The Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand is encouraging Romanians living in Australia to declare both their Romanian ethnicity and their Orthodox Christian faith in the 2026 Australian Census.
According to a press release issued by the Diocese, the census data helps provide an accurate picture of the Romanian and Orthodox communities in Australia.
“The census does not ask how deeply we believe—it asks how clearly we declare our identity where it matters: in the records of a nation.”
“To be Romanian and Orthodox Christian is not only a mystery of the soul, but also a truth that we have a duty to declare,” the message states.
‘We are Romanians and Orthodox Christians’
The Diocese encourages Romanians completing the census form to declare their Romanian ancestry, indicate Romanian as the language spoken at home where applicable, and, if they are Orthodox Christians, state their religious affiliation accordingly.
The Diocese also drew attention to elderly members of the community who may need assistance in completing the census, noting that helping them contributes to “a more accurate record of the Romanian and Orthodox presence and identity in Australia.”
“Let us therefore declare, with joy and dignity: we are Romanians and Orthodox Christians,” the Diocese concludes.
According to the most recent census, conducted in 2021, more than 28,000 people declared Romanian ancestry, while over 4,500 Australian residents born in Romania identified themselves as Orthodox Christians.
Australia’s national census
Australia’s first national census was conducted in 1911, and since 1966 it has been held every five years. One of the main changes introduced in the 2026 Census concerns ancestry: respondents can now nominate up to 4 ethnic or cultural backgrounds, up from a maximum of 2 in the previous census.
2026 Census Night took place on Tuesday, when millions of Australians completed their census forms. Those who had not completed the form by that date can still do so. According to ABC News Australia, 11 August serves as the reference date for information about individuals and households, rather than the deadline for submitting census forms.
Participation in the census is compulsory. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) initially seeks voluntary participation, with the collection period continuing through 2026.
If a person does not complete the census, the ABS first contacts them to request their participation. The Bureau may then issue a formal written direction requiring the form to be completed. Failure to comply with such a direction may result in legal proceedings and a fine of up to AUD 364 for each day of non-compliance.
Census data are used to inform decisions on healthcare, schools, transport and infrastructure, as well as the planning of services for local communities.
Photo: Facebook / City of Sydney
