The following lists cultural and special events that are taking place from January - December 2022. This should help you to plan and organise for upcoming events and celebrations for 2022.
January
01
New Year’s Public Holiday Day
11
Girl Hug Boy Day - celebrates the power of hugs. And why not? A hug warms our heart and makes us feel loved. It heals and says what words sometimes cannot express.
12
Earth Chakra Day - International Earth Chakra Day is a global day of celebration and collaboration, an opportunity to spread a wave of energy around the Earth to support planetary healing and cosmic consciousness.
17
Kid Inventor’s Day - celebrated to acknowledge past and present accomplishments of kid inventors; To encourage the creativity of future kid inventors.
20
Penguin Awareness Day - A celebration of one of the world's most beloved creatures and a call to action for their conservation.
26
Australia/Survival Public Holiday Day - The refusal to celebrate Australia Day is part of an ongoing fight for the recognition of the abuse of Indigenous people's rights.
February
01
Lunar New Year - Year Of The Tiger - The Chinese New Year falls on the first day of the Chinese calendar, and continues for 15 days. During celebrations people clean their houses to drive away the bad luck of the previous year.
RedFEB - Honour those close to your heart. Raise money for life-saving research, raise awareness for heart disease and help keep families together for longer. Getting involved is as simple as wearing red and donating.
Feel Good February - Feel Good February is an initiative encouraging people to initiate acts of kindness, and can promote positive workplace relationships and enhance educator wellbeing.
Dental Health Month - A reminder about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, always.
National Sustainable Living Festival - is the largest and longest-running sustainability-themed event in Australia. The Festival aims to inspire and provide solutions to the sustainability and climate challenges we currently face both now and into the future.
01 - 07
i4GiveDay - National day of forgiveness where you could find someone you can forgive or ask for forgiveness. Parents Daniel & Leila Abdallah have created i4give Day as a remembrance of the four angels that were tragically lost on the 1st of February 2020.
04
World Cancer Day - It is the occasion to unite the world in the fight against the disease through raising awareness, educating the public, and lobbying for change. It is only by every person, organisation, and government, individually doing their part, that the world will be able to reduce the global cancer burden.
06
Waitangi Day (NZ) - Celebrating the signing of the Waitangi Treaty in 1840 at the home of James Busby at Waitangi.
09
Safer Internet Day - Gives us an opportunity to start the chat about online safety.
International Pizza Day - A day that celebrates this oven baked flat bread food that is covered in sauce and cheese. It is a holiday where people can enjoy one of the most popular and iconic dishes in the world and kick back with a slice as they spend time with friends and family.
11
International Day of Women and Girls in Science - The United Nations have proclaimed February 11 the International Day of Women and Girls in Science aiming to ensure full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.
12
International Darwin Day - Darwin Day celebrates the anniversary of the birth of the famous evolutionary scientist Charles Darwin.
13
Anniversary of Apology - This event marks the anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples in the House of Representatives on 13 February 2008 by former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, apologising for past laws, policies and practices that have impacted on Australia’s First Nations Peoples.
14
Valentine’s Day - is the day when St. Valentine died within his jail confinement. Before his death, St. Valentine experienced published a letter to some girl whom he adored very much. He ended up his letter together with his last wordings that is “From Your Valentine” in addition to his signature.
Sweetheart Day - The primary aim of raising much-needed awareness of congenital and childhood acquired heart disease.
Library Lovers' Day - It is a day to honour libraries, librarians, bookworms, and library lovers in your life.
International Book Giving Day - This day is celebrated every year by giving away books that one enjoyed to read, which may benefit someone somewhere. One can donate some new or gently used books to the local library, to a local school, civic group, or to a local hospital.
15
National Pet Adoption Day - The initiative aims to connect wonderful rescue pets with their fur-ever homes, and promote the ‘adopt, don’t shop’ message.
16
Magha Puja Day (Buddhism) - Commemorates a time when 1,250 Buddhists spontaneously came together to pay their respect to the Buddha.
17
Random Acts Of Kindness Day - Is a day to practice kindness and pay it forward. Be kind to a stranger today.
21
International Mother Language Day - Is a day the celebrates and honours diversity in the languages of the world and to promote cultural and linguistic diversity.
26
Tell A Fairy Tale Day - It provides a perfect opportunity to read fairy tales to your kinds and enjoy your favourite childhood tales yourself.
March
01
World Compliment Day - The holiday is meant to bring attention to the limitless, powerful and free resource we all have as humans: Kindness. Give someone a genuine compliment today!
Australian Women's History Month - Women's History Month (WHM) is held annually in many parts of the world to acknowledge and document the role women play in making and shaping history.
The March Charge - The March Charge is a fun personal fitness challenge that has an enormous impact on how cancer is researched and treated. Just by walking or running for Cancer Council this March, and by raising funds, you can help Charge ahead with cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support services.
