Discover days and dates that lead inclusivity and foster dialogue. Join in thought-provoking discussions to mark the importance of these times within our communities. Together, let's build a campus where everyone feels valued and empowered. Explore the upcoming celebrations and acknowledgments below and note the dates significant to you. Be part of the change towards a more inclusive society.
Inclusion calendar 2024
Significant days we recognise with our community
UOW’s EDI calendar captures most dates of significance, but we acknowledge that there may be other dates to include. Please email the EDI-Team@uow.edu.au if there’s something you’d like to add.
World Braille Day
Thursday, 4 January, 2024
World Braille Day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people. Braille is essential in the context of education, freedom of expression and opinion, as well as social inclusion.
Epiphany
Saturday, 6 January, 2024
Epiphany is a Christian feast day that commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus and the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God.
Orthodox Christmas
Sunday, 7 January, 2024
Orthodox Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar observed by some Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Bodhi Day
Thursday, 18 January 2024
Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday celebrating the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Buddha.
Orthodox Epiphany
Friday, 19 January, 2024
Occurring on 19 January 19, this feast commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and the revelation of the Holy Trinity.
World Religion Day
Sunday, 21 January, 2024
The aim of World Religion Day (which takes place on the third Sunday of January each year) is to promote understanding and peace between all religions, encouraging people to learn about other faiths and their followers.
International Day of Education
Wednesday, 24 January, 2024
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education. The role of education in breaking boundaries between cultures and countries, and maintaining peace and equality, is celebrated noting that education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility.
Australia Day / Survival Day
Friday, 26 January, 2024
26th of January is the official national day of Australia. To Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this day marks the commemoration of a deep loss – loss of their sovereign rights to their land, loss of family, loss of the right to practice their culture. This date also provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with the opportunity to reflect on the survival of the oldest living culture in the world.
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Saturday, 27 January, 2024
International Day of Commemoration (Holocaust Remembrance Day) pays tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the nazi concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on 27 January 1945. The day reaffirms an unwavering commitment to counter antisemitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance that may lead to group-targeted violence.
Lunar New Year
Saturday, 10 February 2024
The Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world by those who follow the lunisolar calendar, including in countries such as China, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Tibet, Mongolia and Indonesia, as well as other communities around the world. 10 February marks the start of the Year of the Dragon.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Sunday, 11 February, 2024
In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015.
Freedom Rides 1965
Monday, 12 February, 2024
In 1965, a group of students from the University of Sydney drew national and international attention to the appalling living conditions of Aboriginal people and the racism that was rife in New South Wales country towns. Known as the Freedom Ride, this 15-day bus journey through regional New South Wales would become a defining moment in Australian activism.
Anniversary of the National Apology
Tuesday, 13 February, 2024
National Apology Day is commemorated annually on 13 February. On this day in 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised on behalf of the nation for past laws, policies and practices that have impacted upon Australia’s First Nations Peoples, particularly members of the Stolen Generations. The Apology is now considered a defining moment in Australian history.
International Mother Language Day
Wednesday, 21 February, 2024
International Mother Language Day recognises that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind. UNESCO encourages and promotes multilingual education based on mother tongue or first language.
Zero Discrimination Day
Friday, 1 March, 2024
On Zero Discrimination Day we celebrate the right of everyone to live a full and productive life—and live it with dignity. Zero Discrimination Day highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and, above all, a movement for change. Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination.
International Wheelchair Day
Friday, 1 March, 2024
International Wheelchair Day is held annually on 1 March and is a day of events and activities which take place around the world when wheelchair users celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has on their lives.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (SGLMG)
Saturday, 2 March, 2024
The LGBTIQA+ event in Sydney, attended by hundreds of thousands of people from around Australia and overseas is one of the largest such festivals in the world. SGLMG was built on the foundations laid by early community activists who fought for LGBTQIA+ rights in a time of wide-spread, institutionalised oppression and discrimination.
International Women's Day
Friday, 8 March, 2024
Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated around the world on 8 March. International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world and is a day when all women are recognised for their achievements.
