If you thought the Census only rolled around one every five years, you're in for a surprise.
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Parts of the Greater Hume region have been chosen to participate in a Census test, ahead of the next big national snapshot, due in 2021.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 20,000 households in the Riverina area will be asked to participate in the test on Tuesday, October 15, and people will be able to complete a few days either side of that date.
The test area will include parts of the Wagga, Coolamon, Junee, Lockhart, Greater Hume Shire and Cootamundra-Gundagai local government areas.
A similar test will be held in Brisbane.
An ABS spokesperson said the two regions were selected because together they covered urban, regional and more remote populations.
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ABS general manager Census Chris Libreri said tests are an important part of the Census planning cycle.
"Before each Census, it's important to test how we will run the Census to ensure our processes work and that the Census form captures the right data, in the right way," he said.
About one week before Census test night, some households in the Riverina will receive an invitation from ABS to participate.
"We value the participation of people in the Wagga and surrounding area who willingly provide their time to complete the test, ensuring that we capture a broad cross-section of the community. Every response helps improve our processes so our next national Census in 2021 is easier for people to participate, cheaper to run, and produces quality data," Mr Libreri said.
The Census test will also provide short-term job opportunities for people in the Riverina region.
"We will be employing around 100 field officers to assist us on the ground to deliver Census forms to those who will be completing by paper, and to provide assistance to those who may need it. This brings short-term employment opportunities to the local area," Mr Libreri said.
The Census provides a snapshot of the economic, social and cultural make-up of our nation and is used to inform decisions, policies and services that are of importance to Australia.
"Census data provides valuable insights to inform decisions for the benefit of our community and further enhance Wagga and surrounds. I encourage the community to get behind the Census test in informing our next national Census in 2021," Mr Libreri said.