The census paperwork first started to drop into mailboxes around Tamworth in the past day or so ahead of the 2016 census night on August 9.
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But while the census seeks information from us all as it relates to where and what you're doing on August 9 - it doesn't mean that if you don't know where you're at, you can't fill it in beforehand.
So, if you want to get ahead, get cracking and fill it in, particularly if you reckon you might not be up to doing it that night because of work or social commitments, or a sporting night out, a rough time with the kids or even just because your television or streaming viewing habits make other things a priority. What is critical is that everyone of us fills out the form - and does it with complete honesty and with integrity.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is sending about 13.5 million letters, employing more than 39,000 temporary staff to survey more than 24-million people from about 10-million households.
It also, and just as importantly for regional areas, paints a profile and statistical analysis that is used by government and private enterprise planners, by commercial and industrial developers and by other demographic consultants to all types of business, to plan ahead.
It will give those looking to invest, buy, develop or move to regional areas like Tamworth, the critical data to make informed choices and decisions on spending, both in resources and social capital.
Every local government area wants a positive result from the census so the positive spin can be apportioned in attracting development and more growth.
But we also want an accurate and truthful one, to meet social and community expectations and demands for facilities and resources down the road.
If local government shows good growth, then the state government - and others - take those figures literally and objectively to plan their infrastructure future, including in placing more government resources and facilities here, think transport corridors and upgrades, more trains, more buses, more upgrades to stations, more government housing.
And while we've had 16 censuses over 105 years, this one will coincide with the Olympics for the first time.
So even if you're waiting for the swimming finals to start that night, be a good sport and do your bit for your country too.