Bandaged Bear Appeal - The Bandaged Bear Appeal is The Children's Hospital at Westmead's largest annual fundraising appeal. Treating 100,000 patients every year, The Children's Hospital at Westmead relies on community generosity to raise essential funds for purchasing the most technologically advanced medical equipment, conducting vital research and maintaining the total healing environment that the Hospital is renowned for.
Polite Pets Month - March is Polite Pets Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about behavioural issues in pets, and addressing solutions to these issues.
The Water Challenge - 1 in 10 people worldwide don't have access to clean water. This March, join thousands of Australians by making water your only beverage to help give safe water to others. Take the fizz out of your drink, give your coffee a wake-up call and raise a glass to the one drink the world can't live without Join in drinking just water for the month of March to help make clean water a reality for everyone.
01 to 07
Hearing Awareness Week 1 to 7 March - One in six Australians is Deaf, Deafblind, hearing impaired or has a chronic ear disorder. Hearing Awareness Week provides an opportunity to explain that hearing health is an important issue for every Australian.
03
World Wildlife Day - On 20 December 2013, the Sixty-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim 3 March, the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as World Wildlife Day, to celebrate and raise awareness of the world's wild fauna and flora.
06
Clean Up Australia Day - encourages all Australians to take to their local park, beach, bushland or streets and help collect rubbish. Individuals and local groups can either organise a Clean Up Site or volunteer to join an existing Site.
04
Schools Clean Up Day - Since 1992, school communities across Australia have demonstrated their support for caring for the environment through participating in Schools Clean Up Day.
08
UN International Women’s Day - A day to celebrate the contribution and achievements of all women. It is an opportunity to remember the barriers that women have broken through, and the accomplishments they have made despite barriers.
15 - 21
Harmony Week - Celebrate our cultural diversity by living the Harmony Week message everyone belongs in your workplace, community, school, sporting group, local councils and state governments. - from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world. By participating in Harmony Week activities, we can learn and understand how all Australians from diverse backgrounds equally belong to this nation and enrich it.
17
National Close The Gap Day - By spreading the word, collecting pledges and showing your support, you will help hold governments to account on their commitment towards health equality for all Australians. The aim is to bring people together to share information, and most importantly, to take meaningful action in support of achieving Indigenous health equality by 2030.
St Patrick’s Day - Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig, "the Day of the Festival of Patrick"), is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385-461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
18
Red Nose Day - is a campaign created by Comic Relief to help raise awareness of and put an end to child poverty! Red Nose Day fund programmes, entertainment and raise money to keep children safe, healthy and educated.
20
International Day of Happiness - Do something, big or small, to take part on 20 March and bring happiness to others. Everyone wants to be happy - and life is happier when we're together. So let's celebrate our common humanity. Join the community and be part of this special day.
21
World Poetry Day - The United Nations describes poetry as another facet of the dialogue among cultures. World Poetry Day is a celebration of the contribution made to society by poetry.
World Down Syndrome Day - Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics or health. Adequate access to health care, to early intervention programmes and to inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of the individual.
International Day of Forests - Despite all of the priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, we are destroying the very forests we need to survive. Global deforestation continues at an alarming rate - 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
Naw Ruz (New Year) - Baha'i -It occurs on the date of the vernal equinox, and symbolises the new life of spring.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - In 1979, the General Assembly adopted a Programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (A/RES/34/24). On this occasion, the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on 21 March, would be organized annually in all States.
22
World Water Day - World Water Day is held to focus attention on the need for fresh water, and the importance of the sustainable management of fresh water resources.
Neighbour Day - is Australia's annual celebration of community held on the last Sunday in March every year. Its aim is to encourage closer, friendlier relationships between neighbours and to strengthen communities.
23
World Meteorological Day - is a commemoration of the day the World Meteorological Organisation was formed in 1950.
25
Ride2School Day - A day that encourages children to become more active and healthy in and out of school. Children participate by walking, riding or scooting to school.
26
Earth Hour 8.30pm - Earth Hour is an international sustainability movement, where individuals and businesses are encouraged to turn off all lights for an hour. Earth Hour aims to increase awareness of the impact we have on our world through the use of fossil fuels and electricity.
29
Holi (India) - is popularly the festival of colors wherein everyone plays with colors to mark the celebration. It is the most awaited time of the year which brings people closer and marks the period of harvest.
April
02
World Autism Day - Each year on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, iconic buildings across Australia and the world turn their lights blue to promote autism awareness. In support of this global initiative, Autism Queensland asks people Go Blue for the month of April to help raise awareness and funds to help us support Queenslanders of all ages living with ASD and their families.
02 April - 01 May
Ramadan begins
06 - 16
Nature Play Week - Focuses entirely on sharing inspiring, simple ideas for local nature play.
07
World Health Day - is a commemoration of the founding of the World Health Organisation. It functions as an opportunity to focus on health issues that affect the international community.
08
Hana Matsuri (Buddhism) - The floral Festival of Japan, Hana-Matsuri, is a religious holiday that symbols Buddha’s birthday.
