On this New Year's Day, the followers of the Shinto religion visit shrines to pray for the renewal of their heart, prosperity and health in the year to come. The Japanese celebrate the 7 day holiday by making visits to their friends and family to express their good wishes for the year to come. They also wear their finest clothes on this day.

National/State: International

Organisation: Tamworth Country Music Festival

Australia's largest gathering of Indigenous country musicians are gearing up to take Tamworth by storm at the fifth Annual Cultural Showcase.

Held as part of the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Annual Cultural Showcase brings together some of the best and brightest Indigenous musicians this side of the Black Stump.

The Showcase is an opportunity for Indigenous people all over Australia to show off their talent, meet other performers and have a good time with the mob. The Cultural Showcase offers unique opportunities for exposure and performance development to Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander musicians and the chance to perform on a number of stages - from established venues to enjoying the experience of busking in Peel Street.

National/State: NSW

All roads lead to Tamworth in January for the 41st Tamworth Country Music Festival (TCMF). One of Australia's best celebrated events, TCMF will be held from Friday 18 January to Sunday 27 January 2013. It's the largest music festival in the southern hemisphere and one of the top 10 in the world! There is a variety of country music showcased during the festival with over 2,200 events and 4,000 different performances or gigs in 80 different venues. There are over 600 buskers in Peel Street alone, providing a diverse range of entertainment each day - it is no wonder we attract over 55,000 visitors.

National/State: NSW

Organisation: National Australia Day Council

Australia Day is a day to celebrate the past, present and future of the country. It is a commemoration of the day that the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove in 1788, as well as a celebration of all the achievements of our country. At its core Australia Day is driven by communities who celebrate everything they love about living in Australia and about being an Australian.

National/State: National

The Saltwater Freshwater Festival is the largest regional Aboriginal Cultural event on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Australia. It is a nomadic event that moves to a different location in the region each Australia Day (26 January). This year it will be held in Taree, NSW.

National/State: NSW

Organisation: United Nations

Acknowledged on the day that the Auschwitz Concentration Camp was liberated in 1945, this day remembers all those who suffered and lost their lives during the holocaust.

National/State: International

Organisation: Heart Kids

Heart Kids aims to raise awareness for all aspects of children's heart disease. They support children with heart diseases, as well as their families, including those who have lost young children. Heart Kids works towards reducing both the incidence and the mortality rates of childhood heart disease (CHD). During the month there is a particular emphasis on February 14th.

National/State: International

Organisation: Ovarian Cancer Australia

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month campaigns to highlight the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to raise funds for our programs.

National/State: National

Organisation: Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Month raises awareness about the devastating impact of heart disease and the need for ongoing research. Heart Research Australia's focus is to obtain funding for pioneering, first-stage research to find breakthroughs for treating heart disease. Heart disease is the largest killer of Australians, and affects 2 out of 3 families. During the month there is a particular emphasis on 14 February.

National/State: National

Organisation: Ramsar

World Wetlands Day marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty that calls for the member countries to maintain the ecological use of their wetlands. It is a day to remember the importance and fragility of our native wetlands.Since the UN has declared 2013 the International year of Water Cooperation, the Ramsar Standing Committee has decided that World Wetlands Day 2013 should be focused on the theme Wetlands and Water Management, with a specific focus on working with the water sector.

National/State: International

Setsuban Sai is a Shinto New Year celebration based on Japan's old lunar calendar. It is celebrated as a good luck festival and a celebration of the traditional beginning of Spring..

National/State: International

Organisation: Union for International Cancer Control

It is the occassion 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: Cyber Smart

Safer Internet day encourages families, libraries and schools to learn and connect together. Take positive actions and teach each other about staying safe online.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed each year to raise awareness about this practice. Female genital mutilation of any type has been recognized as a harmful practice and violation of the human rights of girls and women. The World Health Organisation is committed to the elimination of female genital mutilation within a generation and is focusing on advocacy, research and guidance for health professionals and health systems.

National/State: International

Organisation: Sustainable Living Foundation

The Sustainable Living Festival raises awareness and provides tools for change by showcasing leading solutions to the ecological and social challenges we face. This year the festival continues engaging individuals and communities across Australia to host and promote sustainability events, extending the reach of the sustainability message to the cities, suburbs and streets of the nation.

National/State: VIC

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. 2013 will be the year of the snake.

National/State: International

Organisation: Duchenne Foundation

Every year the week surrounding Valentine's Day is Duchenne Awareness Week. Each year around the world, nearly 20,000 children, mostly boys, are born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. These children rarely live longer than their parents.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

13 February is a date proclaimed by UNESCO to celebrate radio broadcast, improve international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio, including community radios. It's an occasion to draw attention to the unique value of radio, which remains the medium to reach the widest audience and is currently taking up new technological forms and devices.

National/State: International

Organisation: Heart Kids

HeartKids aims to raise awareness for all aspects of children's heart disease. They support children with heart diseases, as well as their families, including those who have lost young children. Heart Kids works towards reducing both the incidence and the mortality rates of childhood heart disease.

National/State: International

Organisation: Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia

National Condom Day is celebrated on Valentines Day, and raises awareness of sexual health and family planning.

National/State: National

Organisation: Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Month raises awareness about the devastating impact of heart disease and the need for ongoing research. Heart Research Australia's focus is to obtain funding for pioneering, first-stage research to find breakthroughs for treating heart disease. Heart disease is the largest killer of Australians, and affects 2 out of 3 families.

National/State: National

V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM), and sex slavery.

