PUBLIC LIBRARIES

NSW 2006 Census Regional Roadshows

The first results from the 2006 Census were released on 27 June 2007. To help regionally-based decision makers understand what is available and how to access it the ABS conducted a series of free information seminars across New South Wales in June and July.
The Census seminars covered how to access free Census data using the ABS's new Census web products, including snapshots of the 2006 Census results for the local area. It also presented the range of consultancy and training services the ABS offers to help clients better understand and use statistical data for informed decision making.
The Census seminars were held in Newcastle, Wollongong, Lismore, Dubbo, and Wagga Wagga, and were attended by people from local councils, NSW State Government agencies, and local businesses, and other organisations.

In Newcastle two sessions were run on the 28th of June 2007 at Wallsend District Library. Our thanks to Newcastle Regional Library for helping us with the venue and publicity.

The Wollongong session was held on 28th of June at Wollongong City Council Administration Building. This was a very popular session, with many attendees from libraries. Our thanks to Wollongong City Library for helping us with the venue and publicity.

In Wagga Wagga the session was on 11th of July at Wagga Wagga Council's Civic Centre. This session even had local TV news and Wagga Wagga's Lord Mayor attending. Our thanks to Riverina Regional Library for their help with the venue and publicity.

In Lismore two seminars were held on 28th of June at Southern Cross University Library. Attendees came from across the Richmond Tweed area. Our thanks to Southern Cross University Library for helping us with the venue and publicity.

In Dubbo the session was run on 3rd of July at Macquarie Regional Library's Dubbo Branch Library. This was also a popular session with the room's capacity being tested. Attendees came from as far afield as Bathurst, Bourke, Cobar, and Walgett. Our thanks to Macquarie Regional Library for their hosting of this event.

The ABS also visited the Dubbo, New England, Riverina, and Richmond Tweed regions. We ran ABS training sessions for the NSW State Reference Library, University of New England Library, Armidale Dumaresq Public Library, Tamworth City Library, Inverell Shire Public Library, Tenterfield Public Library, Southern Cross University Library, Richmond Tweed Regional Library, Macquarie Regional Library, Western NSW TAFE Libraries, and Waverley Library.

Over 400 people attended the four census training sessions for metropolitan libraries and other ABS clients at the NSW Office in Sydney in May. These were very popular, with waiting lists for all sessions.

Our Census Library Partnership Program was launched to promote the 2006 Census data release in NSW communities. 110 public, TAFE, and University libraries participated, and were sent a promotion kit.

2006 Census data can be accessed on the ABS website.

Please call the ABS's National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135070 if you need any help with Census data.

PLA Conference in Adelaide

The ABS were recently invited to speak about 'Measuring Community Strength' at the Public Libraries Conference - a topical issue for many local communities, and an excellent opportunity to talk Census data. The ABS also sponsored a trade stand at the conference, which proved to be a popular stop for conference attendees wishing to renew acquaintances and pass on positive feedback regarding the presentation.

The conference was considered a big success attendees and organisers alike, and the ABS extends its offer of support to those looking to implement local service initiatives. Contact your state representative if you want to discuss your statistical needs.