Lakes and

Beaches

Rank Indicator

25th Crime

28th Health 1

23rd Education

2nd Housing

21st Unemployment

16th Health 2

24th Income

26th Connectivity

28th Child Care

9th Community

TheLatrobeValleyisaninlandgeographicalregionandurbanarea

insideGippslandinthestateofVictoria.ItiseastoftheCityOf

Melbourne and nestled between the Strzelecki Ranges to the southandtheGreatDividingRange(BawBawRanges)tothenorthwith

thehighestpeaktothenorthoftheLatrobeValleyapproximately

due north of Moe being Mount Baw Baw.

The area has four major centres (from west to east) Warragul, Moe,

Morwell and Traralgon, with minor centres including Churchill,

Drouin&Trafalgar.ThecityofMoeisthemostcentralcitytothe

LatrobeValley.LatrobeCityboastsalloftherecreationaland

cultural facilities of a large diverse regional centre with the added

benefit of being nestled amongst some of the best tourist attractions

in the state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latrobe_Valley

Latrobe.vis.gov.au

30. Coffs Harbour Home of the Big

Banana

Rank Indicator

20th Crime

29th Health 1

30th Education

13th Housing

28th Unemployment

25th Health 2

19th Income

18th Connectivity

20th Child Care

12th Community

CoffsHarbourisacoastalcitylocatedonthenorthcoastofNew

SouthWalesabout540kmnorthofSydney,and390kmsouthof

Brisbane. Popular with people wanting to relocate from big cities to

small towns on the coast or in rural areas, Coffs Harbour continues

to grow at an exceptional rate.

According to the CSIRO, Coffs Harbour has the most liveableclimate in Australia, and it is nestled between a high mountain

backdropanddozensofunspoiledbeaches.CoffsHarbours

economy is based mainly on farming (of bananas), tourism, and

manufacturing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffs_Harbour

visitcoffsharbour.com

coffscoast.com.au

coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au


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Suncorp Bank Family Friendly City Report

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