Ramadan
Saturday, 9 March, 2024 to Monday, 8 April, 2024
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide. The month-long religious holiday is a time of self-reflection and strengthening their relationship with God. Ramadan is dictated by the lunar cycle, beginning and ending with a crescent moon. The religious holiday involves fasting, praying and being around loved ones.
St Patrick’s Day
Sunday, 17 March, 2024
The feast day of St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland. Originally celebrated with religious feasts and services, St. Patrick's Day has become a secular celebration of Irish culture when it reached the United States alongside Irish immigrants.
Harmony Week
Wednesday, 20 March to Tuesday 26 March, 2024
It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.
National Close the Gap Day
Thursday, 21 March, 2024
In 2006, more than 40 national organisations came together to form Close the Gap ‐ Australia’s largest ever campaign to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Every year, Australians are encouraged to hold their own event on National Close the Gap Day to raise awareness about the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians. Since 2006, the Close the Gap campaign has achieved an enormous amount through community support.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Thursday, 21 March, 2024
On this day in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid “pass laws”. Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the UN General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
World Down Syndrome Day
Thursday, 21 March, 2024
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Purim (Feast of Lots)
Saturday, 23 March 2024 to Sunday, 24 March, 2024
Purim is a Jewish holiday celebrating the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to exterminate them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. This year, Purim 2024 starts at sundown Saturday, 23 March and ends Sunday night, 24 March.
Palm Sunday
Sunday, 24 March, 2024
Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter Sunday and the start of Holy Week for Christians, is a feast day commemorating Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem on a Donkey (symbolizing peace versus a horse which symbolized war).
Holla Mohalla
Monday, 25 March, 2024
Holla Mohalla is a Sikh festival that follows Holi, featuring martial arts displays, music, and poetry to promote valour and courage.
Holi Festival
Monday, 25 March, 2024
This great Indian festival is observed at the end of the winters in the month of March after the full Moon
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, the Festival of Spring, and the Festival of Love, is an ancient Hindu religious festival and one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of Radha Krishna.
Transgender Day of Visibility
Sunday, 31 March, 2024
Trans Day of Visibility is an annual international celebration of trans pride and awareness, recognising trans and gender diverse experiences and achievements. Events on 31 March involved celebrating with gender diverse people all around Australia by sharing stories, starting conversations, and attending events.
Easter
Sunday, 31 March to Monday, 3 April, 2024
Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter-observing Christians refer to the week before Easter as Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday (marking the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem), includes Spy Wednesday (on which the betrayal of Jesus is mourned), and contains the days of the Easter Triduum including Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Maundy and Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
- Palm Sunday: marking the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem (Sunday before Easter)
- Good Friday: commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus
- Easter Sunday: celebrating the resurrection of Jesus
- Easter Monday: marking the day after Jesus rose from the dead
Easter
Sunday, 31 March to Monday, 3 April, 2024
Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter-observing Christians refer to the week before Easter as Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday (marking the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem), includes Spy Wednesday (on which the betrayal of Jesus is mourned), and contains the days of the Easter Triduum including Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Maundy and Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
- Palm Sunday: marking the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem (Sunday before Easter)
- Good Friday: commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus
- Easter Sunday: celebrating the resurrection of Jesus
- Easter Monday: marking the day after Jesus rose from the dead
Solar new Year
April, 2024
The Solar New Year is celebrated around the world in many Asian regions who follow the lunisolar calendar, it is celebrated on various dates during the first two weeks of April.
- 24-26 April - Theravadan New Year - Theravada Buddhist
- 13 April– Sunday,16 April- Choul Chnam Thmey (Khmer Solar New Year) - Cambodia & Khmer diaspora
- 13 April–16 April, - Thingyan (Burmese New Year) - Myanmar & Burmese diaspora
- 13 April–, 15 April, - Songkran (Thai New Year) - Thailand & Thai diaspora
- 13- 14 April- Avurudu (Solar New Year) - Sri Lanka & Sinhalese diaspora
- 14 April, - Navavarsha (Nepalese Solar New Year) - Nepal & Nepalese diaspora
- 14 April- Puthandu (Solar New Year) - Sri Lanka & Tamil diaspora
- 14 April, 16 April, - Pii Mai (Lao New Year) - Laos & Lao diaspora)
- 15 April, - Pohela Boishakh (Bengali Solar New Year) - Bengali Hindu, Bangladesh & Bangladeshi diaspora
Ramadan
Saturday, 9 March to Monday, 8 April, 2024
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide. The month-long religious holiday is a time of self-reflection and strengthening their relationship with God. Ramadan is dictated by the lunar cycle, beginning and ending with a crescent moon. The religious holiday involves fasting, praying and being around loved ones.