National/State: International

Organisation: V-DAY

ONE IN THREE WOMEN ON THE PLANET WILL BE RAPED OR BEATEN IN HER LIFETIME.*

ONE BILLION WOMEN VIOLATED IS AN ATROCITY

ONE BILLION WOMEN DANCING IS A REVOLUTION

On V-Day's 15th Anniversary, 14 February 2013, we are inviting ONE BILLION women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to this violence. ONE BILLION RISING will move the earth, activating women and men across every country. V-Day wants the world to see our collective strength, our numbers, our solidarity across borders.

What does ONE BILLION look like? On 14 February 2013, it will look like a REVOLUTION.

National/State: International

Organisation: Shine SA

Sexual Health Awareness Week encourages young adults, aged between 18 and 30 years, to broaden their understanding of sexual health and relationships.

National/State: SA

fter the devastation of the September 11 World Trade Center incident in New York, America that shook the world and left it in fear and terror grappling helplessly for some semblance of security and safety, we were compelled to act by our conscious to claim back our One World and thus on 20 Feburary (02) 2002 WHD was born. World Harmony Day is a unique day to celebrate all humanity. Our objective on 20th Feb WHD is to remind people from all over the world not to take peace and harmony for granted. If peace and harmony are what we wanted we need to inculcate future generation to share this One World and to value human lives. As Mr Kofi Annan said, "To save one live is to save humanity."

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. We uphold the principles of social justice when we promote gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants. We advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

International Mother Language Day is a day of multilingualism and multiculturalism. It is a chance to promote the preservation and protection of all languages.

National/State: International

Organisation: Surf Life Saving Foundation

We've hung our boardies out to dry for another year and are busy making plans for Boardies Day 2013. It doesn't matter what state you live in, Boardies Day is returning to one national day. Make sure you have Boardies Day in your calendar for Friday 22 February 2013. Celebrate summer and ditch your usual work or school attire for your favourite board shorts and help raise vital funds for Surf Life Saving. It's open to all ages and a great way for you to support your local volunteer surf lifesavers.

National/State: International

Organisation: World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

World Thinking Day is a day of friendship, advocacy and fundraising for 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world.

National/State: International

Organisation: Donate Life

DonateLife Week is Australia's national awareness week to promote organ and tissue donation and is led by the Organ and Tissue Authority as part of the Australian Government's National Reform Agenda to increase organ and tissue donation rates. During DonateLife Week, the organ and tissue sector will be holding a range of events to encourage Australians to set time aside during the week to talk about organ and tissue donation. During DonateLife Week we will be encouraging Australians to "Ask and know your loved ones' wishes". This is because in Australia the family of every potential donor is always asked to confirm the donation wishes of their loved one before organ and/or tissue donation can proceed.

National/State: National

Each year on the fourth Monday in February, the corporate giving community, led by CECP, observes International Corporate Philanthropy Day (ICPD), an international advocacy day intended to build awareness of corporate-community partnerships and to inspire businesses around the world to engage further.

On this day, CECP holds the annual Board of Boards CEO Conference in New York, along with a host of media-friendly opportunities to draw attention to the important role of the private sector in solving societal problems.

CECP member companies and partner organizations plan philanthropic initiatives and announcements around this day, and CECP works with partner agencies to communicate the overall benefits and importance of corporate philanthropy.

National/State: International

Organisation: Clean Up Australia

Business Clean Up Day is designed for Australian businesses as a great opportunity to help improve the quality of the environment and work towards reducing waste - as well as being a great team building exercise.

National/State: National

Organisation: Clean Up Australia

Since 1992, school communities across Australia have demonstrated their support for caring for the environment through participating in Schools Clean Up Day. In 2012, over 2,600 schools registered nationwide cleaning up the streets, school grounds, parks and waterways.

National/State: National

Organisation: Clean Up Australia

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.

National/State: National

Parks Week: Hello Parks is an annual celebration of the important role that our parks play in contributing to the health of our communities. A range of formal and informal events take place across Australia and New Zealand during parks week - there is something for everyone.

Organisation: United Nations

International Women's Day is 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: World Naked Bike Ride

The World Naked Bike Ride aims to increase awareness of the vulnerability of cyclists on the road. It is also a peaceful protest against the vulnerability of cyclists, humanity and nature in the face of cars, aggression, consumerism and non-renewable energy.

National/State: International

World Glaucoma Week raises awareness of the worldwide leading cause of irreversible blindness. The week also aims to raise funds to continue research in glaucoma.

National/State: International

Organisation: Australian multiple Birth Association

Multiple Birth Awareness Week is a celebration of families raising twins, triplets, and more. The day also aims to raise awareness of the challenges that go hand-in-hand with raising these children.

National/State: National

Canberra day is an annual public holiday in the ACT which celebrates Canberra's official founding in 1913.

National/State: ACT

Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday in March, and marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey, normally attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth High Commissioners in London. The Queen delivers an address to the Commonwealth, broadcast throughout the world.

National/State: International

Organisation: World Action on Salt and Health (WASH)

National/State: International

Diabetes and high blood pressure are both key risk factors for chronic kidney disease. World kidney Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our health, and aims to reduce the impact of kidney disease worldwide.

National/State: International

Organisation: Leukaemia Foundation

Every hour somebody in Australia is diagnosed with lymphoma, myeloma or leukaemia. Every second hour, somebody dies from one of these diseases. The World's greatest shave has raised in excess of $120 million since 1998, and uses the raised funds to support patients and families living with these blood disorders. Funds are also used to support blood cancer research to help find better treatments and cures.

Organisation: Bullying. No Way!

The theme of the day encourages parents and families to take a stand together with school communities and recognise the important role that everyone plays to stop bullying.

National/State: National

Organisation: Playgroup Australia

Playgroup Australia organises the annual National Playgroup Week to raise awareness of the importance of play for young children.

