Following widespread concerns regarding the delivery of the 2021 Census, RDA Kimberley undertook advocacy with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and with key stakeholders to highlight the challenges experienced across the region, including participation barriers, recruitment issues, logistical constraints, and the suitability of standard Census approaches in remote communities.

As a result of strong advocacy and ongoing collaboration, the Kimberley region was selected as one of only four locations nationally to pilot a tailored Census engagement and operational delivery model. The approach recognised the region's unique geographic, cultural and operational circumstances and included locally situated operational support and enhanced community engagement programs through locally recruited remote engagement teams.

During 2025-26, RDA Kimberley continued to support implementation by facilitating regional stakeholder engagement, promoting local recruitment (critical to the success of the program), and assisting the establishment of the Kimberley Census workforce and remote engagement teams. These activities helped strengthen local capacity and connections between the ABS, Local Government Authorities (LGAs), Aboriginal organisations and community networks.

To further support participation, RDA Kimberley delivered the Kimberley Counts campaign, a regionally funded communications partnership initiative designed to complement national Census messaging. RDA Kimberley brokered campaign funding with co-contributions from the Kimberley Regional Group of LGAs and Kimberley Development Commission. The campaign utilised local voices, regionally relevant content and targeted engagement activities to build awareness and trust across remote and hard to-reach communities. The campaign reached more than 139,000 people, generated approximately 490,000 impressions, distributed 2,000 printed flyers, and delivered 104 radio advertisements across the region.

While final Census participation results will be reported by the ABS in 2027, the project represents a significant regional advocacy outcome. RDA Kimberley's leadership helped secure a tailored Census delivery model for the Kimberley, resulting in greater local involvement, stronger community engagement and a more place-based approach to one of Australia's most important national data collections. The project demonstrated the value of regional partnerships in shaping national programs to better meet the needs of remote Australia.