Count the Pilbara this Census Night

Census Night: Tuesday, 11 August 2026

The Pilbara is home to thousands of people who live, work and contribute to our communities every day. Whether you're a long-term resident, a FIFO worker, have recently moved to the region or are raising a family here, an accurate Census count helps ensure our communities receive the funding, services and infrastructure they need. 

The 2026 Census is your opportunity to help shape the future of the Pilbara.

Information collected through the Census helps governments and organisations better understand who lives in our region and where investment is needed. Census data is used to support planning for:

• Hospitals and health services
• Housing and accommodation
• Education and childcare
• Roads and transport
• Parks, recreation and community facilities

When people who live in the Pilbara are counted elsewhere, our region can miss out on funding and services that support local communities.

Who should be counted in the Pilbara?

FIFO Workers

If you spend more than half the year living and working in the Pilbara, the Pilbara may be your usual place of residence for Census purposes.

This applies even if:

• Your family lives elsewhere
• You own or rent a home in another town or city
• You regularly travel in and out for work

For many FIFO workers on rosters such as 2:1, 4:3 or 8:6, the Pilbara is where they usually live and should be counted.

New Residents

If you've moved to the Pilbara and have lived here for six months or more, or intend to do so, you should be counted in the region. 

Aboriginal Communities

Being counted helps ensure communities receive the recognition, services and support they need both now and into the future. 

The Key Rule – Be counted where you usually live. If you live in the Pilbara for more than half the year (six months plus one day), you should list your Pilbara address as your usual place of residence when completing the Census. 

Privacy and Confidentiality

The Census is conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) under strict privacy laws.

• Your personal information is protected by law.
• Individual responses are never shared publicly.
• Information is not shared with employers, police, Centrelink, courts or other government agencies.
• Data is used only to produce statistical information that helps inform planning and decision-making.