The 2026 Census will shape Australia’s understanding of homelessness and housing need for years to come. It provides the country’s most comprehensive source of data on homelessness and informs housing policy, planning and investment at every level of government.
An accurate count is especially important because people experiencing homelessness are among those most likely to be missed.
Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026. Face-to-face interviews with people who are sleeping rough will happen from 10 – 16 August.
This page brings together information, resources and updates to help the sector prepare for the 2026 Census and support an accurate and meaningful count.
ABS Information Session – Counting Homelessness in the 2026 Census
Missed the live session? Watch the recording of ACT Shelter’s information session with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Estimating Homelessness for the 2026 Census. You can also download the presentation slides by clicking on the link below.
The session, held on on 23 July 2026, explains how homelessness is estimated through the Census, why Census homelessness data matter for policy, planning and advocacy, and how the housing and homelessness sector can support an accurate and meaningful Census count.
Find the ABS Community Engagement Team during Census week
The Census Community Engagement Team will be out and about during Census week, to help ensure everyone has the opportunity to be counted. They will be available to answer questions, conduct interviews, provide information and support, and assist people to participate where appropriate.
The Community Engagement Team will be available at the following locations:
📍 Early Morning Centre
69 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon
When
Monday 10 August – Friday 14 August
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Little Pantry
The Little PantryWoden Community Hub (walk-in session)
(above Commonwealth Bank, Westfield Woden)
When
Thursday 6 August 2026*, 1:00pm – 4:00pm (for this session the Community Engagement Team will be available to answer questions & provide Census information, but won’t be able to assist people to complete their Census form)
Thursday 13 August — 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Thursday 20 August — 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Vinnies Roadhouse
20 Genge street Braddon
When
Monday 10 August – Thursday 13 August, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Friday 14 August, 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 August, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Vinnies Night Patrol
Mobile outreach – all stops
When
Monday 10 August – Thursday 13 August, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Friday 14 August, 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 August, 3:30pm – 5:30pm