2903.0.55.002 - How Australia Takes a Census, 2006  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 28/07/2006  First Issue
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MEDIA RELEASE

July 28, 2006
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
VIC144/2006

Census 2006 - a chance to redefine regional Australia

Regional Australians are being urged to use the Tuesday 8 August Census as an opportunity to redefine their changing communities.

That was the message from Director, Population Census Andrew Henderson today as he joined Minister for Workforce Participation, Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP in launching the Census to Regional Australia.

“Since the last Census in 2001, our regional communities have undergone a transformation,” Mr Henderson said.

“The social landscape is rapidly evolving with growing diversity, while many regions are experiencing economic growth through innovative industries.”

“The Census gathers a portrait of Australia and is vital to planning for our future. We need to understand this change if we are to build the future we want for our families and children.”

Census Night is on Tuesday 8 August and from today, Collectors will start knocking on doors to deliver Census Forms to every home in the country.

The Census provides a snapshot of everyone in Australia, and is used for a range of planning purposes by governments and private organisations. It helps determine where community services and infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and aged care facilities will be established.

In 2006, there are 61 questions on the Census household form. This year for the first time, Australians can choose to complete their Census form online with eCensus.

“Creating a portrait of each and every region in Australia is vital to ensuring decisions on funding and delivery arrangements for services and infrastructure are based on local need, not only for today, but the expected need for future communities,” Mr Henderson said.

“Tuesday 8 August is a chance for regional Australia to redefine their communities. Make sure you count on Census Night.”

More information about the Census is available at www.abs.gov.au/census

To arrange an interview with Mr Henderson or a photo opportunity with a local Collector,
contact
Census Inquiry Service - phone 1300 362 883