Experience the Census for yourself

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	MEDIA RELEASE
20 February 2014	Embargo: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	19/2014

The interactive touring exhibition allows visitors to engage, interact and explore data collected in the Census of Population and Housing in a personal, fun and engaging way.

The 16th Census took place on Tuesday, 9 August 2011 and marked 100 years of national Census taking in Australia.

Developed by the ABS in partnership with Questacon, the exhibition tells the story of Australia using data from Australia’s richest statistical resource – the Census.

Four interactive exhibits dissect and showcase local, state, territory and Australian data, based on user interaction and inputs, including age, sex, occupation, ancestry, country of birth, language spoken at home, religion, method of travel to work and dwelling structure.

Acting Australian Statistician, Jonathan Palmer said, "The exhibition is a celebration of the Census centenary and just one example of the way the ABS collect, manage and deliver information and statistics to inform public debate and enable effective decision-making.

“The exhibition celebrates 100 years of national Census taking in Australia, and it provides a fun, engaging and educational way for visitors to interact with and explore the latest Census data,” said Mr Palmer.

Questacon Director, Professor Graham Durant was pleased with the exhibits and the response they have received from visitors so far.

“The exhibition has received a lot of positive feedback from visitors to Questacon,” said Professor Durant.

“Census data tells a fascinating story about the history of our nation, and the exhibition has generated discussion and offered some often surprising insights into our own backyard,” added Professor Durant.

Experience the Census for yourself – interact with the exhibits and see what kind of a story Census data can tell you about you. The exhibition is open to the public and will be at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra until the end of March, before embarking on a national tour.

The ABS website gives you access to the full range of ABS statistical and reference information. To interact, and get help on finding, using and understanding statistics, visit abs.gov.au