BRISBANE, Australia — July 28, 2026 | Zomi Press
The Zomi Community of Queensland Inc. has formally urged the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to recognize “Zomi” as an official ethnic category in Australia’s national Census and to make Census information available in the Zomi language.
The requests were presented during an official meeting held on Friday, July 24, 2026, between representatives of the Zomi Community Executive Committee and officials from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
According to the Zomi Community of Queensland, the meeting included Tanya Hornik, Director of Inclusive Strategies and Engagement, and Mark, Census Field Manager. Discussions focused on improving participation among the Zomi community in the upcoming 2026 Australian Census and ensuring that the community is accurately represented in national statistics.
Two Key Requests
During the meeting, the Zomi Community submitted two primary requests to the ABS:
- Provide Census information and educational materials in the Zomi language to improve accessibility for Zomi-speaking households.
- Officially recognize “Zomi” as a distinct ethnic category within Australia’s Census data collection.
According to the community’s statement, ABS representatives said that any future consideration of an official Zomi classification will largely depend on how community members identify themselves when completing the Census.
Community Encouraged to Identify as “Zomi”
As a result, the Zomi Community is encouraging all Zomi people across Australia to consistently identify themselves as “Zomi” when completing the 2026 Census.
Community leaders emphasized that Census data plays an important role in government planning, allocation of public services, language support programs, multicultural policy development, research, and statistical recognition of ethnic communities.
They believe that consistent identification as Zomi will provide stronger demographic evidence supporting future recognition and improved services for the growing Zomi population in Australia.
Census Forms and Community Assistance
The 2026 Australian Census will be conducted from August 11 through October 2026.
According to information shared during the meeting:
- Paper Census forms can be completed for households of up to six members.
- Online Census forms can accommodate households with up to 25 members.
The Zomi Community of Queensland and the Zomi Youth Association (ZYA) have announced that they will assist community members who need help completing their Census forms.
Why Census Recognition Matters
Official recognition in national Census data can help improve the visibility of the Zomi community and contribute to better planning for public services, language assistance, multicultural funding, education, health services, and future policy decisions.
Community leaders say that accurate participation in the Census is an important opportunity for Zomi Australians to ensure their identity is properly represented in official national statistics.
As Australia prepares for the 2026 Census, the Zomi Community of Queensland is encouraging every eligible Zomi household to participate and identify themselves as Zomi.
About the Australian Census
The Australian Census is conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and collects information about the country’s population, languages, cultural backgrounds, and living conditions. Census data is used by governments, researchers, and community organizations to inform policy decisions, allocate resources, and plan essential services across Australia.
Source: Official Facebook page of the Zomi Community of Queensland Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/ZomiInnkuanBrisbane
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