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 | MEDIA RELEASE | |
| July 25, 2006 | Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST) | SA31/2006 |
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Census data helps your community: Collectors hit Bordertown and Keith |
In just over two week’s time, on Tuesday 8 August 2006, more than 20.5 million people across Australia will be counted in the National Census. In South Australia, Census forms are about to be delivered to more than 670,000 households across the state by an army of Collectors from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
While most people are aware that they need to fill in a Census form on Census night, many may not be aware of the ways in which Census data is used to benefit their local community.
Mike McGrath, Regional Director, Australian Bureau of Statistics, South Australia, said:
“The Census gives us a snapshot of what is happening in local communities around the country once every five years. This information is invaluable in helping us to understand our communities and the characteristics within particular areas.”
Rob Harkness, CEO of the Tatiara District Council, urges everyone in the local community to fill out their Census form.
"The Census provides the opportunity for everyone in Bordertown, Keith and surrounding areas to stand up and be counted. Census data provides the Council, as well as community organisations and businesses in the community, with accurate and detailed data so that we are able to provide the services that you, our residents, need.
“Census data is used in much of our strategic planning and community development work. This important data gives us information about the make up of our community, such as, how many people are living in our local area, the range of ages in our community and whether people need assistance in their day to day lives. Through this information we are able to build a better future for our local area by directing services and facilities and developing programs where they are needed.”
Over the last few years in the local area, the Tatiara District Council has used Census data in the following ways:
· Census data is integral to directing the Council’s work to ensuring health and housing services for the elderly and the general community are appropriate.
· To evidence introducing an ‘aged care levy’ from residents as part of a three-year plan to increase funding in the community for the elderly.
· When Census data indicated that our youth are leaving the area and not returning, Council recognised additional services for our youth was required. This included the conversion of an old building into a youth centre and the construction of skate park facilities. The centre, which was opened last year, includes pool tables, games and chill-out areas.
Census Collectors will begin delivering Census forms from 28 July. They will return to your household to collect forms from 9 August to 28 August.
It is important that everyone is counted in the Census. By completing a Census form on 8 August, you can help plan for a better Australia, and a better community.
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