This was a lengthy process, involving consultations with thousands of Australians throughout the country. The results of these consultations and subsequent commissioned research provided the basis for the principles that have been developed as the foundation for all Bicentennial planning. More than 80 percent of Australians, wherever they live and whatever their ethnic origins, believe it is 'important' or 'very important' to have a major national celebration in the Bicentennial year. Australians believe that, while spectacles are necessary ingredients of celebration, it is important to ensure that the emphasis in the overall Bicentennial program is on wide-ranging educational and cultural pursuits, designed to strengthen national unity and identity. They also assert that much-needed community facilities should be established to remind present and future generations that 1988 was a significant year in the development of modern Australia.
Communities everywhere wish to plan their own local celebrations.
Consequently, the Authority moved quickly to decentralise the planning. Bicentennial Councils have been established in each state and territory. As well, a network of Bicentennial Community Committees is being set up in local government areas. Towards the end of 1985 over 520 of these committees had been formed. The Authority's target is to have a committee in each of the 830 or so local government areas in Australia.