2011 Census News Release

Record 180 Collector jobs available in Port Stephen and surrounds

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is looking for a record 180 Census Collectors in Port Stephens and surrounds to help conduct the Census on 9 August 2011.

These Collectors will join an army of 8,200 in NSW who will pound the pavement to deliver and collect more than four million Census forms to NSW's 3.1 million households.

Newly appointed Area Supervisor for Nelson Bay, Ron McLachlan, understands what is needed to be a Census Collector, having been one himself in the 1950's and more recently in 2001.

"The work of a Census Collector is interesting and diverse," Mr McLachlan says.

"In the 1950's I was responsible for counting homeless people living in the Hornsby Caves. This year my team of Census Collectors will need to deliver and collect forms to many boats out in Nelson Bay."

"As a Census Collector you get to meet a wide variety of people in your local area from all walks of life."

"If you love chatting to people and know your local area - it's an interesting experience and you get paid to do it."

Ron, who turns 80 this year, is one of the oldest and most active Census recruits.

"Most of my family have lived well beyond their 90's. I hope to be pounding the Census beat for many years to come! " Mr McLachlan adds.

Census Collectors will receive between $1,300 and $2,800 for the casual position and will be employed from 1 July until 8 September 2011.

Applications are open from 9 April until 5 May. Apply online at www.abs.gov.au/census or call 1800 420 182.