Now, as the question of changing the marriage act to allow same-sex couples to wed is delivered to mailboxes around the country, they’re taking the same approach.

But this time their human formation was firmly in the affirmative – with a giant Y-E-S spreading over Surf Beach on Wednesday afternoon.

Organised by Kiama councillor Neil Reilly and the Marriage Equality Gilmore group, the exercise attracted about 60 people during the weekly Kiama Farmers Market.

“It’s a Kiama thing,” Cr Reilly said.

“I think that there’s such a sense of democracy in this town, and it’s got to do with the idea that when their democracy is seen to be eroded – like with the amalgamation – we will come together and protest and we will prevail.

“In a sense, the Yes/No vote is exactly the same – people have sensed that there is an erosion to their democracy and they will come together to protest, and again we will prevail.”

Cr Reilly said he thought a majority of people in Kiama would be “very much in favour of marriage equality”.

“Of course, other people have those views and I respect that, but I would think the majority of people are in favour of equality, not only in marriage but in everything.”

Postal surveys were mailed out from September 12, and are expected to be delivered by September 25. 

If you haven’t received a survey after this date, contact the Australian Bureau of Statistics on 1800 572 113.