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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 the Adelaide Hills |
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.”
Mayor Bill Cooksley of the Adelaide Hills Council, urges everyone in the local community to fill out their Census form.
"The Census provides the opportunity for everyone in the Adelaide Hills area the chance 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 Adelaide Hills Council has used Census data in the following ways:
· To form the basis for the Council’s Community Plan and strategies which have come out of the plan, including a focus on the elderly community as they are a growing group.
· To develop more facilities, services and programs for the youth. Data has shown the youth in the Adelaide Hills as a large and not well serviced group.
· Using demographic data for the planning and seeking of grant funding for new community facilities including the Heathfield Recreation Centre, the Woodside Swimming Centre and the Gumeracha Community Centre.
· To inform residents requesting information about the area.
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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