Genealogy Chat

Does anyone know if Australia has carried out a census at any time?

They are held every 5 years. The last one was August 2006.
Prior 2001 they were all destroyed.
Plenty information on Google.
Cheers Gerry

Actually some of the 19th century censuses survive for some states - by no means all though. A list of what does exist is here:

http://www.jaunay.com/auscensus.html

Thanks Gerry, Why were they all destroyed?

Thank you Richard

Charlotte there are electoral rolls which can be used as a census substitute. Obviously they only name people of voting age, but the earlier ones show occupations (no ages though, unfortunately). Ancestry have some online (searchable by name) from c1895-1936, for all states/territories except South Australia. You need a world subscription to be able to view the images though.

Who, when and which state are you interested in?

Hi Charlotte

I'm sorry I have no idea why the Australian census has been destroyed in the past.

Confession time... I'm not into genealogy, my reason for being on GR is mainly Adoption issues, but I can't help picking up other information which I pass on.

If you are searching for a live person in Australia, pm me and maybe I can help.

Cheers Gerry

Hi Richard, I am trying to find my gt grandfather William Jackson(also known as Billy) He left the UK about 1911 My gt grandmother was supposed to follow with my gran and aunt but wouldnt leave her mother.I was told he may have worked for the post office in Oz but this could be completely wrong.I assume he had a ne family in Australia.Unfortunately to date, I cannot find where he actually went to.He was born Alston Cumberland
20.08.1890

Thanks Gerry but I am trying to find my gt grandfather who will be dead by now.Thanks for your interest and good luck to you.

There's a William Jackson who was in the Australian Forces in WW1. He was born in Carlisle in 1890 according to his attestation papers which are on www.naa.gov.au. (gave his age as 24 years and 11 months on 2/8/1916, which ties in roughly with the birth date that you gave above). Could this be your grandfather? He was an iron moulder in 1916.

By 1916 he was married to an Ivy Ann and was living in Brisbane, Queensland. Queensland BMD's are online and there is this marriage in 1914 which fits:

1914/B15626 Chellingworth Ivy Ann Jackson William

So - could your William have remarried after coming to Oz? The marriage cert would tell you his parents: www.justice.qld.gov.au if you think it's worth a shot.

Richard

Thanks Gail
I have now found his marriage and army records.
Kind regards
Charlotte