National/State: National

Organisation: Australian Wound Management Association

Around 300,000 Australians, mostly elderly and on pensions, suffer lower leg ulcers requiring regular care. These wounds are not for life - they should heal within 12 weeks when managed with compression bandaging. However, government subsidies are seldom available for this best-practice care. This means many people are out of pocket, or miss out on treatment they cannot afford. The Australian Wound Management Association is working with its 3,000 nurses, doctors and allied health members to bring about equity of care and improve quality of life.

Organisation: Victorian Multicultural Commission

Cultural Diversity Week is held annually in March. The Week provides an opportunity for all Victorians to celebrate our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity, with a variety of events and activities taking place across the State.

National/State: VIC

Organisation: United Nations

Organisation: United Nationa

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.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, is observed in many different countries, and is a celebration of the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. It promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighbourliness.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

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.

National/State: International

Organisation: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Harmony Day is celebrated around Australia on 21 March each year. It's a day when all Australians celebrate our cultural diversity. The day is also the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Harmony Day is managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and gives people the opportunity to celebrate what makes each Australian unique and share what we have in common.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

Celebrated on the anniversary of the 1960 shooting of 69 anti-apartheid protestors, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a reminder to continue breaking down all forms of racism and racial discrimination.

National/State: International

World Forestry Day is a celebration and reminder of the importance of forests and the many benefits we enjoy because of them - such as catchment protection, providing habitat for plants, areas for recreation, education and scientific study, and as a source of many products including timber and honey.

National/State: National

Naw-Ruz (`New Day') is the Bahá'í and Iranian new year. It occurs on the date of the vernal equinox, and symbolises the new life of spring.

National/State: International

Organisation: Oxfam

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are still dying 10 to 17 years younger than other Australians. For that reason, more than 40 national organisations came together in 2006 to form Close the Gap - Australia's largest ever campaign to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

n 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: Bicycle Victoria

Ride2School day encourages children to become more active and healthy in and out of school. Children participate by walking, riding or scooting to school.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

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.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Meteorological Day is a commemoration of the day the World Meteorological Organisation was formed in 1950.

National/State: International

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.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The purpose of the Day is to:

• Honour the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice;
• Pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives to, and lost their lives in, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all;
• Recognize, in particular, the important work and values of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, of El Salvador, who was assasinated on 24 March 1980, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Tuberculosis Day is designed to build public awareness about the disease which causes the deaths of several million people every year, mostly in developing countries. The day also aims to raise funds to help eliminate tuberculosis as a public health problem.

National/State: International

Organisation: Herald Sun/CityLink

Herald Sun / CityLink Run for the Kids will see people run or walk set courses - all people participating in this event play a part in raising money for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

National/State: VIC

Organisation: United Nations

Known as Slavery Remembrance day, this is a day to remember the consequences and lessons learned from the transatlantic slave trade.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is marked each year on the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) when he was abducted by armed gunman in 1985. His body was finally found in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley in 2009.

National/State: International

Probably the best known Jewish holiday, Passover is commemorates the story of the exodus, where the Israelites were freed from Egyptian slavery.

National/State: International

Organisation: Epilepsy Queensland Inc

Did you know that an estimated 91,000 Queenslanders are living with epilepsy? Or that epilepsy has been described by the World Health Organisation as the most misunderstood, most stigmatised and most under-resourced health condition in the world today? From 1 March until Purple Day on 26 March, Epilepsy Queensland is asking everyone to help us unmask epilepsy. Wear purple, buy merchandise, or host a fundraising event. Monies raised will go directly towards supporting children and adults with epilepsy and for raising awareness of this common condition. For more information and ideas on how to help bring epilepsy out of the shadows visit http://www.epilepsyqueensland.com.au/site/purpleday

National/State: QLD

Magha Puja Day is a Buddhist celebration of the Fourfold Assembly. It is celebrated on the full moon day of March.

National/State: International

National/State: International

National/State: International

Easter is a Christian celebration of the death and ressurection of Jesus Christ. It is a celebration of life in the face of death.

National/State: International

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.

National/State: National

Organisation: Alpha Autism Inc.

Pictionary is back and it's raising funds for Autism

To mark World Autism Awareness Day in April, we are challenging people to host their own Pictionary game to help raise funds and awareness of Autism.

Now in it's seventh year, Drawtism gives people a chance to get together, be creative and help draw people with Autism out of their isolation. Sponsors Mattel have teamed with Australian charities that support those on the Autism Spectrum and they too encourage you to be a part of this important campaign.

Playing Pictionary provides participants with a glimpse of the daily challenges experienced by people living with Autism. The frustration experienced while attempting to make a drawing understood by others is similar to the frustration experienced by many on the Autism Spectrum.

Alpha Autism developed the Drawtism concept in an effort to combine fun with meaningful fundraising. Like Alpha's client programs, playing drawtism® encourages participation, teamwork, creativity and inclusion; drawing people out of isolation and helping them stay connected.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

Autism, a developmental disability, is a lifelong disorder that impairs social interaction, communication and behaviour. World Autism Awareness Day aims to increase understanding of the disability.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

This is a day intended to draw attention to the plight of mine survivors and the gradual reduction in new casualties since the anti-personnel mine-ban treaty entered into force in 1999.

National/State: International

The Day for Compassion, Care, and Action for Stray Animals Worldwide.

April 4 is the worldwide celebrated day to give special attention to the 600.000.000 stray animals in the world. Dogs and cats should have a home. But stray dogs and stray cats don't. They lead poor and miserable lives on the streets, often illfed, suffering extreme heat, cold, and diseases, even more often being chased around by hostile and violent civilians and authorities. But we, as people who care about animals, can do something.

