| July 28, 2006 | Embargoed 09:45am (AEST) | NSW93/2006 |
Census Collectors hit Lismore
This morning, the first 2006 Census form was delivered in Lismore. The Member for Lismore, Mr Thomas George MP, the Director of Census in NSW, Ms Sue Phillips, and Census District Manager for Lismore/Richmond Valley, Mr David Ashton, were there to mark the occasion.
The Census is conducted every five years, and Census night will be held this year on Tuesday 8 August. The Census provides comprehensive information about the characteristics of the population.
The Member for Lismore Thomas George MP urged local residents to fill in their Census forms.
“Census information is critical for planning the future of our region. We need to understand the make up of our population in order to meet the changing needs for housing, transport and community services and facilities,” Mr George said.
The 2001 Census showed that the Lismore was a diverse region with around 8.1% born overseas and 3.4% of the population being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
The Director of the Census in NSW Sue Phillips echoed Mr George’s comments.
”The Census helps to paint a picture of your community. It provides information on many important topics like the age profile of your population, your heritage, your income, your education levels and the industries in which people are working.
“It is vital that everyone participates so that your community has an accurate count from which to plan the services that are required”, said Ms Phillips
This Census, people will have the option of completing their Census form electronically via the Internet (called eCensus).
Local District Manager David Ashton believes that “residents in Lismore and the North Coast may find eCensus an attractive option for completing their Census form.”
“I know that people in the area are busy and may not be at home when the collector calls. If you choose to complete your Census form via eCensus, then a collector will get a message when your form is received saying that they don’t need to return to your household”
All Census information is kept confidential by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Ms Sue Phillips assured those living locally that “no Census information is released by the ABS which can allow your personal information to be identified.”
Collectors will be delivering Census forms right up to Census day. Collectors will return to collect Census forms between 9 and 28 August.
People who need assistance with the Census can ask their Collector or call the Census Inquiry Line on 1300 362 883.
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