12
International Day of Human Space Flight - 12 April 1961 was the date of the first human space flight, carried out by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen. This historic event opened the way for space exploration for the benefit of all humanity. The General Assembly expressed its deep conviction of the common interest of mankind in promoting and expanding the exploration and use of outer space, as the province of all mankind.
14
Baisakhi-Sikh - For the entire Sikh community around the world, this is one day that reminds us of the anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. This special day is considered to be a form of good luck and so generally try to commence new thoughts, lives and commitments on this day.
15
Good Friday Public Holiday Day - a religious holiday primarily observed by Christians commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
17
Easter Sunday - On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion.
18
Easter Monday Public Holiday Day
World Heritage Day is an opportunity to appreciate heritage monuments and sites for the international community. The day offers an opportunity to raise the public's awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it, as well as draw attention to its vulnerability.
21
World Creativity & Innovation Day - Each year International Creativity and Innovation Day is a celebration of new ideas, imagination and anything that has made the world a better place.
22
Earth Day - An annual event to support environmental protection. It begins in the United States in the year 1970 as a contradiction to the harmful effects of industrial expansion on the environment.
International Mother Earth Day - is an acknowledgement that the Earth and its ecosystems provide its inhabitants with life and sustenance. It also recognizes a collective responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity.
24
Orthodox Easter - This day celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion on Orthodox Good Friday.
25
ANZAC Public Holiday Day - Is the solemn day of remembrance of those Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who have fought and died for their country.
28
R U OK?Day - This annual industry-wide event inspires rail staff across Australia and New Zealand to look out for one another during life's (including worklife's) ups and downs by asking "Are you OK?" and really listening to the answer.
May
01
Shine a Light on Road Safety - Victorian drivers are being urged to turn on their headlights as a simple, free and highly visible gesture, to remember those impacted by road trauma and show their commitment to road safety.
Mindful in May - Mindful in May brings the benefits of meditation together with an opportunity to help bring clean water to those living in the developing world. Your donation and fundraising will be used by Charity Water in its mission to solve the water crisis. When you register and donate, you'll receive a one-moth meditation program.
Miracle Month of May - A time to highlight the work of Miracle Babies supporting premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals who care for them. As well as the stories of Australia’s littlest miracles.
Beltane - One of the most celebrated pagan events each year. It falls midway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. The holiday has it’s origins in ancient Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, but is widely practiced across the modern world.
RSPCA Million Paws Walk - The RSPCA Million Paws Walk is a huge fundraising day for your four-legged friends when thousands of dollars are raised in support of the RSPCA. On the day of the event, thousands of people come together all over Victoria with their dogs to take a walk with dog lovers everywhere!
International Compost Awareness Week Australia (ICAW) - Is a week of activities, events and publicity to improve awareness of the importance of compost, a valuable organic resource and to promote compost use, knowledge and products. We can compost to help scrap carbon pollution by avoiding landfilling organic materials and helping to build healthier soils.
03 - 09
National Family Day Care Week - The purpose of National Family Day Care Week is to recognise and promote the important role family day care educators and services play in the development and wellbeing of more than 115,000 children across Australia. Get involved today by checking out their website as well as participating in these great lessons.
04
World Asthma Day - Initiated by the Global Initiative for Asthma in 1998, the National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) embraces WAD and marks the occasion to highlight the need for ongoing care and vigilance in managing asthma.
International Star Wars Day - Is called Star Wars Day because of the popularity of a common pun spoken on this day. Since the phrase "May the Force be with you" is a famous quote often spoken in the Star Wars films, fans commonly say "May the fourth be with you" on this day. This Day celebrates the Star Wars which is a media franchise created by George Lucas.
International Firefighters Day - A way to say thank you to the world’s firefighters for all that they do to keep our communities safe.
07
International Tell Your Crush Day- Was hatched out of a simple and honest desire to see more people be open and honest about the world around them.
08
Mother’s Day - is the annual celebration of mothers and the hard work they do.
15
International Day of Families - an aim to strengthen the family bond and raise awareness of issues relating to families.
17 - 23
UN Global Road Safety Week - Particularly targeted at young drivers, Road Safety Week aims to increase awareness of the dangers present on the roads.
19
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea - t's simple, fun and best of all for a great cause! All you need to do is set a date, brainstorm some morning tea ideas, invite your guests and raise money to help support the fight against cancer.
25
National Simultaneous Storytime - National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is an Australia-wide group reading and literacy event, where schools, libraries and other institutions gather school-age children together to read the same chosen picture book at the same time.
26
National Sorry Day - National Sorry Day - A continuing effort to achieve appropriate education, reconciliation and recognition for the Aboriginal stolen generation.
27 - 3 June
National Reconciliation Week - National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
23 - 29 May
Education Week 2021 - aims to positively profile and celebrate the strengths and achievements of Victoria's government education sector. The theme is 'Building Connections'. The theme celebrates the connections between schools and local communities and strengthens bonds with families and carers.
June
01
World Milk Day - An international celebration of milk and the milk industry.
