Fishermans Reach

Fishermans Reach is an older community, with 33.3% of people aged 65 or over, a figure far above the national 17.2%. It also has a much higher proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (8.3%) than the state average.

Most residents were born in Australia (72.9%), though 15.3% were born overseas, which is higher than in most similar areas. The most common ancestries are Australian and English.

English is the only language used at home by 89.6% of residents, and no one in the area speaks little or no English, which is far below the national figure.

A large majority of residents (59.0%) report having no religion, a figure far above the national average of 38.9%.

Educational attainment is much lower than most areas, with only 8.5% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher and just 31.1% completing Year 12.

Typical incomes are among the lowest at this level, with the usual household earning $739 a week, which is far below the New South Wales figure of $1,829.

Long-term health issues are common here, as 42.4% of people have a long-term condition, including 18.8% with a mental health condition—both figures far above the state average.

While few people care for children unpaid, 15.5% of residents provide some form of unpaid care, and 7.2% have served in the Defence Force, which is well above the national average.

The First Nations community is smaller and younger than the wider area, with a typical age of 15 and a typical personal income of $225, which is among the lowest for similar areas.

Half of all households consist of one person, and homes are smaller than average, with only 1.9 people per home compared to the national 2.5.

Most people live in separate houses (91.2%), and 38.2% own their home outright. Rent is well below the national figure, with a typical weekly rent of $250.

Cars are essential here, as 48.9% of workers drive to work and 0.0% use public transport, despite there being more bus stops per person than in many other areas.

The area has seen some movement, with 37.9% of people moving in the last five years and a relatively high number of recent overseas arrivals (13.6%).

Working or looking for work is much less common here than nationally, with only 39.5% of adults active in the workforce. Many who do work are in agriculture, forestry and fishing (44.7%).

The area is highly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 0.9. There are no groceries, health services, or schools within a 15-minute walk for any resident.