More than 190 citizens are needed to take part in the largest peace-time job drive in Australian history, the 2011 Census of Population and Housing.

Council’s General Manager David Farmer said more than 8,200 Census Collectors are needed across New South Wales with 195 needed in Wollongong city to guarantee a successful Census.

“We’ve been working closely with the ABS for well over a year to ensure an accurate Census in the city. It’s now time for Wollongong citizens to get behind the Census and become a Collector,” Mr Farmer said.

Census collectors are important, as the data they collect helps inform decisions around infrastructure, community services and facilities. Data could be used to determine where a school, hospital or roads are needed.

Mr Farmer said the Census Collectors will be responsible for about 500 households.

“Census Collectors are the most important cog in the Census machine. Without Collectors, Australia could not be counted,” Mr Farmer said.

The nation’s 29,000 Census Collectors will deliver and collect approximately 14.2 million Census forms to Australia’s 9.8 million households.

Census Collectors will receive between $1,300 and $2,800 for the casual position and will be employed from 1 July until 8 September.

Applications are open until 5 May. To apply you will need to visit the ABS internet site at www.abs.gov.au/census or call 1800 420 182.