INSTRUCTIONS on how to complete the 2021 Census have started hitting letterboxes in the region, ahead of official Census night on Tuesday.

More than 10 million households are receiving a letter that explains how to complete online or how to order a paper form.

Some receive a paper form immediately along with a reply-paid envelope for its return.

Census executive director Andrew Henderson said people were encouraged to complete their Census as soon as they received their instructions if they knew where they would be on August 10.

“This means you don’t have to wait and complete on a single night,” he said.

“We know this flexibility will make it more convenient for people to complete.

“People will be able to complete the Census online, on their mobile device or on paper.

“We’re also making it as easy as possible for everyone to participate in the Census with a range of support and assistance available.”

Undertaken every five years, the Census is one of the largest and most important statistical collections undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The ABS expects about 75 per cent of forms to be completed online this year, compared to 63 per cent in 2016.

Mr Henderson said there was a range of help and support options to ensure the Census was as easy as possible for everyone to participate.

“Information about the Census will be provided in different ways, including in braille, large-print formats, audio, Auslan videos with closed captions and easy-toread guides,” he said.

Field officers play a vital role in delivering the Census.

They can be identified by their official identification passes, bright yellow satchels and official ABS documentation detailing the work they are doing.

It will take the average household 30 minutes to complete the Census, which contains 65 questions.