Help tell our story – complete your Census tonight

The Census will count each person and household in Australia on Tuesday, 10 August.

Adrian Dodson-Shaw a proud Yawuru, Arrernte and Kaytetye man and Assistant Director at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statistics is encouraging everyone to participate.

“We need our mob to be counted in the Census to ensure that we’re heard. Census data is used to help create a better future for our younger generations,” Adrian said.

“The Census only happens once every five years. It’s a national count of every person and home in Australia – it highlights successes and what communities need to continue to grow.

“Census data is used to help plan services for our families and communities. Make sure you include everyone in your home on Census night. This includes Elders, babies and visitors.

“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Australia has historically been undercounted. This is because some people have not been counted in a household Census form or some households have not been counted at all.

“If people who plan our services and programs don’t know where we are and how many of us live in a community, then they don’t know what services we need in the future to keep us strong and connected.

“Your personal information is protected by law and isn’t shared with anyone. This includes other government agencies. You can’t be identified by the information you share about yourself and your family in your Census.”

In remote areas, the Census is conducted between July and August. This allows time for remote teams to cover large areas and visit households to help people complete.

There is support available if you need help to complete your Census.

• Call 1800 512 441 to speak to someone.
• If you live in a remote community, there will be Census field staff in your community to help you fill in your Census.