April is filled with cultural celebrations, awareness days, and playful observances. These programming ideas support educators in planning engaging experiences that connect children to community, diversity, and well-being, while linking to EYLF outcomes.

March offers a vibrant mix of cultural celebrations, awareness days, and playful observances. These programming ideas help educators embed inclusion, creativity, and wellbeing into daily routines while linking to EYLF Outcomes.

February is a month rich with opportunities to celebrate kindness, culture, science, and community. By weaving these events into programming, educators can inspire children’s curiosity, empathy, and creativity. Activities below connect to the EYLF Outcomes, encouraging identity, well-being, communication, and contribution to the world.

Celebrate the beauty of Australia’s unique wildlife all year long with this free downloadable 2026 calendar. Each month features a clean, minimalist layout paired with inspiring themes of iconic Australian animals, making it perfect for the learning environment.

This template is to be used as a planner for cultural celebrations and events in 2026.

This template is to be used as a yearly planner. 

January offers a vibrant mix of cultural, playful, and reflective events that can inspire meaningful programming in early childhood settings. By weaving these celebrations into daily practice, educators can foster children’s curiosity, creativity, and sense of belonging. These activities provide opportunities to explore sustainability, inclusion, empathy, and cultural pride, values that align strongly with the EYLF. 

On 10 December 2025, the Fair Work Commission issued a major determination affecting the Children’s Services Award 2010 (MA000120). These changes form part of the Gender-Based Undervaluation Priority Review, recognising long‑standing inequities in early childhood. 

The updated award will come into operation on 1 March 2026 and will apply from the first full pay period on or after that date.

This article breaks down the key changes so educators, cooks, support workers, room leaders, and directors can understand what the new structure means for them.

The following lists cultural and special events that are taking place from January to December 2026. This should help you plan and organise upcoming events and celebrations in 2026.