On Tuesday, 11 August, Australians will complete the five-yearly Census of Population and Housing.

The Census helps us understand how our nation and local communities are changing. For the Diocese of Bathurst, this information assists our parishes, schools and agencies to plan pastoral outreach, education and support services.

The question about religion is optional, but 93 per cent of Australians answered it in 2021, with more than five million people identifying as Catholic.

The question does not ask whether you attend Mass or regularly participate in parish life. For many people, being Catholic remains an important part of their identity. If this is true for you, we encourage you to identify as Catholic.

Eastern Catholics—including Chaldean, Maronite, Melkite, Syro-Malabar and Ukrainian Catholics—should select “Other” and write the name of their particular Catholic Church so their community is counted accurately.

On 11 August, if you identify as Catholic, please say so. Being Counted Matters.