As Census night draws near, multicultural communities are being encouraged to participate and ensure their voices are heard and counted.

AUSTRALIA — On Tuesday 11 August, Australia will conduct its national Census, a vital exercise that captures a snapshot of the nation’s people and housing, telling the story of how we are changing. The data collected is used to shape services that people use every day, helping governments, community groups and businesses plan for healthcare, education, transport and infrastructure.

The Census is held every five years and is compulsory for everyone in Australia on Census night, including visitors, international students and visa holders .

Support for Multicultural Communities

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has developed a range of support options to help people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds participate. While the Census form is only available in English, information is available in multiple languages. Translated resources can be accessed through the ABS website, and help is available through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.

Census National Spokesperson Emily Walter said it’s important that Australia’s multicultural communities know what support is available to help them take part.

“Information is available in 25 languages to help the community better understand what the Census is, how it works and what you need to do,” according to the ABS.

Ancestry and Language Questions

For the 2026 Census, Australians will be able to nominate up to four ancestries, an increase from two in previous years, providing a more accurate reflection of the country’s multicultural population. This change has been welcomed by community organisations, who say it helps ensure people from diverse backgrounds are accurately represented.

Community leaders have encouraged people to pay close attention to the ancestry and language questions, as this data helps organisations advocate for the needs of their communities.

“If we want our community to be accurately represented, we need to be accurately counted,” community leaders have said.

How to Complete the Census

Most households will receive a letter in the mail containing a unique 16-digit Census number and temporary password to complete the Census online. Some households will receive a paper form instead.

Once you receive your instructions, you can complete the Census immediately if you know where you will be on Census night.

If you need help, you can:

• Call the Census Contact Centre on 1800 181 227 for assistance in English
• Call TIS National on 131 450 for help in your preferred language
• Visit the ABS website to find in-person support locations near you

Protecting Your Information

The ABS has reassured Australians that personal Census information is protected by law and cannot be shared with agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office, police, landlords or private companies.

“Every answer helps us understand what Australia needs now, and in the future,” the ABS states.

The 2026 Census is on Tuesday 11 August. For more information, visit census.abs.gov.au/language-support.