Easter
Sunday, 31 March to Monday, 3 April, 2024
Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter-observing Christians refer to the week before Easter as Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday (marking the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem), includes Spy Wednesday (on which the betrayal of Jesus is mourned), and contains the days of the Easter Triduum including Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Maundy and Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
- Palm Sunday: marking the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem (Sunday before Easter)
- Good Friday: commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus
- Easter Sunday: celebrating the resurrection of Jesus
- Easter Monday: marking the day after Jesus rose from the dead
World Autism Day
Tuesday, 2 April, 2024
World Autism Day is celebrated annually and aims to spread awareness about autism and encourage its acceptance.
International Asexuality Day
Saturday, 6 April, 2024
International Asexuality Day is an annual event celebrated on April 6 to recognise and celebrate asexuality and the asexual community. The day is intended to create awareness and understanding of the full asexual spectrum.
World Health Day
Sunday, 7 April, 2024
World Health Day is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. This year the World Health Organisation will observe the 75th anniversary of this day.
Eid al Fitr (end of Ramadan)
Tuesday, 9 April, 2024
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the Shawwal (the 10th month in the Islamic calendar) as the fasting month of Ramadan comes to an end. Amid the reflection and rejoicing, Eid al-Fitr is also a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. Eid is a time of joy and blessing for the entire Muslim community.
Sikh New Year / Vaisakhi
Saturday, 13 April, 2024
Vaisakhi is a significant day for Sikhs, as it marks the formation of the Khalsa and the Sikh New Year.
Ridvan (Great Month) (20 April – 2 May))
Saturday, 20 April to Thursday, 2 May, 2024
Ridvan is the most important Baha'i festival, commemorating the twelve days when Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, declared his mission.
Passover
Monday, 22 April to Tuesday, 30 April, 2024
Passover is a major Jewish holiday, that celebrates the Biblical story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt.
Lesbian Visibility Week
Monday, 22 April to Sunday, 28 April, 2024
Lesbian Visibility Week is to celebrate lesbians and show solidarity with all LGBTQI women and non-binary people.
ANZAC Day
Thursday, 25 April, 2024
On 25 of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as ANZACs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day.
International Guide Dog Day
Friday, 26 April, 2024
International Guide Dog Day celebrates the important role Guide Dogs play in supporting people all around the world with low vision or blindness to achieve their goals and live independently. It marks the establishment of the International Federation of Guide Dog Associations on 26 April 1989.
World Day of Safety and Health at Work
Sunday, 28 April, 2024
The annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. It is an awareness-raising campaign intended to focus international attention on the magnitude of the problem and on how promoting and creating a safe and health culture can help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries.
Orthodox Easter
Sunday, 5 May, 2024
Orthodox Easter takes place between April 4 and May 8, following the first full moon after Passover. Orthodox Easter always falls after the Jewish celebration of Passover, because, according to the New Testament, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ took place after he entered Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.
International Family Equality (Family Pride) Day
Sunday, 5 May, 2024
The IFED is an official LGBT awareness day. Since 2012, this day marks the celebration of LGBTQ diverse families globally.
Ascension of Christ
Thursday, 9 May, 2024
Ascension Day celebrates the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven, 40 days after his resurrection.
International Women in Mathematics Day
Sunday, 12 May, 2024
The goal of the day is to inspire women everywhere to celebrate their achievements in mathematics, and to encourage an open, welcoming and inclusive work environment for everybody.