03
Mabo Day - Mabo Day commemorates Eddie Koiki Mabo and his decade-long effort to make the Australian Government officially recognise that his people own Mer Island. On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia acknowledged that Mabo and his people had traditional land ownership agreements and that it was up to the people of Mer Island to determine who owned land today.
04
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression- The purpose of International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse.
05
World Environment Day - A flagship campaign for raising awareness on environmental issues emerging from human overpopulation, global warming, and marine pollution, to wildlife crime and sustainable consumption.
National Sausage Roll Day - The sausage roll is one such treat we have always wanted for. The one that is meat filled, flaky, flavourful and delicious. If you have not had these sausage rolls before its far time that to add them to your menu and the Sausage Roll day is the perfect occasion to do it.
07
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week - an international initiative during 23rd - 27th June that invites Government, industry and consumers to consider the distinct needs of babies and toddlers and to invest in the critical services that support the first thousand days (conception to age 2).
08
World Oceans Day - The United Nations day for celebrating the role of the oceans in our everyday life and inspiring action to protect the ocean and sustainably use marine resources.
12
World Day Against Child Labour - aims to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the efforts needed to eliminate it.
14
International Bath Day - roots back to Greek Archimedes who discovered on this day that an object's volume can be measured by submerging it into water. Archimedes discovered this while being in the bath!
Queen’s Birthday (not in WA or QLD) Public Holiday Day
15
National Buddy Day - Created to show the importance of friendship and raise awareness of bullying amongst primary school children.
Global Wind Day - In more than 75 countries around the world, wind farms are in operation, generating energy from a clean and renewable source. Global Wind Day is a worldwide event for discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world.
20 - 27
Thinking of You Week - is a special week that harnesses the emotional power of greeting cards to create a wave of love, caring and happiness around the world. Sending handwritten cards generates positive feelings and wellbeing. Science has shown that receiving a handwritten card creates a lovely warm positive boost. The fact that you have spent the time to make or chose a card, write it and send it makes people feel far more special and cared for than receiving instant texts, emails or Facebook messages.
21
International Day of Yoga - Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word 'yoga' derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
World Giraffe Day - In honour of the longest-necked animal. The day will either be a longest one or the longest night depending upon the hemisphere you live in.
Make Music Day - Celebrates music in all its forms and the impact it's had on the world and the human spirit.
23
International Women in Engineering Day is an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls in this exciting industry.
24
Bring Your Dog To Work Day - Having dogs in the workplace has a whole range of benefits - from reducing stress to increasing productivity and improving team relationships.
July
01
JulEYE - Get your eyes tested this JulEYE. 75% of vision loss is preventable or treatable if detected early enough, yet every 65 minutes an Australian loses part or all of their vision.
International Joke Day. The unofficial holiday encourages participants to share their funniest and side splitting jokes with the world.
02
World UFO Day seeks to get governments to fess up to the existence of UFOs. Many people believe that UFOs from outer space have already visited us, and a big, government cover-up is hiding the facts from the public.
03 - 10
NAIDOC Week - It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.
04
Build A Scarecrow Day Build a Scarecrow Day is a unique and fun festival that is celebrated each year in the USA on the first Saturday in July. Scarecrows are special human-shaped figures that are created by farmers to scare the birds away from their crows.
07
World Chocolate day is celebrated on the 7 th of July every year. The day is marked to remember the great taste of the chocolate the subtle joys it adds to our lives. It is said even by the doctors that dark chocolates are beneficial more than fruits and veggies.
Global Forgiveness Day is observed every year on 7 th July and August 27th. It is the day to ask for forgiveness from those whom you have hurt and also to forgive. World Forgiveness Day is the day to revive your relationships with your family, friends and dear ones by putting aside what has happened in the past and making a fresh start.
09 - 12
Eid al Adha - Feast of Sacrifice, is an Islamic holiday that is celebrated in India and other areas of the world with large Muslim populations.
13
Embrace Your Geekness Day - The day encourages you to accept your geekiness with pride and don’t shy away from showing off your knowledge. From Star Trek fans to astronomy nerds, video game enthusiasts to comic book collectors, Embrace Your Geekness Day is for all geeks everywhere. No matter what brings a skip to your step or impassions your creativity, be proud of it.
National French Fry Day - is a great opportunity to take the time to sample some golden-brown potato slices.
14
Bastille Day - The French National Day is the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a major event of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération that celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790.
Shark Awareness Day - is to provide education and awareness of the importance of sharks to the ecosystems of our world's oceans.
16
World Snake Day - This holiday is celebrated both virtually and physically, bringing together snake-lovers to rejoice in their common wonder at the marvels of nature's creation.
17
World Emoji Day - is a holiday that validates our obsession over these ubiquitous graphic icons. While sometimes they may seem silly, according to various psychologists and researchers, they may play a vital role in the way we communicate today.
