Completing the Census where you are

The Census will allow everyone to complete their form, no matter where they live or their living situation.

During the Census, field staff will visit places like:

• retirement villages
• aged care facilities
• boarding houses
• hospitals
• hotels
• caravan parks
• camping grounds.

This makes sure as many people as possible are counted.

If you're travelling on Census night, you'll still need to complete a Census form for wherever you are staying.

You can complete online wherever you can access the internet or complete a paper form.

Census staff will visit caravan parks and campgrounds to drop off Census forms and Reply Paid envelopes. You’ll need to complete a Census form if you are travelling on Census night.

You can also complete online wherever you can access the internet.

If you‘re travelling through remote locations or free camping, you still need to complete the Census. A full list of pick up locations where you can collect a Census form, will be available as we get closer to the 2026 Census. 

If you’re staying in a hotel, motel or other holiday accommodation, staff will distribute Census forms to all guests and collect completed forms. 

You can also complete online wherever you can access the internet.

Census staff will come to your retirement village or home estate to drop off a paper form and Reply Paid envelope.

You can also complete online wherever you can access the internet.

If you need help, you can ask a family member, friend, or trusted person to assist you.

You’ll need to complete a Census form even if you are in a hospital or care facility.

Hospital and assisted living staff will distribute Census materials to people staying in these facilities and collect completed forms. 

If you need help, you can ask a family member, friend, or trusted person to assist you.

Residents of secure apartment buildings will get a letter with instructions to complete online. This will include your Census number and temporary password.

Census field staff may make contact when dropping off Census forms or when conducting reminder visits. 

Census field staff will talk to your building management to arrange access and discuss the process. 

You’ll need to complete the Census, even if on a working holiday or working at holiday location.

If you’re staying in onsite employer accommodation, your employer will be distributing Census materials.

If you work a night shift on Census night and went home when your shift was finished, you should be counted at your usual address. 

You will need to complete the Census even if you are staying in accommodation at your university. Your accommodation provider will be distributing Census materials and collecting completed paper forms.

You can also complete online wherever you can access the internet.

Residents of group and share houses can complete the Census using a single form. You'll need to include everyone who is at home on Census night.  

If you want to fill out a separate form for privacy, you will be able to request a paper form or complete the Census form online.