Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories helping mob to get involved in 2021 Census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today launched the 2021 Census campaign, with national advertising starting on Sunday 4 July.

The 2021 Census campaign will include materials and resources to encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to complete the Census in August.

Radio advertising will be translated into 19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

Haidee Allan is a proud Kamilaroi woman from Tamworth NSW who is working on the 2021 Census campaign.

“The campaign shares stories of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations that have used Census data to help plan for our future generations,” Haidee said.

“From a remote bus service in Queensland to better university pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, the campaign is helping us to share powerful stories about how Census data is used to create better outcomes in our communities.”

This year people will have several days to complete, rather than a single night. The advertising campaign encourages people to start their Census as soon as they receive instructions if they know where they’ll be on Tuesday 10 August.

In remote areas, the Census is conducted between July and August. This allows time for remote teams to cover large areas and visit households to help people complete.

“Our network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff across Australia will be working closely within their communities. Our voices are stronger and louder together,” Haidee said.

“Encouraging our mob to be counted in the Census ensures we’re heard. I encourage everyone to participate in the 2021 Census and help tell our story.”

For information and resources to help people participate, visit www.census.abs.gov.au/indigenous.

The artwork featured in the advertising materials and resources, ‘Our Story. Our Future’, was created by proud Wiradjuri, Wotjobaluk, Yuin and Gumbaynggirr artist, Luke Penrith, and Badu Island artist from the Torres Strait, Naseli Tamwoy.

The artwork tells the story of how the ABS works in partnership with communities to see, hear and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, cultures and experiences in our national story.

What is the Census?

The Census, held on Tuesday 10 August 2021, is a snapshot of who we are and tells the story of how we are changing. It is one of the largest and most important statistical collections undertaken by the ABS.

How will people complete their Census?

People will be able to complete the Census online, on their mobile device, or on paper. There will be a number of options available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including help from Census field staff, and phone and online help.

Census staff will be available in remote communities during July and August 2021. Where possible, they'll be people who live in the community. Our staff will do face-to-face interviews with people living there.

What is new with the Census?

People will be encouraged to complete their Census as soon as they receive their instructions, if they know where they’ll be on 10 August. They don’t have to wait until Census night. The ABS will also introduce new questions in the 2021 Census—the first changes to questions collected since 2006. The new questions are on long-term health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, and on defence force participation.