Published on Tuesday, 4 August 2026 at 10:45:42 AM
Port Hedland and Pilbara residents are being urged to make sure they are counted in the 2026 Australian Census to ensure accurate population data is captured for the region.
Held every five years, the Census provides vital information used by governments and service providers to plan housing, healthcare, education, transport, community services and infrastructure.
For a region like the Pilbara, where communities continue to grow and support a significant mobile workforce, accurate Census data is essential to ensuring local needs are understood and represented.
Town of Port Hedland Mayor Jacinta Behrend encouraged all Pilbara residents to take part in the 2026 Census to help ensure the region is accurately represented.
"The Census helps tell the story of our region and the people who live, work and contribute here," Mayor Behrend said.
"The information collected helps governments understand the needs of our communities and plan for future services, infrastructure and investment.
"When people aren't counted in the Pilbara, it can mean the demand for local housing, childcare, roads, health services and community facilities isn't fully reflected.
"Whether you're a long-term resident, part of an Aboriginal community, or working in the region for 50 per cent of the year, your participation helps ensure the Pilbara is accurately represented."
Mayor Behrend said participation is particularly important in Port Hedland, where a highly mobile population can make it difficult to capture the region's full contribution and service demands.
"Many people who live and work here rely on local infrastructure and services every day," she said.
"An accurate Census count helps ensure decisions about the future of our region are based on the best possible information."
The 2026 Census will take place on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, with households receiving instructions on how to complete the Census from late July.
For more information, visit: www.rdapilbara.org.au/2026-census
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