The social landscape of Australia has fundamentally shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. As researchers, we have observed many changes in Australians’ lives throughout the past two years.
As the normal way of life has been disrupted through lockdowns and restrictions, it has provided many Australians with time to reflect, and in response many have chosen to reprioritise aspects of their life, so they are more in line with what they value.
We are seeing a return to simplicity and community with many Australians valuing a strong local community and local businesses more than they did three years ago.
Local businesses and community groups are also seen as an integral part of rebuilding community across Australia.
Population makeup
The Northwest (which comprises of two LGAs, Blacktown City Council and The Hills Shire Council) is home to more than half a million people (588,652) and is one of Sydney’s primary population growth corridors.
Over the past decade the population of the Northwest has increased by 145,567 people.
There has been development of significant infrastructure in the Northwest including the Sydney Metro Northwest Rail Link, new housing developments in areas such as McGraths Hills, Box Hills, Riverstone and Marsden Park, and planned growth of the Norwest Business Park.
The Department of Planning and Environment projects that the area’s population will be on its way to reaching one million people in 2036.
The story of the Northwest is one of cultural and generational diversity. Australia is one of the most culturally diverse developed nations on the planet. Blacktown is proof of this with over half of households using a non-English language when at home.
Generational diversity continues to abound. There are already 3.7 million people aged between 0-12 years in Australia, which means they are a part of the newest generation – Generation Alpha.
Workforce participation
Over the last two years, the world of work has undergone some massive transformations. Mandating that people work from home started out as a necessary measure to keep people safe. Now, it has become the new expectation of workers.
Even aside from work becoming more flexible, there are other transitions at play. As robotics and artificial intelligence become more sophisticated, there is a shift from manual to machine learning.
Yet at the same time, the uniquely human skills of empathy, leadership and critical thinking have become even more important for workers to possess.
Then there are the transitions of the generations. We have more generations mixing in our workplaces than ever before.
With Baby Boomers living longer and working later, we are also seeing Gen X leaders and Gen Y middle managers mixing in the workplace.
And then we have the emerging generation of employees entering the workforce – Generation Z. Describing those born between 1995 and 2009, Gen Z are tech-savvy, visually engaged and sustainably minded. They want to work for organisations where their values align, and their work is connected to a purpose.
Key desires for careers among the next generation include wanting to work with purpose and meaning in their work (72%), waiting their work to align with their core values (68%) and seeking a workplace that is a community of strong social connections (65%).
By 2031, the workforce will comprise of 8% Gen Alpha, Gen Z and Y each representing 31%, 25% Gen X and 5% Baby Boomers. Each having different strengths and preferences.
As we live longer, retire later, change jobs more frequently, and retrain across multiple careers, lifelong learning will move from an aspiration to an essential.
What this means for the future of Sydney’s North-West
The population of Sydney’s North-West continues to grow, and it is a story of diversity and a relatively young population. In response, we need to be prepared. There is a lot of potential for this area to continue to thrive, if the growth can be accounted and planned for, so that Sydney’s Northwest continues to be a desirable location for people to put down roots and invest in.
Mark McCrindle is principal at
To find out more information about Australia’s changing demographics, visit: https://mccrindle.com.au/resource/report/australia-towards-2031/
