Why every Census count matters

THE Australian Census is coming up on 11 August 2026, and I want to encourage everyone across Narrabri Shire to make sure every single person is counted.

Every five years, the Census counts every person and home in Australia. Those numbers help inform decisions about schools, hospitals, healthcare, police, roads, infrastructure and local services. For regional communities like ours, accurate numbers are particularly important.

On Census night, we need to count everyone who is here. That includes visitors, international farm workers, seasonal workers, backpackers, mining shift workers, students and newborn babies. It includes people staying in motels, caravan parks and workers’ accommodation. It even includes truck drivers sleeping in their cab beside the highway on the night of 11 August.

If you are in Narrabri Shire on Census night, you need to be counted where you are.

This is particularly important on rural properties with several separate houses or dwellings. Each separate dwelling needs its own Census login or paper form. If separate Census material does not arrive, contact the Australian Bureau of Statistics to request it.

Most people will complete the Census online, although paper forms remain available. The Census is compulsory and individual information is confidential. My message is simple: let us make sure nobody in Narrabri Shire is missed, because these numbers help shape decisions for years ahead.

Meanwhile, council crews continue to work across our large road network. Grading is taking place on Spring Plains Road, Old Narrabri Road, Pennys Lane, Warners Road, Chifley Road, Harris Lane, Sandy Hook Lane and Aerodrome Road. Jet patching is underway on Millie Road, Killarney Gap Road and Rangari Road, with hand patching continuing across several other roads and locations around the shire.

Last Saturday, it was wonderful to see such a strong turnout at the Wean Races. There were big numbers of visitors and locals, all dressed up and enjoying a great day out. These events take a huge amount of work behind the scenes, so a big thank you, as always, to the sponsors and particularly the volunteers who give their time to make the day possible. Their contribution is a reminder of how much our local events rely on community effort.

Last Saturday night, I also attended the Debutante Ball at The Crossing Theatre, with 17 couples taking part. It was a wonderful event and a very inspiring group of young people. Thank you to Lodge Namoi for the enormous amount of work involved in organising the evening, to Kim Owens for her work as dance teacher, and to the very talented John Burgess for capturing the night through his photography.

Applications are now open for Round 1 of council’s 2026–27 Community Financial Assistance Grant Program. Eligible community organisations can apply for up to $3,000, with applications closing on 4 August.

This Friday, the Narrabri NAIDOC Week Community Celebration will be held at Collins Park from 11am to 2pm.

Have a great week – and please remember, on Census night, every person counts.

DARRELL TIEMENS,

Mayor, Narrabri Shire Council