Media release –
Victoria
Australian Bureau of Statistics celebrates NAIDOC Week across Victoria5 July 2016 | VIC/52As part of NAIDOC Week, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders culture, history and achievements throughout Victoria (VIC), and is encouraging people to make sure their voice is heard on Census night, Tuesday, 9 August 2016. VIC Census Director, Annette Kelly, says the NAIDOC Week is an important time to talk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about the Census and why it’s important they take part and identify their origin. “We know that language and stories passed on from one generation to another maintains Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ connection to country and helps them identify themselves,” Ms Kelly said. “The Census also provides an opportunity for every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person to identify their origin and be counted - which helps planning for important services like schools, healthcare and housing in communities across Australia.” Census Field Officer, Alan Brown, said the Census is an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait people to stand up to be counted and recognised in this year’s national Census. “It’s so important to know what we have around us, in terms of community size and demographics for service delivery and much more. “Part of understanding our cultural narrative is asking people who they are and what they do. I think it would be great for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to contribute to that through the Census,” Mr Brown said. From early August, households in urban areas will receive a letter which provides information on how to complete the Census online. It also provides information on how to request a paper form. The information provided in the Census is kept private and not shared with anyone, including the Police, Housing, Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or Centrelink.
Key 2016 Census dates:
Media inquiriesNational Media Manager (P) 1300 175 070 (E) media@abs.gov.auThe ABS Privacy Policy outlines how the ABS will handle any personal information that you provide to us. |