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Census users flock to conference

More than 300 people attended the inaugural Census Analysis Conference hosted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, held in Canberra on 18 and 19 July 2006.

The conference was designed to raise awareness of the analytical and research capabilities of Census data and was aimed at people who use, or should be using, Census in their everyday decision making.

Organisers had anticipated about 100 people would attend, but were pleasantly surprised to have underestimated the conference’s popularity. Those attending came from many different employment environments across Australia. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from more than 40 presenters who spoke about their research using Census data, how it helped in their decision making and how the data could be used to help the community.

Some of the research presented related to: child health research; mental health research; natural resource management; education; vocational education and training; government service delivery; and, state budgets.

There was also information on: how local government uses the data; how Census figures give us a picture of the changing face of coastal areas; the ageing of our workforce; and how a charity uses Census data.

Invited speakers at the conference included: Dr Natalie Jackson (University of Tasmania); Professor Graeme Hugo (University of Adelaide); Dr Bob Birrell (Monash University); Associate Professor Chris Chamberlain (RMIT University), Mr David Mackenzie (Swinburne University); Professor Peter McDonald (Australian National University); and Professor Ann Harding (University of Canberra).

With a cocktail night, a conference dinner and seven exhibition stands to inspect, the two-day conference was a great networking opportunity and an ideal way to raise awareness of the capabilities of Census data. There was a lot of positive feedback from attendees. Due to the conference’s success, it is planned that a Census Analysis Conference will be held every two-and-a-half years.

All papers and presentations from the Census Analysis Conference are available free on CD-ROM and by following the conference link on the Census web page, www.abs.gov.au/census. If you would like to receive a copy please email marketing@abs.gov.au. Numbers are limited so email today to learn more about how you can make the most of your Census.