April 4. The Day to show Compassion, deploy initiatives to Care, and get into Action for stray animals all over our planet.

National/State: International

Organisation: Joint Australian, State, Territory and Local Government initiative

National Youth Week is an annual, weeklong celebration of young people (12 to 25) throughout Australia. National Youth Week encourages youths to share ideas, attend events, discuss youth issues, showcase their talents and even have a bit of fun.

National/State: National

Working smoke alarms provide vital early warning in the event of a fire. When people are asleep, they can't smell smoke. Smoke alarms are essential to wake people if a fire breaks out; they give occupants early warning and time to evacuate safely.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

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.

National/State: International

Youth Homelessness Matters Day aims to raise awareness and public discussion about youth homelessness so that we can develop sustainable and innovative solutions for not only supporting the needs of homeless youth, but supporting the dreams of homeless youth. Organisation: National Youth Coalition for Housing (NYCH)

World Parkinson's Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the condition, while also raising funds to continue research into a possible cure. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. Twenty-five Australians are diagnosed every day, with approximately 80,000 Australians currently living with the condition.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

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, for peaceful purposes and in continuing efforts to extend to all States the benefits derived there from.

National/State: International

The harvest festival of North India, the beginning of the solar year. For Sikhs, it represents the founding of the Khalsa, a Sikh brotherhood. Baisakhi always falls on 14th April and this is also the Hindu New Year for North India.

National/State: International

Organisation: Haemophilia Foundation Australia

World Haemophilia day raises awareness of the inherited bleeding disorder.

National/State: International

Each year International Creativity and Innovation Week is a celebration of new ideas, imagination and anything that has made the world a better place.

National/State: International

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.

National/State: International

Organisation: Alpha Autism Inc

A night of fun and laughter at the Comics Lounge to support Alpha Autism, a not-for-profit organisation supporting Adolescents and Adults on the Autism Spectrum. The night will also help us celebrate the launch of DRAWTISM which runs during April. Come along and join in the fun!!

Event is at 8.00 pm and doors open at 6.30 pm for dinner and/or drinks (not included in the price of ticket). Please note that the comic acts on the night may contain adult themes and therefore the event is not suitable for children. For more details, please click on the link Drawtism for Laughs 2013.

Organisation: Earth Day Network

Earth Day is a celebration of the environment we all share. It also acts as a day of conservation awareness.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet Earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet. For instance, Bolivians call Mother Earth Pachamama and Nicaraguans refer to her as Tonantzin. The proclamation of 22 April as 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Celebrated on a day when many great authors have died, including Shakespeare, World Book and Copyright Day is a world-wide tribute to books and authors. It also encourages people to discover or rediscover the pleasure of reading.

National/State: International

Organisation: YWCA Victoria

The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) celebrates women's leadership and acknowledge their own part in a global movement of women working for justice, peace, health, human dignity, freedom and care for the environment.

National/State: International

Organisation: Guide Dogs Victoria

International Guide Dog Day is a day to celebrate the important role that guide dogs play in helping the blind and vision impaired enjoy safe and independent travel.

National/State: International

Based on a concept from a Catherine Ryan Hyde novel, Pay It Forward Day urges people around the world to commit random acts of kindness. It is a day to do good deeds, and instruct the recipient of your good deed to 'pay it forward', and return the good deed to another person.

National/State: International

ANZAC Day is more than a commemoration of the day ANZAC troops landed on the beach at Gallipoli in 1915, it is a day of remembrance for all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Organisation: United Nations

In 2010, about 3.3 billion people - almost half of the world's population - were at risk of malaria. Every year, this leads to about 216 million malaria cases and an estimated 655 000 deaths. People living in the poorest countries are the most vulnerable. World Malaria Day - which was instituted by the World Health Assembly at its 60th session in May 2007 - is a day for recognizing the global effort to provide effective control of malaria. It is an opportunity:

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Intellectual Property Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact daily life. It also aims to increase understanding of how intellectual property protection helps promote creativity and innovation.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003. 28 April has also for long been associated with the world's trade union movement's commemoration of the victims of occupational accidents and diseases.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

This commemoration will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the commitment of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the elimination of the threat of chemical weapons, thereby promoting the goals of peace, security, and multilateralism.

National/State: International

Organisation: Ausdance

Australian Dance week is a celebration of the cultural contributions of dance to the Australian community.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

In November 2011, the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed 30 April as "International Jazz Day". The Day is intended to raise awareness in the international community of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people. Many governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and private citizens currently engaged in the promotion of jazz music will embrace the opportunity to foster greater appreciation not only for the music but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies.

National/State: International

Beltane was a traditional Gaelic harvest festival, and was popularised as the 'Celtic new year.' It traditionally marked the beginning of summer.

National/State: International

Organisation: MS Australia

Wear red lipstick and help kiss goodbe to MS.

Throughout May 2012 you can get involved in Kiss Goodbye to MS events and activities taking place across the country. By taking part you will be helping support people with MS through funding vital research into the cause, cure and better treatments for the disease. Our vision is to create a world free of MS.

National/State: National

Organisation: Tourette Syndrome Association of Vic.

The aim of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Week is to spread knowledge of what Tourettes is, as well as ask for understanding and acceptance in the community and to undo the social stigma created by misinformation.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day. It is an opportunity to:

• celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
• assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
• defend the media from attacks on their independence;
• pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

National/State: International

May 4 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) / Australian College of Midwives(ACM)

May 5 is the International Day of the Midwife. The aim of the day is to celebrate the importance of midwifery.

National/State: International

Organisation: Queensland Government

The annual week-long celebration is an opportunity to recognise the talent and achievements of students and teachers in state schools, and showcase their wonderful work to the wider community. Schools can get involved in State Education Week by hosting their own events - from morning teas and open days, to special school parades and art shows.

