Households in Coonamble and Gilgandra will take part in a large-scale Census Test this August, as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) prepares for the 2026 national count.

Around 60,000 households across Australia have been selected for the test, including those in regional Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.

According to the ABS, locations were selected using 2021 Census data to ensure a broad representation of demographic and geographic diversity.

Census General Manager Jenny Telford said the test was an essential part of ensuring the full Census runs smoothly and securely.

“We are testing our collection processes and IT systems to ensure our processes work well and that the form captures the right information, in the right way,” she said.

As part of the trial, the ABS is partnering with Services Australia to test a new option for people to access and complete their Census form via myGov.

“You can complete your form as soon as you receive your instructions if you know who will be home on Census Test night, Tuesday, August 5th,” Ms Telford said.

Participation in the test is voluntary, but selected households are strongly encouraged to take part.

Only those who receive instructions in the mail or via their myGov inbox need to respond.

An Australian Census collects vital information about the population and housing to inform government planning, funding, and services.

“Your participation matters"

"By taking part, you’re helping us improve the next Census for everyone and ensure it produces high quality statistics,” Ms Telford said.

Not all households in test locations will be asked to participate, but those selected help the ABS trial updated systems, question wording, and data collection procedures.

The ABS assures residents that all information provided is confidential and used only for testing purposes.

It will not be released.

This year's test follows a smaller trial in Katherine, Northern Territory, conducted in June and July.

It also builds on past tests, including large-scale trials held in Wagga Wagga and Logan in 2019, and a limited pandemic-era pilot in 2020.

These tests are typically held every few years as part of Census preparation.

The 2025 Census Test also trials updated wording for 10 existing topics and introduces a new question on sexual orientation and gender for people aged 16 years and over.

While the addition of new questions enhances data depth, the ABS uses testing like this to ensure consistency with previous Census results and maintain long-term trend accuracy.

Final questions for the 2026 Census will be published in late 2025 following refinement from this test.

For more information visit the ABS website.