18
Nelson Mandela International Day - The UN and the Nelson Mandela Foundation call on people across the world to devote 67 minutes of their time to helping people on Nelson Mandela International Day - one minute for each year Nelson Mandela devoted his life to serving humanity.
National Farm Safety Week - National Farm Safety Week aims to raise awareness of farm safety issues in rural communities across Australia.
22
National Pyjama Day - National Pyjama Day is all about wearing your favourite pair of PJ's to help The Pyjama Foundation raise much-needed awareness and funds for children in foster care. With the money raised from National Pyjama Day, you'll be helping us offer learning skills to more than 1000 children, fund educational resources and help provide stable, positive relationships. So this July put on your favourite PJ's, make a donation, and get your friends/colleagues involved!
24
National Cousins Day and is the perfect day to send some love to those family members we call cousins. Whether they were our first best friend or first antagonist, cousins are the people who made family get togethers fun – or at least more tolerable and less awkward – when we were kids.
25
National Stepfamily Awareness Day - The last Sunday in July has been designated as 'National Stepfamily Awareness Day'. A day dedicated to the stepfamily, it provides an opportunity to acknowledge, promote and celebrate the great work that stepfamilies do.
29
Crazy Hair Day - Crazy Hair Day is a day to go crazy with your hair - teased, coloured, gelled or twisted; wigs and scarves, punk or just plain messy! is an annual fundraising event organised by Cystic Fibrosis Victoria (CFV).
OOSH Educators Day - Recognises and celebrates the work of Australia's OOSH educators for their wonderful contribution of the school children in their care.
International Tiger Day - International Tiger Day, also called Global Tiger Day, celebrates tigers, the largest cat on the planet. Tigers are arguably the most beautiful and majestic cat on the planet, too. Love 'em, hate 'em, or just plain scared of them, one must admit that they are indeed a beautiful animal.
30
International Day of Friendship - The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
White Ribbon Night - Join communities across Australia to unite in support of bringing an end to violence against women by having a night in to get the word out. You can invite two people or 2,000 to your movie night, games night, dinner party, watch the footy with mates... the possibilities are endless!
Schools Tree Day - Each year around 250,000 Australian school students participate in Schools Tree Day - a special National Tree Day event just for kids. It's a great opportunity for children to learn about nature, get outside and have fun at the same time. This Schools Tree Day, all schools and their students are encouraged get involved and plant some trees for a healthier planet!
August
01
World Breastfeeding Week - Aims to protect, promote and support breastfeeding as the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need.
MS Readathon One Month Challenge Starts - The MS Readathon is a reading-based fundraiser run by Multiple Sclerosis Australia (MSA). It encourages people of all ages to read and improve their literacy whilst at the same time raising their community awareness and empowering them to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS.
Great Northern Clean Up - An event of Clean Up Australia, takes place during the months of August, September and October - a time of year which is more suitable for communities living in the tropical North.
Homelessness Prevention Week - is an annual awareness raising week held in the first full week of August each year to highlight the over 105,000 Australians who are homeless on any given night. Homelessness Australia provides information sheets and resources to support events all around Australia.
Happiness Happens Month
04
National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day (NATICD) - is a celebration of human rights and Indigenous children. Held on 4 August each year, NAITCD was first observed by SNAICC in 1988.
06
Genes For Jeans Day - Jeans for Genes Day is the major fundraising event for the Children's Medical Research Institute, who is on a mission to reduce the number of children born with genetic illnesses.
Hiroshima Day - It is the day when in 1945 an atomic bomb was dropped in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. On this day first time use of nuclear weapon was seen and just after three days of Hiroshima another nuclear weapon was dropped in Nagasaki.
08
International Cat Day - A day to celebrate one of man’s most common and ancient pets.
12
International Youth Day is a reminder that investment in the worlds youth will provide a better future for all.
World Elephant Day - launched to bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants. The elephant is loved, revered and respected by people and cultures around the world, yet we balance on the brink of seeing the last of this magnificent creature.
13 - 21
National Science Week Starts - celebrates the contributions Australian Scientists have made to the world. There are hundreds of activities, events and debates across the country during the week.
13Red Nose Day - Red Nose Day is the major fundraiser for Red Nose. Funds raised through Red Nose Day activities help to provide vital services and programs to the Australian community. Red Nose is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and to supporting bereaved families. With offices throughout Australia and a national office in Melbourne our areas of focus include bereavement support, education, research, national awareness campaigning, advocacy and fundraising.
International Left-Handers Day - an annual event when left-handers everywhere can celebrate their sinistrality and increase public awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed.
14
World Lizard Day - Provides the opportunity for a fun celebration of a reptilian fascination, and a chance to teach our kids about the world around us. Most of all, World Lizard Day seems geared towards helping those who enjoy reptiles to celebrate them, and those who don't to learn about them.
15
India Independence Day - It is the National Day of India. Also known as 'I-Day', this public holiday marks the date in 1947, when India became an independent country.
16 - 22
Keep Australia Beautiful Week - The aim of the Keep Australia Beautiful campaign is to demonstrate the easy ways people can help the environment and also save money by making a few simple changes around the home and in their daily lives.