National/State: QLD

Organisation: Heart Foundation

During Heart Week 2013, the Heart Foundation will be urging all Australians to learn the warning signs of heart attack.
We need your help to raise community awareness of the warning signs. You could make Heart Week your organisation's wellness week, or just share the information with your family and friends - it could help to save a life.

Heart Week resources

Heart Week resources can be used for information and display around your workplace or community space.
Heart Week kit registrations will be available in early 2013 and online resources will also be available to download from the Heart Foundation's website.

Understanding a heart attack

Will you recognise your heart attack? Visit www.heartattackfacts.org.au to find out:
What happens during a heart attack

• The warning signs of heart attack
• Read some personal stories
• How to download or order heart attack action plans.

For further information, call our Health Information Service on 1300 362 787

National/State: National

Organisation: Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria Inc.

International No Diet Day is a celebration of body type diversity and body acceptance. It promotes a healthy lifestyle, compared to a string of ineffective short term diets.

National/State: International

Organisation: facilitated by the Centre for Organic & Resource Enterprises (CORE).

International Composting Awareness Week is a week of activities, events and publicity to improve awareness about the importance of this valuable organic resource and to promote compost use, knowledge and products.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Particularly targeted at young drivers, Road Safety Week aims to increase awareness of the dangers present on the roads.

National/State: International

Organisation: Family Day Care Australia

Whether they are a keen soccer player, a gifted artist or simply have the gift of the gab - every child is a star.
To celebrate the star qualities of each and every one of the 117,000 children attending family day care around the country, and of course, the many unique benefits of family day care that help foster and develop this individuality, Family Day Care Australia is launching its inaugural National Family Day Care Week celebrations in May.
With the theme "Every Child is a Star" National Family Day Week will be celebrated in family day care services around the country from May 6 through to May 12.
This unique community event will recognise family day care's nurturing early childhood setting and how it encourages, develops and celebrates a child's own individual star qualities.
As part of the celebrations, FDCA is inviting all educators, children, families and their local community to take part in an exciting Guinness World Record attempt.
FDCA is calling on all hands - or at least more than 30,006 - to set the new world record for the world's largest collage of hand prints. The current world record of 30,006 was set by the Scout Association in the UK in 2007.
For further information visit www.fdca.com.au

Organisation: National Asthma Council Australia

World Asthma Day (WAD) takes place each year on the first Tuesday in May. 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: Australian Red Cross

Celebrated on the day the Red Cross founder, Henry Dunant (1828-1910), was born World Red Cross Day celebrates the important work done by the staff and volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movements.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

An international time to remember those all those who lost their lives during the Second World War, regardless of what side they fought on.

National/State: International

Organisation: International Lupus Congress

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that may cause abnormalities in the function and structure of such vital organs as kidney, brain, lungs etc. World Lupus Day raises awareness about this disease

National/State: International

Organisation: Edmund Rice Camps

It's simple disCONNECTfrom your screens and spend the weekend reCONNECTing. Ask your friends, family and workmates to sponsor your digital sacrifice and raise funds for Edmund Rice Camps Australia, who do amazing work CONNECTing young volunteers with kids who are doing it tough.

There are two ways to get involve;

48 Hour Challenge - From 7pm Friday 10 May til 7pm Sunday 12 May, spend a 48 hours offline. Turn off all your screens, TV, Mobile, Computer, Tablet and Games.
Time Out Event -Can't do 48 Hours? Then Host a Time Out Event. The event must be for at least 2 hours and everybody at the event must turn off their screens (mobile, laptop,Tablet, TV, games)

Organisation: United Nations

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) was initiated in 2006 and is a global awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats. On the second weekend each May, people around the world take action and organise public events such as bird festivals, education programmes and birdwatching excursions to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and to help raise awareness around a specific theme.

National/State: International

Every year International Nurses Day is celebrated on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. It is a day to celebrate the role nurses play in the care of their communities.

National/State: International

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown cause. It is characterised by widespread muscle pain and stiffness in specific points - so called 'tender points' which tend to be in certain areas. It is often associated with fatigue and poor sleep patterns. It is estimated to affect approximately 2% of the population which equates to several hundred thousand sufferers in Australia.

National/State: International

The Mothers Day Classic is a national walk or run that raises money for breast cancer research. Make a difference by simply walking, running or sponsoring a participant, to help raise vital funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

National/State: National

Organisation: ME/CFS Australia (Victoria)

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex illness which affects an estimated 180,000 Australians. The International ME/CFS Awareness Day is used to raise awareness for the illness, and promote early diagnosis.

National/State: International

Mothers Day is the annual celebration of mothers and the hard work they do.

Organisation: Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW (SFNSW)

The focus of this event is the physical health of people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. This is an area of enormous need: by way of illustration, the life expectancy of people living with a severe mental illness has been shown by research to be as great as 25 years less than that of the general population.

National/State: National

Organisation: Victoria Law Foundation

Law Week is a community outreach week organised by the Victoria Law Foundation. The program involves over 150 organisations, who work with the Foundation to present seminars, exhibitions, lectures, Q&A sessions, court and parliament tours, and many other public events and displays designed to provide legal information at little or no cost.

National/State: VIC

Organisation: Volunteering Australia

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and to say thank you to the more than 6 million Australians who volunteer.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

The International Day of Families is an opporunity to raise awareness of issues relating to families in the international cummity.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

National/State: International

International Day Against Homophobia is an opportunity to rally together in an effort to help push for a world free of prejudice.

National/State: International

Pentecost is a Christian celebration of the fiftieth day after Easter. It is a biblical celebration of the day the Holy Spirit birthed the Christian Church.