International Day of Families
Wednesday, 15 May, 2024
The International Day of Families observance is to raise awareness of the impact of demographic trends on families. The UN uses the day to promote awareness of the issues that surround families and increase knowledge of the social, demographic, and economic factors that affect families.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Thursday, 16 May, 2024
Global Accessibility Awareness Day is an awareness day focusing on digital access and inclusion for the more than one billion people who live with disabilities or impairments. It is marked annually on the third Thursday of May.
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
Friday, 17 May, 2024
IDAHOBIT was started on May 17 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. This day aims to help educate people and raise awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.
Pentecost
Sunday, 19 May, 2024
Pentecost is a Christian holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles of Jesus.
World Day for Cultural Diversity For Dialogue and Development
Tuesday, 21 May, 2024
Held every year on 21 May, UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlighting not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
Vesak (Buddha Day)
Thursday, 23 May to Monday 3 June, 2024
Vesak is the most significant Buddhist festival, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.
National Sorry Day
Sunday, 26 May, 2024
Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum
Monday, 27 May, 2024
On 27 May 1967, Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them. A resounding 90.77 per cent said ‘Yes’ and every single state and territory had a majority result for the ‘Yes’ vote. It was one of the most successful national campaigns in Australia’s history.
National Reconciliation Week
Monday, 27 May to Monday 3 June, 2024
National Reconciliation Week offers people across Australia the opportunity to focus on reconciliation, to hear about the cultures and histories of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to explore new and better ways of meeting challenges in our communities.
Ascension of Baha’u’llah
Monday, 27 May to Tuesday, 28 May, 2024
This Baha'i holiday marks the ascension of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, to the spiritual realm.
Vesak (Buddha Day)
Thursday, 23 May to Monday 3 June, 2024
Vesak is the most significant Buddhist festival, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.
National Reconciliation Week
Monday, 27 May to Monday 3 June, 2024
National Reconciliation Week offers people across Australia the opportunity to focus on reconciliation, to hear about the cultures and histories of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to explore new and better ways of meeting challenges in our communities.
Global Day of Parents
Thursday, 1 June, 2024
Designated by the General Assembly in 2012, Global Day of Parents provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their "selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship."
Pride Month
Thursday, 1 June, 2024
Pride Month commemorates years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, as well as the accomplishments of LGBTQ individuals.
Mabo Day
Monday, 3 June, 2024
Mabo Day marks the anniversary of the High Court of Australia’s judgement in 1992 in the Mabo case. This is a day of particular significance for Torres Strait Islander Australians. Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo’s name is synonymous with native title rights. His story began in May 1982 when he and fellow Murray (Mer) Islanders David Passi, Sam Passi, James Rice and Celuia Salee instituted a claim in the High Court for native title to the Murray (Mer) Islands in the Torres Strait. The decision overturned a legal fiction that Australia was terra nullius (a land belonging to no one) at the time of British colonisation.
Dragon Boat Festival
Monday, 10 June, 2024
Celebrated to commemorate the eatdh of Qu Yuan, a famous Chinese poet and minister known for his patriotism and contributions to classical poetry, who eventually became a national hero.
Flexible Work Day
Monday, 10 June, 2024
Monday 10 June is recognised as World Flexible Working Day, a day for businesses to celebrate and showcase the benefits of flexible work for individuals and organisations.
Shavuot
Tuesday, 11 June to Thursday, 13 June, 2024
Shavuot, commonly known as the Feast of Weeks, is a major Jewish holiday, that celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai as well as the grain harvest for the summer. The two-day holiday, begins at sundown following the 5th of Sivan and lasts until nightfall of the 7th of Sivan (May 25-27, 2023). In Israel it is a one-day holiday, ending at nightfall of the 6th of Sivan.
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
Friday, 14 June to Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and it is obligatory for all Muslims who can afford to undertake it.
Eid al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
Sunday, 16 June to Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Eid al-Adha Eid al Adha is the second of two major Muslim festivals (the other being Eid al-Fitr) commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. During the festival, families that can afford to sacrifice a ritually acceptable animal (sheep, goat, camel, or cow) do so and then divide the meat among family, friends and the less fortunate.
Refugee Week
Monday, 17 June, 2024
Refugee Week aims to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.