19
World Humanitarian Day -is used to increase public awareness about humanitarian assistance activities worldwide and the importance of international cooperation in this regard, as well as to honour all humanitarian and United Nations and associated personnel who have worked in the promotion of the humanitarian cause and those who have lost their lives in the cause of duty.
International Orangutan Day - To recognise the most iconic victim of the palm oil industry, International Orangutan Day has been set for August 19th, every year. This event is to help encourage the public to take action in preserving this amazing species.
21- 27
Children's Book Week Starts - Each year, many schools and public libraries from all over Australia spend a week celebrating books and Australian authors and illustrators. Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians develop activities, offer competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading.
27
Wear It Purple Day - about showing LGBTIQ+ young people that they have the right to be proud of who they are.
Daffodil Day - one of the Cancer Council's most loved fundraising events and this year, every daffodil and every donation grows hope - hope for more survivors, hope for better treatments and hope for greater support. As the largest merchandise based event in the Southern Hemisphere, it's day to support all Australians affected by cancer.
Tracky Dack Day - On the last Friday in August, Australians 'dack up and donate' by wearing tracksuit pants ('trackies') and fundraising for sick kids. This is an act of solidarity with hospitalised children, who are encouraged to change into trackies to lift their mood and create a more normal day-to-day routine.
September
01
Early Childhood Educators’ Day - Recognises and celebrates the work of Australia's educators in early learning services for their wonderful contribution to the wellbeing and healthy development of the young children in their care.
Indigenous Literacy Day – Attention to the disadvantages experienced in remote communities and encourage the rest of Australia to raise funds and advocate for more equal access to literacy resources for remote communities.
Starlight Movie Month - Starlight Movie Month is a chance for your colleagues, family, friends and neighbours to raise funds for seriously ill children and their families.
Liptember - A campaign raising funds and awareness for women's mental health during the month of September. All funds raised during the month of September are donated to the Centre for Women's Health and Lifeline.
Debris Month of Action - a growing movement of scuba divers protecting the ocean planet - one dive at a time. More than six million tons of marine litter is estimated to enter the ocean each year, and scuba divers are doing their bit to battle this silent killer. During September, action is ramped up in order to combat the growing marine debris problem and inspire year-round action to remove, report and prevent underwater debris.
Save the Koala Month - aims to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of wild koalas and their habitats.
National Health and Physical Education Day - has been designed to raise awareness of, and advocate for, a greater focus of HPE in our schools. If you are a teacher, why not take your class outside for a lesson or organise a PE-related excursion? Schools, why not plan a fun run or walk for your students? If you are a parent, why not walk home with the kids or take them to a nearby park for some play time after school
04
Father’s Day - Showing appreciation for fathers or father figures.
06 - 12
National Child Protection Week Starts - This campaign aims to engage and educate all Australians to understand they have a part to play in keeping our children and young people safe from violence, abuse and neglect.
07
Early Childhood Educators Day -recognises & celebrates the work of Australia's educators in early learning services for their wonderful contribution to the wellbeing and healthy development of the young children in their care.
Threatened Species Day - is commemorated across the country on 7 September to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction. Australia is home to more than 500,000 animal and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
08
International Literacy Day - raise awareness and concern for literacy problems that exist within our own local communities as well as globally.
09
White Balloon Day - annual awareness and fundraising campaign to protect Aussie kids from child sexual assault.
19
Talk like a Pirate day - nationally recognised as the major fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Support, is an opportunity to polish ye hook and say “AHOY there, me hearties” to all ye mateys, school crew and work mates.
National Thank A Cop Day - is your opportunity to make them feel valued and loved. On the 19th September annually is the community's chance during Police Week to personally thank each and everyone of them. In recent times there is ample evidence that they are doing it tough as the job becomes more demanding and individuals lose respect for them in aggressive ways. Make them feel appreciated and special citizens on this day through our actions.
20 - 26
National Organic Week - to increase awareness of the benefits of organic products and farming production systems and accelerate the uptake of these in the wider Australian community and environment.
21
International Day of Peace - is a global day when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace.
World Gratitude Day - We should focus on what we are grateful for and appreciate what we have, rather than what we want or think we need. It's possible that we can keep our unnecessary and frivolous consumption at bay too.
22
World Rhino Day - is a day of awareness for all five rhino species and the work being done to save them.
23
International Day Of Sign Languages - to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.
25 - 27
Rosh Hashanah - a Jewish celebration that is commonly referred to as Jewish New Year. It is a time of casting off sins and preparing for a new year.
27
Navaratri - is the Hindu festival that translates to "nine nights". It is a festival for followers to invoke the energy of the Universal Mother.
29
World Heart Day - Cardiovascular diseases are the worlds biggest killers. World Heart Day is a reminder to take care of your heart.
October
01
World Vegetarian Day - is the annual kick-off of Vegetarian Awareness Month. Make a difference this October by informing others about the benefits of vegetarianism.
