PILBARA
WHY IT MATTERS
When people who live in the Pilbara aren’t counted here in the Census, our region and communities can miss out on funding, services and infrastructure.
The Pilbara helps power the national economy. But if people who live here are counted somewhere else – or not counted at all – our communities can miss out. The Census helps governments understand who lives where, what communities need, and where funding and services should go. If the numbers are too low, support can be low as well.
That's what happened in the 2021 Census. This year, we can fix that.
A STRONGER COUNT.
A STRONGER PILBARA.
Here's what can be affected:
Hospitals and health services
Housing and accommodation
Education
and childcare
Roads and transport
Parks and recreation
THE KEY RULE
Be counted where you usually live.
If you live (or work) in the Pilbara for more than half the year – six months plus one day – list your Pilbara address as your usual place of residence. This applies even if:
Your family lives somewhere else
You own or rent a home in another town or city
You travel in and
out for work
WHO DOES THIS APPLY TO?
FIFO WORKERS
If you spend more than half the year working in the Pilbara, it is your usual place of residence for the Census.
NEW RESIDENTS
If you’ve moved to the Pilbara and have lived here for 6 months or more (or intend to), count yourself here on Census night.
ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES
Being counted helps ensure your communities receive the recognition, support and services they need.
WHAT HAPPENED IN 2021?
The Pilbara was undercounted in the 2021 Census.
That happened for a few main reasons:
FIFO workers were often counted somewhere else
Many workers who spend large parts of the year living in the Pilbara were recorded at another address, often outside the region.
New residents were missed or counted elsewhere
Some people living and working in the Pilbara were still using another address, even when they were staying in the region for long periods.
Aboriginal communities faced barriers to participation
In some places, geographic isolation, low digital access and distrust of government processes reduced participation of the Census.
A STRONGER COUNT CREATES A STRONGER PILBARA
An accurate Census count affects what funding the Pilbara gets for the next five years. When the count is right, decision-makers have a more accurate picture of:
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How many people live here
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Where services are needed
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What infrastructure is under pressure
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How communities are growing and changing
This supports better planning and stronger investment in things such as health services, housing, education, roads and transport, parks and recreation, and other community services.
Doing the right thing in the Census is one of the simplest ways to stand up for the Pilbara.
HOW TO BE COUNTED
Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026
You can complete the Census online, on paper, at home, or at camp.
Support services are available to those who need it.
The Census is run the the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Your information is safe and protected by law. It is not shared with other agencies.
FAQs
Is the Census safe and private?
Yes. The Census is run by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) under strict privacy laws. Your personal information is protected, and individual responses are never shared.
Who can see my answers?
No one can see your individual answers. Personal details are removed, and only combined population numbers are used for planning and funding.
Will my information be shared with other agencies?
No. Census information is not shared with police, Centrelink, courts, employers or other government departments. It cannot be used for compliance, taxation or law enforcement.
Where should I be counted if I split my time between places?
You should be counted where you usually live – the place you live, or plan to live, for six months or more. If you spend 50% or more of your time living in the Pilbara, you should be counted here. For FIFO workers – this includes 4/3, 8/6 and 2/1 rosters.
What if I need help completing the Census?
Support will be available locally across the Pilbara. Help will be provided for anyone who needs assistance, including online support, paper forms and in person help.
COUNT THE PILBARA
2026 CENSUS – TUESDAY 11 AUGUST
Image credits: Nexus Airlines
