Media release –
New South Wales
25 Census Collectors pound the pavements of Parkes3 August 2011 | NSW/10125 Census Collectors have been pounding the streets of Parkes since Friday, delivering Census forms to every house, farm and caravan park ahead of Census night on Tuesday, 9 August. Local Area Supervisor Carmel Coutts was a Census Collector in Forbes during the last Census in 2006 and has stepped up this year to manage her own team of six Census Collectors who are delivering Census forms in the urban and rural parts of Parkes. "The Census is very worthwhile, particularly in rural areas. It's important that every person is accurately counted so that the essential services we need in the country can be planned," Carmel says. Born in Forbes, Carmel has spent the past 40 years in the region and currently works at Richmond Fellowship, a mental health support service in Parkes. "There is a great mix of residents here - farmers, miners, retirees and business people," Carmel says. "There will also be quite a few people visiting or passing through Parkes on Census night and staying at local motels. I've been working with Hotel Managers to ensure we can accurately capture these people." This is the second time that the Census can be completed online and Carmel is encouraging local residents to complete the eCensus. "I really hope everyone embraces the eCensus. It means you can complete your form online and you won’t need to wait for your local Collector to return to your home to pick up your completed form. “It’s far more convenient for everyone," Carmel adds. For more information visit www.abs.gov.au/census or call 1300 338 776 |