International Day of Older Persons - a celebration of the older people in all societies, and a reminder to continue developing a society for all ages.
Be Kind To Animals Week - a nation-wide initiative to encourage and inspire people of all ages to be kind to our furry, feathered and finned friends.
Nude Food Month - a nationwide initiative developed to encourage kids and parents to eat well and live well, and eliminate all unnecessary packaging and wrapping.
Mental Health Month - a national mental health promotion campaign held throughout October each year. The timing of the campaign centres on World Mental Health Day, which is marked each year on October 10.
Buy Nothing New Month - is the global movement for collective, conscientious consumption. It's about thinking where our stuff comes from (finite resources) and where it goes when we're done (often landfill) and what are the fantastic alternatives out there to extend the life of our 'stuff'.
Dogtober - a way to get involved with Assistance Dogs, have some fun and help train another 25 super pups to help people with physical disabilities.
Walktober - Australia's walking month! It's the ideal time to celebrate walking. October is that time of year when you feel a 'spring' in your step; the weather is warming up and it's a great time to get outside. Join the Walktober Challenge and take steps to make sure that this generation of kids are active and healthy.
National Safe Work Month - a time to make your commitment to improving safety and health in your workplace. This year's theme, Work Health and Safety through COVID-19, acknowledges and reflects the wide-reaching impacts of COVID-19 on Australian businesses, employers and workers.
Injury Free Month - Simply nominate a day during October to promote safety and the importance of injury prevention. The KIDS Foundation Injury Free Campaign is an annual event which highlights the importance of safety and injury prevention.
World Smile Day - is celebrated on the first Friday in the month of October every year. The idea of World Smile Day was coined and initiated by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts. He is known to have created the yellow Smiley Face in 1963. The World's first World Smile Day was held in the year 1999 and has been held annually since.
02
World Day for Farmed Animals - founded in 1983, is dedicated to exposing the needless suffering and death of sentient animals raised and slaughtered for food. World Day for Farmed Animals hopes to continue until animals are no longer seen as commodities, raised for their flesh and by-products.
World Farm Animals Day - a time dedicated to exposing, mourning, and memorializing the needless suffering and slaughter of the more than 55 billion cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and other sentient land animals in the world's factory farms and slaughterhouses. It is a time for all to speak out against the atrocities and brutalization of animals raised for meat, eggs, and dairy.
04
World Animal Day - started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species. Since then it has grown to encompass all kinds of animal life and is widely celebrated throughout the world. October 4 was chosen as World Animal Day as it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
World Space Week - This week celebrates the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition as well as every child's imagination.
05
World Teachers Day - a day devoted to appreciating, assessing, and improving the educators of the world. The real point is to provide a time to look at and address issues pertaining to teachers. Strangely one of the most central, vital professionals to society does not receive the respect it deserves in some parts of the world.
World Habitat Day - The idea is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.
11
International Day of the Girl Child - The Day of the Girl is about highlighting, celebrating, discussing, and advancing girls lives and opportunities across the globe. When girls come together to talk about what really matters to us, we can teach other people-grownups, boys, girls all across the world-a new way of thinking about issues like gender stereotypes, discrimination, and opportunity. October 11 is not just a day but a movement. 11.10 is bigger than one issue, one organization, or even one country.
14
World Sight Day - seeks to raise public awareness on low vision. Blindness and low vision are critical issues in Australia, especially with an ageing population. World Sight Day is a global initiative providing an opportunity to raise the profile of the causes of blindness and vision impairment and the preventative measures.
15
National Mushroom Day - is one day to celebrate all things MUSHROOMS. Did you know that mushrooms are NOT a vegetable? They are a FUNGI and belong in a separate food kingdom to ordinary fruits and vegetables
Global Handwashing Day - was originally created for children and schools, but can be celebrated by anyone promoting handwashing with soap. Over 200 million people are involved in celebrations in over 100 countries around the world.
16
World Food Day - a reminder that everybody deserves and needs access to food, particularly those who can't keep up with rising food prices.
17 - 23
Aussie Backyard Bird Count - Bird Life Australia's first nationwide bird survey. All you need is 20 minutes, your favourite green patch and some keen eyesight (or binoculars!) Record the birds you see on our brand new Aussie Bird Count app (or website) and you'll instantly see live information on how many people are taking part near you and the number of birds and species counted right across your neighbourhood and the whole of Australia!
18 - 24
National Water Week - dedicated to raise community awareness about current and future water issues and to encourage the community to take action to protect our vital water sources. It's also a celebration of water achievements in painting a sustainable future for generations to come.
20 - 27
National Unity Week - Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders announced a National Day of Unity in response to growing reports of discrimination, violence and rising tensions within the Australian community. Celebrate National Unity Week by hosting or attending an inter-faith or intercultural event in your community. Meet people of other cultures and faiths, learn from one another and recognise that unity builds a better future than division ever could.
