Advice On The Upcoming 2026 Census – Why It Matters for Greek Australians
July 15, 2026
On Tuesday, 11 August 2026, all Australians will take part in the Census.
The information collected during the Census will not only help shape decisions about the services, infrastructure and investment for years to come, but it is also an opportunity to ensure our community is seen, understood and accurately represented.
It is very important to answer the Census carefully and honestly.
For Greek Australians, accurate data helps show where our community lives, the languages we speak and how our community is changing across generations. It also gives community organisations important evidence to advocate for our community and its needs.
If we do not write our ancestry, language or religion correctly, our community may not be fully counted and this can affect future funding, services and recognition in areas such as:
- Aged care services
- Language support services
- Education
- Community services
- Research and representation
This Census, make sure your Greek identity is counted by paying close attention to the questions about ancestry, language and religion. Make sure to declare your Greek ancestry, record Greek when asked about languages spoken at home (if applicable), ensure to record if you or your parents/grandparents were born in Greece and to select Greek Orthodox as your religious denomination.
If we want our community to be accurately represented, we need to be accurately counted. Please refer to Appendix A for an example on how the questions may be presented and the responses, and Appendix B for available resources via the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Appendix A
If you were born in Greece, please write/type “GREECE” in block letters in the boxes under ‘Other (please specify)’.
If your mother was born in Greece, please write/type “GREECE” in block letters in the boxes under ‘Other (please specify)’.
If your father was born in Greece, please write/type “GREECE” in block letters in the boxes under ‘Other (please specify)’.
If you speak Greek, irrespective of how fluent you do so, mark the box – Yes, Greek.
Our ancestry (heritage/background) is Greek regardless of where you were born (e.g. Australia, Greece, Cyprus, Albania, Serbia or elsewhere).
For this question, you may count back three generations (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents). Write/type in GREEK in block letters in each box under ‘Other ancestry 1 (please specify)’ and if you have other ancestry fill in ‘Other ancestry 2 (please specify)’ accordingly with whatever other ancestry you may have.
If you identify as belonging to the Greek Orthodox religion/church, mark the box – Greek Orthodox.
Appendix B
Help is available in Greek
The ABS provides information and support to help everyone participate in the Census.
Greek-language information and resources are available online.
You can also speak with someone in Greek through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) by calling 131 450.
The ABS will also provide in-person information sessions, pop-up Census hubs and assistance for people who need help completing their Census.
Download and share Census resources
Community organisations, churches, clubs, businesses and other groups can also help spread the word.
The ABS has Greek-language information and resources that can be downloaded, printed and shared with the community.
The more people we reach, the more accurately our community can be represented.
When is the 2026 Census?
Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026.
Why does the Census matter for Greek Australians?
Census data helps provide a clearer picture of the size, location, languages and needs of our community. This information can help inform decisions about services, programs, infrastructure and investment.
How do I make sure my Greek ancestry is counted?
Make sure you include Greek when answering the Census question about ancestry.
What if I speak Greek at home?
Make sure you accurately record Greek when answering the question about language spoken at home.
Can I record more than one ancestry?
Yes. You can report up to four ancestries in the Census.
How can I complete the Census?
You can complete the Census online, using a paper form or with assistance.
What help is available?
If you need assistance completing your form, there are help and support options available. Information is available in Greek, and you can speak with someone in Greek through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) by calling 131 450.
You can also ask a trusted family member or friend to help you complete the Census.
Can I help someone else complete their Census?
Yes. You can help a family member, friend or other person who needs assistance completing their Census.
Is information available in Greek?
Yes. The ABS provides Census information and resources in Greek. Greek speakers can also access assistance through TIS National on 131 450.
Where can I find posters and resources to share?
The ABS provides translated information and resources that community organisations, businesses and individuals can download and share.