World Refugee Day
Thursday, 20 June, 2024
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
International Women in Engineering Day
Sunday, 23 June, 2024
International Women in Engineering Day is celebrated on June 23 every year around the world, to honor women in the field of engineering. It focuses on raising the profile of women who are changing the field of engineering one degree at a time.
Coming of the Light Festival
Monday, 1 July, 2024
The 'Coming of the Light' is a holiday celebrated annually by Torres Strait Island people on 1 July. The day recognises the point in time when Christianity came to the Torres Strait and the acceptance of Christianity (the Light).
Al Hijri (Islamic Lunar New Year)
Sunday, 7 July 2024
Al-Hijri marks the Islamic New Year based on the lunar calendar.
National NAIDOC Week
Sunday, 7 July, 2024
Each year themes are created to celebrate and recognise First Nation Peoples history, achievements and culture that have been shared for over 65,000 years. This is a great week for non-indigenous people to participate, learn and share with First Nation Peoples about the oldest surviving culture in the world. The 2023 theme is For Our Elders.
International Non-Binary People's Day
Sunday, 14 July, 2024
It aims to celebrate those who are non-binary, the rich diversity of gender and celebrate people who do not fit into a binary gender.
World Youth Skills Day
Monday, 15 July, 2024
World Youth Skills Day celebrates the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.
Ashura (Day of Commemoration)
Tuesday, 16 July to Wednesday 17 July, 2024
Ashura is a significant day of remembrance for Muslims, commemorating various events, including the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Dharma Day
Sunday, 21 July, 2024
Dharma Day, also known as Asalha Puja, is a Buddhist holiday commemorating the Buddha's first sermon.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
Sunday, 4 August, 2024
Children’s Day is a time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities and all Australians, celebrate the strengths and culture of children. It is an opportunity for us to show our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.
International Day of the World's Indigenous People
Friday, 9 August, 2024
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of the World's Indigenous People was first proclaimed by the General Assembly in December 1994 and is observed on 9 August each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. This event also recognises the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
National Science Week
Saturday, 10 August, 2024
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Running each year in August, it features more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres.
National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
Sunday, 18 August, 2024
The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) is an annual event that supports schools to work with their school communities to find practical and lasting solutions to bullying and violence.
Australian South Sea Islanders National Day of Recognition
Sunday, 25 August, 2024
This day acknowledges the contributions and history of Australian South Sea Islanders, who are descendants of laborers brought from the Pacific Islands to work in Australia during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Krishna Janmashtami (Birthday of Lord Krishna)
Monday, 26 August, 2024
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism.
Wear it Purple Day
Friday, 30 August, 2024
Wear it Purple was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of real teenagers, real heartache and their very real responses. In 2010, several rainbow young people took their own lives following bullying and harassment resulting from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity.
International Day for People of African Descent
Saturday, 31 August, 2024
International Day for People of African Descent honours the contributions of poeple of African descent, celebrates the richness of their diverse cultures, promotes respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and reinforces commitments to end racism and all forms of racial discrimination.
National Child Protection Week
Tuesday, 3 September, 2024
NCPW aims to engage, educate and empower Australians to understand the complexity of child abuse and neglect and work together to prevent it. The campaign does this through sharing evidence through webinars and events as well as creating resources in order to empower communities to have conversations regarding children’s safety and wellbeing.
National Indigenous Literacy Day
Wednesday, 4 September, 2024
Taking place on the first Wednesday of September each year, the event raises awareness of the educational struggles facing many Indigenous groups in Australia, while also serving as a fundraiser to collect literary resources for children living in more isolated areas of the country. Providing more than just books, Indigenous Literacy Day celebrates Aboriginal culture and the stories and languages that helped to build the country we know today. Indigenous literacy is important not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but for everyone who believes in preserving our unique heritage and creating opportunities for fellow Australians.
Social Sciences Week
Monday, 9 September, 2024
Social Sciences Week is a week-long series of events held across Australia each September offering insight into the impact of the social sciences on our lives. The social sciences are key to understanding humanity, society and the institutions which govern our daily lives.