National/State: International

Organisation: RSPCA

The Million Paws Walk is a fundraising event for the RSPCA. The RSPCA investigates more than 50,000 of animal cruelty or neglect each year.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an opportunity to increase understanding of cultural diversity, and the positive impact it can have on countries and communities.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The International Day for Biological Diversity is used to increase understanding and awareness of all biodiversity issues.

National/State: International

Organisation: Cancer Council

May is Australia's biggest Morning Tea month. Thursday 23rd May is the official day but you can host an event anytime throughout May or June. It'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.

National/State: National

to bring attention to, and increase knowledge of and respect for, turtles and tortoises, and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive.

National/State: International

Organisation: Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation

Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation is the official fundraising body for Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (PMH), Western Australia's only specialist children's hospital.

Wear a Bear Day was initially launched in 1998 and since then has raised nearly $1 million for the Foundation. The event encourages the West Australian community to purchase our branded merchandise during the month of May, and culminates on the last Friday of May with our largest public fundraising appeal, all to support children and adolescents who visit PMH. This year's street appeal is Friday 25 May.

National/State: WA

Organisation: The Pedestrian Council

Walk Safely to School Day is an annual, national event that encourages all primary school students to walk safely, and commute actively, to school. Now in its fourteenth year, this community event promotes better attitudes to road safety, health, public transport and the environment. Parents and carers are encouraged to walk their children to school on Friday 24 May 2013. For more info and to discover the best walking route to your school visit: www.walk.com.au.

National/State: National

Organisation: National Sorry Day Committee

National Sorry Day is a continuing effort to achieve appropriate education, reconciliation and recognition for the Aboriginal stolen generation.

National/State: National

Organisation: Kidney Health Australia

Kidney Health Week aims to increase awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease, a very dangerous kidney disease.

National/State: National

Organisation: Macular Degeneration Foundation

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. Macular Degeneration Awareness Week is an annual event designed to raise awareness of Macular Degeneration and to encourage those most at risk, people over 50, to have their eyes tested and macula checked. A free Macular Degeneration information pack is available from the Foundation.

National/State: National

Organisation: Music Council of Australia

The Making Music Being Well Week is an initiative used to raise awareness of the recreational and therapeutic benefits of being musically active.

National/State: National

Organisation: White Wreath Association

White Wreath Day is celebrated in remembrance of suicide victims. Almost every Australian family is directly or indirectly affected by suicide. On White Wreath Day we are asked to display a white wreath in remembrance of those who have lost their lives.

National/State: National

Organisation: MS Australia

To help this important cause during May you can 'Kiss Goodbye to MS' and: * WEAR red lipstick for MS in May and get sponsored for doing so * DARE others including men to wear red lipstick for MS in May; and * SHARE the campaign by holding a 'Kiss Goodbye to MS' event or spreading the word about MS via Facebook and Twitter. 'Kiss Goodbye to MS' this May and help raise awareness about the increasing incidence of multiple sclerosis in Australia, particularly in young women aged between 20 and 40.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

International Day of UN Peacekeepers is a day of recognition for the military, police and civilian peacekeepers deployed across the world.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World No Tobacco Day aims to increase awareness about the dangers of smoking tobacco products, and the health implications of tobacco usage.

National/State: International

Organisation: International Fund for Animal Welfare

Launched in 2008 by IFAW, National Whale Day is a celebration of the whales and dolphins that migrate to our coastlines annually and Australia's position as a world leader in whale conservation. National Whale Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of, and discuss solutions to, the threats facing whales and their environment including commercial whaling, climate change, vessel strikes, noise pollution, marine debris and bycatch.

National/State: National

Organisation: The Australian Society for Medical Research

Medical Research Week is organised by The Australian Society for Medical Research, and comprises of expositions, meetings, lectures, debates and many more events to highlight current medical research issues.

National/State: National

Organisation: Bowel Cancer Australia

There are more than 14,000 reasons to support Bowel Cancer Australia - one for each person whose life will be changed when they are diagnosed with bowel cancer, and that's just in one year. Show your support by helping us raise awareness during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (formerly Bowel Cancer Awareness Week) - an annual public education initiative of Bowel Cancer Australia running throughout the month of June (1 - 30 June 2013). Now in its thirteenth year, the initiative aims to raise public awareness of a disease that claims the lives of 80 Australians every week.

National/State: National

Organisation: The Friendship Foundation Limited

2013 is International Gratitude Day's inauguration year. It will be celebrated on the first Sunday in June every year. It has been launched because by 2020 75% of healthcare expenditure globally will be spent on chronic illness. To overcome this major challenge a change to the way individuals and communities look after their health is required. The purpose of International Gratitude Day is twofold. Firstly it will fund vital community projects that improve the health and quality of life of families touched by chronic illness and disability. Secondly, as prevention of illness is now an essential strategy, the event will fund community education programs that will support families to build strong and resilience health care plans.

National/State: International

Mabo Day commemorates the anniversary of the 1992 High Court decision in the case brought by Eddie Mabo and others which recognised the existence in Australia of native title rights. The historic court decision buried the legal description of early Australia as 'terra nullius', or 'no man's land."

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

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.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Environment Day aims to be the world's biggest and most widely celebrated environmental action event.

National/State: International

Organisation: Bowel Cancer Australia

A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Week is Red Aussie Apple Day (Wednesday, 5 June 2013), where Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through the purchase of a $2 apple pin.

National/State: National

Organisation: StreetSmart

The event brings together coffee roasters, cafes and coffee drinkers around the country to help people who are homeless. Participating cafes generously donate $1.00 per coffee sold to fund local projects.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

World Oceans Day is a chance to celebrate what the ocean provides for every person.

