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.
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.
What can be affected?
Hospitals and healthcare services, housing and accommodation, education and childcare, roads and transport and parks and recreation.
When is the Census date?
Census night is Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Who needs to be counted for in the Census?
Every person in Australia on the night must be counted, including citizens, permanent residents, temporary visa holders, international students, tourists, and children.
In the Pilbara, this also includes: FIFO workers who spend more than half the year working here, new residents who moved to and have lived in the Pilbara for 6 months or more, and Aboriginal communities to ensure your communities receive the recognition, support and services needed.
Completing the Census is compulsory.
Households will receive instructions on how to complete the form, and support is available for first-time participants or those needing assistance, including multilingual resources
Where can I find more information?
Regional Development Australia, 2026 Census