World Suicide Prevention Day
Tuesday, 10 September, 2024
The day is observed by more than 60 countries, with the aim of promoting stigma reduction, policy change, help seeking, and remembering those we have lost to suicide, those who have attempted suicide, and those who are living with the grief of losing someone.
R U OK? Day
Thursday, 12 September, 2024
This day is to remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life.
Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
Friday, 13 September, 2024
The Declaration establishes a universal framework of minimum standards of fair treatment of Indigenous peoples as they relate to their vast circumstances. The UNDRIP was brought to General Assembly on 13 September 2007. It was passed by a majority of 144 states in favour, 4 votes against (Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States) and 11 abstentions. It was endorsed by Australia on 3 April 2009.
Milad Un Nabi (Mawlid)
Sunday, 15 September - Monday, 16 September, 2024
Celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world, Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) marks the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. There are diverse beliefs within the Mulsim community about how Muhammad’s birthday should be commemorated. Commences evening Sunday, 15 September - Monday, 16 September, 2024.
Australian Citizenship Day
Tuesday, 17 September, 2024
Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australian citizens, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on the meaning and importance of their citizenship and recognise the responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Tuesday, 17 September, 2024
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated in Chinese culture. Similar holidays are celebrated in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and other countries in East and Southeast Asia.
International Equal Pay Day
Wednesday, 18 September, 2024
This day recognises not only the pay gap between men and women working in equivalent roles, but also draws attention to the persistent gaps between how traditional “male” and “female” work is valued.
International Day of Peace
Saturday, 21 September, 2024
The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. the 2024 International Day of Peace theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals.
Bisexual Visibility Day
Monday, 23 September, 2024
Bisexual Visibility Day has been marked each year on 23 September since 1999 and is a day to acknowledge and increase the visibility and inclusion of bisexual people. This is not only important in achieving diversity and inclusivity in workplaces, but necessary for the overall health and wellbeing of the bisexual community.
International Day of Sign Languages
Monday, 23 September, 2024
The International Day of Sign Languages is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Awareness Month
Tuesday, 1 October to Thursday, 31 October, 2024
International AAC Awareness Month raises awareness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and informs the public about the many ways in which people communicate using communication devices. The Month is a chance to highlight the different ways people communicate and how we can all work together to create accessible communication.
International Day for Older Persons
Tuesday, 1 October, 2024
This day was established in 1991 by the United Nations and aims to raise awareness of the impact of an ageing population and the need to ensure people can grow old with dignity.
Mental Health Month
Tuesday, 1 October, 2024
Mental Health Month is celebrated each year in the month of October in NSW. This month encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not It also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives and encourages help seeking behaviours when needed.
Gandhi Jayanti
Wednesday, 2 October, 2024
Gandhi Jayanti is an event celebrated in India to mark the birthday of famous freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi. It is celebrated annually on 2 October, and is one of the three national holidays of India.
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)
Wednesday, 2 October to Friday, 4 October, 2024
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, marked by prayer, reflection, and the sounding of the shofar. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, and a day of judgment and coronation of God as king.
Navaratri (Victory of Good over Evil)
Thursday, 3 October to Saturday, 12 October, 2024
Navaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated with vibrant music and dance, honouring the divine feminine and commemorating the victory of good over evil.
Ada Lovelace Day
Tuesday, 8 October, 2024
Ada Lovelace Day on October 13 highlights the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Launched in 2009 as a celebration of women in science, the event promotes programs that encourage girls and women to pursue careers in STEM.
International Lesbian Day
Tuesday, 8 October, 2024
A day for lesbians the world over to come together to celebrate lesbian history, diversity, and culture. Recognised annually, the day gives an opportunity for women, families, and friends to connect, celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of community.
World Mental Health Day
Thursday, 10 October, 2024
World Mental Health Day is marked every year on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health around the world and to mobilize efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues.
National Coming Out Day
Friday, 11 October, 2024
National Coming Out Day is an annual celebration that takes place on 11 October, the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The days honours and celebrates the bravery of LGBTIQ+ people who come out and live openly, recognising that in doing so, many LGBTIQ+ people around the world still face discrimination and threats to their personal safety.
