2011 Census Editorial

Census Collector jobs – Over 8,200 opportunities in NSW

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is hiring a record 8,200 Census Collectors from every pocket of New South Wales to help conduct the Census on 9 August 2011.

These Collectors will form an army of 29,000 Collectors nationally, making this Australia's largest ever peace time operation.

Intrigue led Virginia Matthews to apply for a Census Collector job in the 2006 Census.

“I applied for the position because it was something different. You always hear about the Census and I really wanted to see what it was like. I just wanted to try it out for myself,” she says.

Virginia was responsible for the distribution and collection of Census forms in the South Sydney suburb of Rockdale.

“It was hectic but very rewarding. You get to meet some really nice people.”

Virginia says a Census Collector position in 2011 would be perfect for a casual worker.

“Go for it. It’s ideal for someone with a part-time job who has a few hours spare in the evening,” she says.

Census Collectors will pound the pavement to deliver and collect more than four million Census forms to NSW’s 3.1 million households.

NSW Census Director, Mark Harding says that Collectors are crucial to the success of the 2011 Census.

"Census Collectors are the most important cog in the Census machine. Without Collectors, Australia could not be counted," Mr Harding says.

“These jobs suit people from all walks of life. They are ideal for students, semi-retirees and part time workers looking for a bit of extra cash."

Across the country, Collectors will be responsible for around 500 households in cities or 200 households in Australia’s regional areas.

Census Collectors will receive between $1,300 and $2,800 for the casual position and will be employed from 1 July until 8 September.

Applicant information kits are available online at www.abs.gov.au/census or call 1800 420 182.