How Census helps communities, privacy information and where to get help

Chenile Chandler is a young Wurundjeri woman of the Kulin Nations and Census Engagement Manager passionate about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being counted in the Census. Chenile is one of many Census staff helping communities understand the benefits of the Census.

'The data collected by the Census helps organisations like your local health and education providers to plan the right services in your area – from mums and bubs’ programs to local transport,' Chenile said.

'We are here to help make sure the whole community can be counted in the Census whether you’re living in a share house in the city or a remote community,' Chenile said.

The Census is held every five years. This year, the Census is on Tuesday 10 August. People living in cities and regional areas will either receive instructions on how to complete online, or a paper form. Census field staff will be in remote communities in July and August to help fill in forms and answer any questions.

Chenile wants communities to know they can’t be identified by the information they provide in the Census.

'By law, the personal information provided in your Census isn’t shared with other government agencies, or anyone else, including police, Centrelink or housing offices,' Chenile said.