Pilbara residents urged to be counted in 2026 Census

Pilbara residents are being urged to take part in the 2026 Census, with Australian Bureau of Statistics teams visiting regional and remote communities from late July ahead of Census night on Tuesday, August 11.

Pilbara Census regional manager Shonice Garnham said an accurate count was particularly important across regional and remote Western Australia because Census data helped governments, service providers and community organisations plan services and seek funding.

“The Census helps to build a picture of who we are and what services are needed,” she said.

“When everyone is counted, it ensures that our community is accurately represented.

“For regional and remote communities like ours, it’s particularly important that we get the numbers right so we can plan and advocate for what we need.”

Census information supports decisions by governments and services about funding and policies across education, employment, health, infrastructure and community services.

Ms Garnham said a dedicated Pilbara team was working with communities, attending events and speaking with residents about how to complete the Census and why participation mattered.

People living in remote communities can expect Census workers to begin visiting from late July, with additional face-to-face assistance available at the doorstep.

Residents in larger towns, including Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman and Tom Price, will receive instructions through the mail or have forms delivered to their homes.

Local people who speak Aboriginal languages are also being encouraged to apply for short-term Census roles supporting communities and assisting with interpretation. Ms Garnham said positions could last between two and four weeks.

“We are looking to employ local community field officers in each town and community to support with translation,” she said.

The ABS is recruiting local field officers to deliver forms, answer questions and help people who require additional assistance to participate.

People can complete the Census online, on a paper form or with help from Census staff. It normally takes about 30 minutes to complete the form, although bigger households may require more time.

Households should include every person staying at the property on Census night, including visitors.

People who do not normally live at the address can record their usual place of residence, allowing the Census to account for the Pilbara’s people travelling through or staying with friends and family.

Ms Garnham said the Pilbara team would also be provided through community sessions, homelessness services, shelters and refuges to help count people who may otherwise be missed, including those sleeping rough.

She also said any information supplied through the Census was protected by law.

“The Census is private and confidential, and Census data is never shared with other government agencies,” she said.

“The information that people provide is only used to produce statistics and not to identify individuals.”

For more information, go to: info.census.abs.gov.au/