Engaging with clients - Census information sessions
The 2006 Census user information sessions proved to be extremely popular, opening to a capacity crowd in Melbourne on 30 October.
Almost 200 clients from all levels of government, as well as academia and private research firms filled Melbourne’s Treasury Theatre to learn about the range of new web-based products being developed by the ABS.
Two surveys and a series of face-to-face sessions have been conducted annually in every state and territory across Australia since the 2001 Census. This information has guided the development of the 2006 Census product range, ensuring they will be relevant and reflective of the needs of users.
A similar sized group attended the opening day’s afternoon session. The sessions have toured the country, travelling to all state and territory capitals as well as Launceston, Newcastle and Townsville. The final session was held in Perth on 30 November.
The sessions provided clients with the opportunity to preview the 2006 suite of Census products and services and ask questions. Clients were particularly interested to learn more about our overall product suite for the 2006 Census (particularly CDATA Online and Table Builder), the availability of mesh blocks and the other levels of geography, and what was happening in the field of GIS software.
User Consultation
Corporate Communications Assistant Director Kris Leggo said the ABS has had an overwhelming response to the sessions with over 2,000 clients participating around Australia. “The feedback from clients to the planned data product releases has been very positive and enthusiastic,” she said.
“One client exclaimed 'fantastic' in response to Director of Census Products and Services Michael Beahan's description of the products now free on the web and the capability and flexibility of the planned census products.
“This sums up the perception and anticipation of the directions for web-based data dissemination. The move from charged to free products on the web also allows access to census data to a greater number of people in the community than ever before.
“The products and services containing 2006 Census data are also being developed to suit both the experienced data users as well as the novice,” Kris said.
Intermediaries
For the 2006 Census, intermediaries have an increased role in delivering census data to clients, especially products with full GIS capabilities. These registered distributors of ABS data were also on hand at most sessions to inform clients about how they plan to use 2006 Census data in their products and services. Having these organisations present at the sessions meant clients were able to obtain a complete picture of the census which not only includes the data disseminated by the ABS but the value added products that Intermediaries are able to provide.
A full list of registered distributors of ABS Census data is available on the ABS web site. View this information by accessing the following link: Registered distributors of ABS Census data
Sessions continue
Further sessions are being conducted by the ABS' State Offices in regional centres in early 2007. While there will be a particular focus on 2006 Census output, there will also be information about other services that the ABS provides which would be relevant to regionally-based individuals, schools and organisations. To find out more about the Regional shows click on this link: ABS Regional shows
Thank You
The ABS would like to thank all those who attended for making the sessions a success. We look forward to presenting you with the 2006 Census data in a few months time.
Census FAQ's
The answers to the frequently asked questions raised at the information sessions are currently being compiled and will be available on the ABS website shortly. This page will be updated as more information becomes available. More information about our Table Builder, CDATA Online and QuickMaps products is also available on pages 8 & 9 of this edition of Census Update.
Keep Informed
Bookmark www.abs.gov.au/census and follow the Census link to check out our new Census developments as they happen. Email census.users@abs.gov.au and type 'add to Census email' in the subject line to subscribe to our Census email newsletter. You can opt out at any time. Further information about our 2006 product range is also provided on pages of 8 of Census Update.
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