Residents in Chifley will conduct their own Census as part of the communities ongoing push to keep  their local schools open.  

The door to door survey will take place on 25,26,27 August.    It will be launched on Friday 25th August, 12.30 pm, at the front of  Melrose Primary School, cnr Eggelston Cres, Chifley.  

The ACT Government has proposed closing Chifley Pre-school and Melrose Primary School for closure under its 2020 School reform plan. 

The community survey will help to find out exactly how many children aged 0 -12 live in the suburb and how many of them intend to attend the two schools. 

Recently released Australian Bureau of Statistics demographic data shows that Chifley has a rapidly growing number of children aged 0 – 4.  Elsewhere in Woden the number is falling.  

Statistician Keith Blackburn who has designed the questionnaire says the community survey will provide high quality up-to-the minute data. 

“By the end of the survey we’ll have a very accurate picture of the number of children in the area and where they intend to go to school. 

“It will provide information the Government simply won’t be able to ignore.” 

Chifley and Pearce residents can also fill out the survey form online at  savemelrose.wordpress.com.  It will also be available in some local shops and doctors surgeries. 

 “Chifley is a suburb in transition. With more young children than any other suburb in Woden,  the need to keep Melrose Primary and Chifley Pre-school open is greater than ever,” Chifley Action Group spokesperson, Louise Evans said. 

SURVEY LAUNCH: Friday 25th August, 12.30 pm, at the front of  Melrose Primary School, cnr Eggelstone Cres, Chifley. Contact: Louise Evans, Chifley Action Group, 0419 820 062.