22
Loud Shirt Day - Fish out your flashiest frock, or dig out that awesome Hawaiian shirt you've been hiding in your wardrobe and get it on! Loud Shirt Day is the day you wear something really, loud to help give deaf children the gift of sound and speech. Whether you fancy stripes, florals, polka dots or paisley, as long as its got colour, pizzazz, it'll be perfect for Loud Shirt Day.
24
Diwali - Festival Of Lights - India - is a festival of lights celebrated by Hindu, Jain and Sikh religions.
World Kangaroo Day - aim to celebrate kangaroos and raise awareness to the largest commercial slaughter of land-based wildlife in the world. Loss of habitat, bushfires, drought, predators, legal and illegal hunting, car accidents, fences, disease and animal cruelty are driving local populations of kangaroos to extinction. Instead of protecting kangaroos, each year Australian Governments sanction the commercial slaughter of millions of kangaroos for their meat and skins. World Kangaroo Day shines a light on the problems facing Australia's kangaroo. We need to raise awareness and educate people because the commercial kangaroo industry is shrouded in 50 years of claims, which are no longer true - if they ever were. It's time to debunk the myths and educate the public before more local kangaroo populations become extinct.
29
Day For Daniel - is Australia’s largest national child safety education and awareness day and honours the memory of Daniel Morcombe.
31
National Grandparents Day - it's dedicated to celebrating grandparents and all that they do for us.
Halloween - the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day or more commonly known as All Saints' Day. Halloween day is in celebration and remembrance of the dead.
November
01
Movember - is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men's health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men. Mo Bros, supported by their Mo Sistas, start Movember (November 1st) clean shaven and then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache. During Movember, each Mo Bro effectively becomes a walking billboard for men's health and, via their Mo, raises essential funds and awareness for Movember's men's health partners.
World Vegan Month - is dedicated to educating about vegan eating and lifestyles, and encouraging you take give it a go. Take part by eating and living vegan, being kinder to the environment, stopping animal crueltly, and living a healthier life!
El Día de los Muertos - Day Of The Dead - Mexico - It is a holiday that focuses on remembering family members and friends who have passed away.
3
Outdoor Classroom Day - is a global movement to make time outdoors part of every child’s day. On two days of action each year, teachers take children outdoors to play and learn.
7 - 13
National Others Week - NOW encourages people to find a way to help someone, whether it's a random act of kindness or a planned activity. Because as the NOW motto says - life is a team sport!
11
Remembrance Day - marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914-18). Each year Australians observe one minute silence at 11 am on 11 November, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.
13
World Kindness Day - is to look beyond ourselves, beyond the boundaries of our country, beyond our culture, our race, our religion; and realise we are citizens of the world. As world citizens we have a commonality, and must realise that if progress is to be made in human relations and endeavours, if we are to achieve the goal of peaceful coexistence, we must focus on what we have in common.
13 - 20
Australian Food Safety Week - will be 'Is it done yet? Using a thermometer to check if your food is cooked safely'. We will be encouraging consumers to buy and use food thermometers to cook food safely with the aim of reducing the 4.1 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year. Events will be held around the country. The 2020 theme will be 'Food Safety - it's in your hands' where we will be building upon the good behaviour established during the COVID-19 pandemic so we can continue to reduce the amount of foodborne disease.
19 - 25
Alopecia Awareness Week - raising awareness and raising funds to provide wigs to children effected by the condition. You can get involved by donating your hair to be made into a wig or hold a fundraiser to purchase a wig for a child.
World Toilet Day (WTD) - to raise global awareness of the struggle 2.6 billion face every day without access to proper, clean sanitation. WTD also brings to the forefront the health, emotional and psychological consequences the poor endure as a result of inadequate sanitation.
20
Universal Children's Day - is observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children.
21
World Television Day - This day celebrates the ways television has helped to increase world communications, as well as the implications it has had on social and cultural development.
25
Thanksgiving - America - is an annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year.
December
03
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - to focus on issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide.
05
International Volunteer Day - The Day provides an opportunity for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, share their values, and promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), UN agencies, government authorities and the private sector.
World Soil Day - the event was first instituted in Thailand by former king Bhumibol Adulyadej, which is why its date is set on this monarch’s birthday.
10
Human Rights Day - the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
11
International Mountain Day - to raise awareness about the role that mountainous regions play in the lives of people and their importance to our planet.
15
Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony - People coming together to share chocolate and coffee in a spirit of acceptance of all people regardless of religious or cultural background.
18
Hanukkah - Jewish - Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival with the first day known as Chanukah, Festival of Lights, and Feast of Dedication.
International Migrants Day - it is intended to shine the spotlight on the plight, rights, and contributions of the millions of migrants all over the world.
20
International Human Solidarity Day - Therefore, the UN General Assembly, convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing is important for combating poverty, proclaimed 20 of December as International Human Solidarity Day.
24
Christmas EVE
25
Christmas Day
26
Boxing Day
31
New Years EVE
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Note: This is to be used as a general guideline only. These dates may subject to change.