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
Friday, 11 October to Saturday, 12 October, 2024
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism, a day of fasting and repentance.
Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
Saturday, 12 October, 2024
Dussehra is a major Hindu festival and marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival has different names in different parts of India, including Vijaydashami, Dasara or Dashain and lasts for ten days.
National Carers Week
Monday, 13 October to Saturday, 19 October, 2024
National Carers Week is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about Australia's 2.65 million carers, and it is an opportunity to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles.
International Pronouns Day
Wednesday, 16 October, 2024
International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities.
Intersex Awareness Day
Saturday, 26 October, 2024
Intersex awareness day is designed to highlight the human rights issues facing intersex people globally, and to encourage visibility, education and inclusion of people with intersex variation.
Diwali
Thursday, 31 October, 2024
Diwali takes place annually and lasts for five days, marking the start of the Hindu New Year. The exact dates change each year and are determined by the position of the moon – but it usually falls between October and November.
All Saints Day
Friday, 1 November, 2024
All Saints Day is a Christian holiday that honors all the saints, known and unknown.
Bandi Chhor Divas
Friday, 1 November, 2024
Bandi chhor Divas is a day on which Guru Hargobind Sahib was released with 52 Kings from Gwalior Prison. The word "Bandi" means "imprisoned", "Chhor" means "release" and "Divas" means "day" and together "Bandi Chhor Divas" means Prisoner Release Day. It is celebrate with great joy as it was a time when "right" prevailed over "wrong".
Remembrance Day
Monday, 11 November, 2024
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.
Transgender Awareness Week
Wednesday, 13 November, 2024
Transgender Awareness Week is a week when transgender people and their allies take action to bring attention to the community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community.
International Day of the Girl
Thursday, 14 November, 2024
The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.
International Day for Tolerance
Saturday, 16 November, 2024
International Day for Tolerance was created by the United Nations to help foster mutual understanding among cultures and peoples. UNESCO's 1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance state "Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human".
Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)
Saturday, 16 November, 2024
Known as the Thai Festival of Lights, Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's most enchanting and the second best-known festival after its New Year's festival Songkran. The Festival is held annually all over the country, as well as in parts of Laos and Myanmar (Shan State) where it is called Tazaungdaing. Loi Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar, this usually falls in November.
International Men's Day
Tuesday, 19 November, 2024
This day aims to promote positive male role models, to celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, to focus on men’s health and wellbeing, to highlight discrimination against men, and to improve gender relations and promote gender equality.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Wednesday, 20 November, 2024
Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance that honours the memory of the trans lives lost to acts of transphobia and discrimination. It is a day of gathering, togetherness, and community solidarity, to remember those lost, celebrate strength in the face of adversity, and commit to fighting transphobia to create a better, safer, and more inclusive world for everyone.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Monday, 25 November, 2024
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions.
Ascension of Abdu’l Baha
Tuesday, 26 November to Wednesday, 27 November, 2024
This Baha'i holiday commemorates the ascension of Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah and a central figure in the Baha'i Faith.
First Sunday of Advent
Saturday, 1 December, 2024
Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year, a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
World AIDS Day
Saturday, 1 December, 2024
World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988. World AIDS Day is recognised and observed by millions of people in more than 190 countries around the world as a day to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.
International Day of People with Disabilities
Tuesday, 3 December, 2024
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Human Rights Day
Tuesday, 10 December, 2024
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — 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. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.
International Migrants Day
Wednesday, 18 December, 2024
On 4 December 2000, the UN General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December International Migrants Day.
Migration is a global phenomenon driven by many forces. These start with aspirations for dignity, safety and peace. The decision to leave home is always extreme, and, too often, the beginning of a dangerous, sometimes fatal journey.
Christmas Day
Wednesday, 25 December, 2024
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on 25 December as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.
Hanukkah
Wednesday, 25 December, 2024
Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. In 2024, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Wednesday, 25 December and lasts until sundown on Thursday, 2 January. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts to reaffirm the ideals of Judaism.