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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 Kangaroo Island |
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 the Australian Bureau of Statistics army of Collectors.
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.”
Nick Brown, CEO of the Kangaroo Island Council, urges everyone in the local community to fill out their Census form.
"The Census provides the opportunity for everyone on Kangaroo Island 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 Kangaroo Island Council has used Census data in the following ways:
· To develop more projects for youth including increasing access to education and skill development and for opportunities for small businesses develop. Data has indicated a growing youth population on the Island.
· To develop more facilities for the retired community as more people move to retire on Kangaroo Island.
· To continue to improve services for tourists.
· To evidence an increase in primary health care services, particularly amongst the elderly population.
The Kangaroo Island Council expects the 2006 Census to show a significant increase in population numbers since the last Census and sees this information as invaluable in being able to appropriately plan for their changing community.
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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