2011 Census News Release

Census partnership with Sydney Homeless Connect counts

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is partnering with today’s Sydney Homeless Connect at Sydney Town Hall, in support of an accurate count of homelessness for this year’s Census on Tuesday 9 August.

NSW Census Director Mark Harding says that Sydney Homeless Connect brings together a number of support organisations, including the ABS, to offer a powerful one-stop shop for those experiencing homelessness.

“This is the second Sydney Homeless Connect and the second time that the ABS has proudly partnered with the organisers to help make the event a success.”

“On the last Census night in 2006, the homeless population in Australia was 105,000, with 42 homeless people per every 10,000 here in NSW.”

“An accurate count of homelessness on Census night is crucial so that decision makers can improve and target homeless services.”

Mr Harding says that the ABS is currently recruiting 350 Homeless Special Census Collectors in NSW to help in the count of rough sleepers on Census night.

“Having people with an understanding of homelessness on the team is crucial to ensuring that the ABS gets an accurate count.”

“I encourage staff in the homelessness sector and people that are currently experiencing homelessness or have previously been homeless to apply," Mr Harding adds.

“I’m particularly interested in applicants in the Sydney, Parramatta and Wollongong, where the ABS is experiencing a shortfall of applications.”

Special Collectors will be paid $18 an hour for the casual role and will be employed from 18 July to 13 August.

To enquire about applying please call 1800 052 360.