INTENTION TO ATTEND LOCAL EVENTS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: THE CASE OF AUSTRALIA

Abstract

This study examines the intention of local residents to attend events in their neighbourhood when mass gatherings are being perceived as a risky activity, particularly due to a public health risk, and investigates the differences in behavioural intention by personal factors. The survey findings show a strong willingness of community members to attend events and that it varies across household types and the number of previous visits to events. Age and gender which were shown in previous studies to affect risk perception have not been found relevant in the context of willingness to attend local events. The identified factors from a focus group, such as trust in government regulations, familiarity with the place as well as previous positive experiences at events, can be seen as important to reinforce the willingness of residents to attend local events in times of crisis.