National/State: International

Organisation: Men's Health Information and Resource Centre

International Men's Health Week aims to increase awareness of the importance of good health in men, boys and their families.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Day Against Child Labour aims to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the efforts needed to eliminate it.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Blood Donor Day is a reminder of the importance of blood donation. 1 in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime, while just 1 in 30 people currently donate.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Used to spread knowledge of the abuse of Older people, World Elder Abuse Awareness day aims to eliminate the abuse of older people across the world.

National/State: International

Organisation: Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia

Drug Action Week aims to the issues that accompany drug and alcohol use. It is also an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the workers who work hardest to reduce drug-related harm.

National/State: National

Organisation: The Refugee Council Of Australia

Refugee Week is used to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought to promote public awareness of the issue, as well as developing a focus on the effects of climate change.

National/State: International

Organisation: Queensland Community Foundation

The purpose of Philanthropy Week is to raise awareness of philanthropy itself, honour those who make an outstanding contribution to the community and advance support for the state's charities and community service organisations through sustainable giving. During the week the Queensland Community Foundation holds an awards luncheon to recognise significant philanthropic achievements.

National/State: QLD

Organisation: United Nations

World Refugee Day is used to raise awareness of the difficult lives led by refugees.

National/State: International

Organisation: MND Australia

MND Global Day raises awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), which is a progressive neurological disease.

National/State: NSW

Organisation: Multiple Sclerosis Queensland

The Brissie to the Bay Bike Ride is a fundraising event for Multiple Sclerosis.

National/State: Brisbane

Organisation: International Network for the Presvention of Elder Abuse

Used to spread knowledge of the abuse of Older people, World Elder Abuse Awareness day aims to eliminate the abuse of older people across the world.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The UN Public Service Day intends to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The first International Widows' Day was observed on 23 June 2011, providing an opportunity to give special recognition to the plight of widows and their children in order to restore their human rights and alleviate poverty through empowerment.

National/State: International

Organisation: Continence Foundation of Australia

World Continence Awareness Week aims to increase understanding of the health habits that will help people avoid bladder and bowel issues in their lifetimes.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The Day of the Seafarer celebrates the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a day used to raise awareness of the threat to public health and safety that illicit drugs pose.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Torture seeks to annihilate the victim's personality and denies the inherent dignity of the human being. The United Nations has condemned torture from the outset as one of the vilest acts perpetrated by human beings on their fellow human beings. Torture is a crime under international law. According to all relevant instruments, it is absolutely prohibited and cannot be justified under any circumstances. This prohibition forms part of customary international law, which means that it is binding on every member of the international community, regardless of whether a State has ratified international treaties in which torture is expressly prohibited. The systematic or widespread practice of torture constitutes a crime against humanity.

National/State: International

Organisation: SIDS and Kids

Red Nose Day is the national fundraising event day for SIDS and Kids held throughout the month of June. Red Nose Day provides critical funding for a 24-hour bereavement support service, community education to reduce incidents of SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents, and research into areas such as SIDS and stillbirth. To date it is estimated that SIDS and Kids has saved the lives of over 6,500 babies across Australia.

National/State: National

Organisation: Scleroderma Australia

We campaign for a world in which equal rights, treatments and care are offered to people with scleroderma, and in which such diseases are not forgotten, but afforded the consideration and attention of other more widely known diseases. Having a disease that nobody has heard of is a lonely business. So World Scleroderma Day was created to raise awareness of what it means to have this disabling disease. June 29 is a day to recognise the bravery of those who live with this disease and to demand equal treatment and equal care for people with scleroderma.

National/State: National

Organisation: RANZCO

JulEYE is The RANZCO (Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists) Eye Foundation's national eye health awareness month that takes place during July each year. JulEYE has three core aims: to raise community awareness of eye health issues; to encourage all Australians, no matter their age, to have their eyes checked regularly; and to raise funding for research projects into the causes and cures of vision impairment and blindness and support sustainable eye care programs both in Australian and overseas. Vision loss can affect people at any time in their lives, and it will often happen gradually so that by the time it becomes noticeable the damage is done. 200,000 Australians are currently suffering from vision loss related to eye disease and every year a further 10,000 Australians will lose part of their vision or go blind. With 75% of vision loss preventable or treatable if detected early enough, we're asking all Australians to get their eyes tested during JulEYE. A regular check up will help maintain eye health and detect any signs of early disease to allow for the best chance of treatment.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

International Day of Cooperatives is a day used by the United Nations to celebrate the role of cooperatives in economic social and cultural development, and in the achievement of social policy objectives.

National/State: International

Organisation: NAIDOC

NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in the first full week in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NAIDOC originally stood for 'National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee'. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has become the name of the week itself. The week is celebrated not just in the Indigenous community, but also in government agencies, schools, local councils and workplaces.

National/State: National

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Population Day serves to both celebrate humanity itself, and to remind us that we need to look after each other and the planet we live on.

National/State: International

Organisation: Diabetes Australia

Each year Diabetes Australia celebrates National Diabetes Week to raise awareness about diabetes in Australia. The campaign aims to educate Australia of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and how type 2 can be prevented.

National/State: National

Organisation: Farmsafe Australia's Operations Centre

National Farm Safety Week aims to raise awareness of farm safety issues in rural communities across Australia.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

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/State: International

Asalha Puja, or Asanha Puja or Dhamma Day, is a celebration of the foundation of the Sangha (the community of Buddhist monks).

National/State: International

Organisation: Lifeline Australia

Stress Down Day is a fundraising event to help cover the cost of running Lifeline's 24 hour telephone counseling line - 13 11 14. Workplaces participate by enjoying a day of stress reducing activities, including wearing casual dress to work, in exchange for a donation to the cause.

