MCSCA is collaborating with Melaleuca Australia and MCNT with this message for migrants, refugees and the whole multicultural community across the Territory for the 2026 Census, “If you don ‘t count yourself, who will?” We need you to be involved, to be counted.
Every 5 years, the national Census provides a picture of the people who live in Australia. It records who we are, where we live, and how our communities are changing over time. Everyone is included whether you were born here, have just arrived in Australia, an international student, on a working holiday, whether you are an Australian citizen or not, no matter what your visa status, you are part of that picture.
We know the population of Central Australia has changed a lot since the last census. We are very multicultural and more culturally diverse. We also know that the last census did not fully reflect this, and we know we can do better this time with your help, to show the true size of our community and the diversity of our community.
We know the population of Central Australia has changed a lot since the last census. We are very multicultural and more culturally diverse. We also know that the last census did not fully reflect this, and we know we can do better this time with your help, to show the true size of our community and the diversity of our community.
MCSCA is helping the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) which is running the Census. We have been holding information sessions and helping people to apply for fieldworker jobs so they can support the community in understanding what the census is for, the census questions, and filling out the forms.
We understand that some people have concerns about the census itself and the information you are asked to provide. Some people need help in understanding the questions. Some people need help filling in the forms. MCSCA is here to help.
In this newsletter there is information to help you and links to resources in many languages. I invite you to come to our drop-in centre at MCSCA on Census Day if you need some help. Come and have a cuppa, and get the help you need from the ABS team.
Remember, you are here. You matter. If you don’t count yourself, who will?
Joy Taylor, Management Support
What you need to know
Who and When: Everyone in Australia on Tuesday 11 August 2026 is required by law to complete the Census either online or on a paper form.
How Your Data is Protected: Census information is de-identified. This means names and addresses are removed from the other data. Strict privacy laws apply. Your confidential census information, including your name and address, is protected by law and cannot be accessed by police or immigration agencies. Any information you provide is completely secure and will not be shared with any other government agency, department, or housing body. Your privacy is legally guaranteed.
How to Complete the census form: You can use a Household form or a Personal form. Personal forms can be collected from the MCSCA Census drop-in centre on 11th and 14th August, where MCSCA and ABS staff members will assist with any questions you have filling out the forms. Personal Forms can be requested online at www.census.abs.gov.au/paper-form or by calling an automated service on 1800 130 250.
Language Support: There are some great resources available in many different languages.
SBS – 2026 Census: What you need to know offers information in over 40 languages.
ABS language support offers information in 26 languages.
Have a look and see if your mother language is there.
Census 26 Drop-in Centre at MCSCA Tuesday 11 August and Friday 14 August Please ensure you bring the Census letter addressed to your household. We will be supporting key community languages including Hindi, Sinhalese, Nuer, Dinka, Cantonese, Mandarin and Hokkien.
Why It Matters to Central Australia: Census information is used by governments, councils, and service providers to determine health, education, skills, income, housing, and other critical needs across Australia. By completing your form, you ensure that Mparntwe Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Yulara and the remote communities across Central Australia get the exact services and support we need.
Understanding the ” Where does the person usually live ” Question
For anyone navigating complex housing situations, knowing how to answer the question “Where does the person usually live?” is crucial. This is Q13 on the Household form and Q11 on the Personal form. Depending on your living situation, here is how you should answer:
Unhoused Community Members: People who do not have a tenancy agreement and are unhoused should answer the question “Where does the person usually live?” as “NONE” in the suburb field.
Staying with Friends or Family: People who are staying with friends or family because they are unable to get their own rental and tenancy agreement should also answer the question “Where does the person usually live?” as “NONE” in the suburb.
Living in a Granny Flat or Separate Dwelling: People living in a separate dwelling on a shared block, such as a granny flat, should complete a separate household form. If they do not have a secure lease or tenancy agreement, they should answer the question “Where does the person usually live?” as “NONE” in the suburb.
Shared Accommodation and Privacy: People living in shared accommodation who want to keep their information private can get a Personal form from the MCSCA Census drop-in centre on 11th August. Alternatively, Personal Forms can be requested online at www.census.abs.gov.au/paper-form or by calling an automated service on 1800 130 250.
Not on the Lease: People living in shared accommodation who are not on the lease or tenancy agreement should answer the question “Where does the person usually live?” as “NONE” in the suburb.
Count yourself and everyone else in your house this census
“We see you in Central Australia. We need to see you in the Census. When the community shows in the census, we are here, that helps Governments understand what services are needed here.
At the moment the data doesn’t match the needs here in Central Australia. A great example is childcare. There are not enough childcare places to meet our community’s needs here. If we all take part in the census, show we are here, this will help provide the evidence of what we need here to support the whole Central Australian community.”
–Apajok Biar, MCSCA Manager
“It is fun and is very fulfilling to help others in the community, to encourage and help people to take part in the census.”
–Hilda Reeder, Deputy Chair of MCSCA and Deputy Chair of Alice Springs Mabuhay Multicultural Association.
“It’s Census time! If we don’t count ourselves, who will? It is essential to provide information who we are, who are our family, what languages we speak other than English. Recording ourselves in the census means we are counted as residents of Central Australia and show we belong here. I urge the entire multicultural community to provide your information to census officers without any hesitation. Census officers will never ask your financial data such as bank account or any other sensitive matters.”
–Mona Ulak, MCSCA Chairperson
Come and help at the Census 2026 Drop-in Centre on 11th August at MCSCA, or simply ask your family, friends and neighbours if they need a hand.
