HIGH profile Indigenous West Australians have come together to highlight the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participating in the Census this August.
Kimba Benjamin from Doubleview is co-host of of NITV’s Noongar Danjoo Show, and a project officer for Wirrapanda Foundation and Icea Foundation.
A Yaruwu woman from Broome, Benjamin said she encouraged everyone to participate in the census.
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READ NOW“Make a difference on census night for your family and community,” she said.
Co-founder and board member for Reconciliation WA Noongar man Jim Morrison from Dianella said completing the census would help future generations.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is preparing to count close to 10 million dwellings and about 24 million people across the nation on Tuesday August 9.
Census state director David Waymouth said these individuals were recognised as iconic and trusted role models through reconciliation efforts, sport, youth or media.
“The ABS is honoured to have such an inspiring group of people come together and help promote the 2016 Census,” Mr Waymouth said.
“We want people to understand that by taking part in the Census, they are helping their families and communities get access to the services and infrastructure they need.
“Census data will give us a snapshot of what Australia looks like, so we need people to identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander on the form.”
The Census is being conducted in remote communities during July and August 2016.
From early August, households in urban areas will receive a letter with instructions on how to complete the Census online or request a paper form.