National/State: National

Organisation: Planet Ark

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!

National/State: National

Organisation: Planet Ark

Planet Ark is calling for people to connect with nature by getting involved in National Tree Day, Australia's largest tree-planting and nature care event.

Celebrating its 17th year in 2012, National Tree Day, proudly sponsored by Toyota, sees communities work together to protect their natural environment by planting and caring for native trees and shrubs. Each year over 300,000 people take part at 3,500 sites around the country. More than 17 million seedlings have been planted in the event's history.

People can participate by becoming National Tree Day site coordinators or attending plantings in their local areas.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

World Hepatitis Day raises awareness of chronic hepatitis A, B and C.

National/State: International

Organisation: Australian Federal Police

National Missing Persons Week aims to raise awareness about the significant number of young Australians reported missing. Out of the estimated 35,000 people who are reported missing each year, approximately 20,000 are under the age of 18.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

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.

National/State: International

Organisation: The Stepfamily Association of Victoria

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.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

World Breastfeeding Week aims to protect, promote and support breastfeeding as the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need.

National/State: International

Organisation: Children's Medical Research Institute

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.

National/State: National

Organisation: Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria

Anxiety Disorders week is an awareness week for OCD and Anxiety Disorders. Events include support and social activities, seminars and promotional activities.

Organisation: Dairy Australia

Established in 1994, National Healthy Bones Week raises awareness of the important role calcium-rich foods, such as dairy, have in the development and maintenance of healthy bones and the prevention of osteoporosis later in life. The campaign educates Australians about the importance of developing and maintaining strong bones and encourages active steps towards a healthier bone mass through the consumption of a calcium-rich diet including dairy foods.

For National Helathy Bones Resource kits please contact:

Blake Robinson
Dairy Australia
Tel: 03 9694 3740
Email: nhbw@dairyaustralia.com.au

National/State: National

Organisation: Homelessness Australia

Homeless Persons' Week is an annual awareness raising week 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.

National/State: National

During the month of Ramadan Eid al-Fitr is a time of charitable giving, peace-making and spiritual renewal.

National/State: International

Organisation: Australian Cake Decorating Network

The National Australian Cake Decorating Day is a day to celebrate and recognise cake decorating as a profession and a hobby. Australian cake decorators are encouraged to network with other decorators and share their work through the Australian Cake Decorating Network. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/australiancakedecoratingnetwork

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

This is a day used to celebrate and recognize the stories, cultures and unique identities of indigenous peoples around the world.

National/State: International

Organisation: Department of Education

National Science Week celebrates the contributions Australian Scientists have made to the world. There are hundreds of activities, events and debates across the country during the week. The theme for this year's National Science Week is A Century of Australian Science.

National/State: National

Organisation: ausEE Inc.

National EOS Awareness Week is a week to raise awareness for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders in Australia.

National/State: National

Organisation: RSCPA

Cupcake Day for the RSPCA is the biggest bakeoff in the Southern Hemisphere and involves Cupcake Cooks around Australia baking cupcakes and hosting a Cupcake Party to raise vital funds for the RSPCA.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

International Youth Day is a reminder that investment in the worlds youth will provide a better future for all.

National/State: International

Organisation: Haemochromatosis Australia

Haemochromatosis Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of haemochromatosis, or inherited iron overload disorder. Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Australians of European descent. The disorder can lead to serious, even fatal health issues if untreated but once diagnosed, is easily treated. The week will highlight the need for early detection and treatment so that those born with the genetic condition can lead normal, healthy lives.

National/State: National

Organisation: Children's Book Council Of Australia

Schools and public libraries celebrate Children's Book Week every year by offering activities and competitions to encourage children to enjoy reading.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

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.

National/State: International

Organisation: Keep Australia Beautiful National Association

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.

National/State: National

Organisation: Cancer Council Australia

Daffodil Day is 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.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade in the memory of all peoples. In accordance with the goals of the intercultural project "The Slave Route", it should offer an opportunity for collective consideration of the historic causes, the methods and the consequences of this tragedy, and for an analysis of the interactions to which it has given rise between Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean.

National/State: International

Organisation: Parkinson's Victoria

National/State: Federation Square

Organisation: Deafness Forum of Australia

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. For the 22 per cent of Australians aged 15 and over who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment, it's their week to share their experiences and knowledge and help to create a greater understanding of their needs, aspirations and the contributions they can make to our nation.

National/State: National

Organisation: Australian Meals on Wheels Association

National Meals on Wheels Day is an opportunity to celebrate the 78,700 volunteers that contribute to their community.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

International Day Against Nuclear Tests is used to remind UN member states of the dangers of nuclear weapons, and the hope that nuclear disarmament is possible.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Enforced disappearance has frequently been used as a strategy to spread terror within the society. The feeling of insecurity generated by this practice is not limited to the close relatives of the disappeared, but also affects their communities and society as a whole. Enforced disappearance has become a global problem and is not restricted to a specific region of the world.

National/State: International

Organisation: The Salvation Army Crisis Services

Overdose Awareness Day is a commemorative day which acknowledges individual loss and family grief when loved ones have suffered overdose and are either permanently injured or have lost their life. The day also aims to raise awareness about overdoses from the use of both licit and illicit drugs.

National/State: International

Organisation: Wattle Day Association

Wattle Day Association

National/State: National

Organisation: The Australian Thyroid Foundation

The ATF Gold Bow Day highlights the increase in thyroid cancer and gives support to thyroid cancer patients undergoing Radio-Active Iodine Treatment.

National/State: National

The best day to celebrate all fathers across the world and to show your appreciation for them.

Organisation: Legacy

Legacy Week is an important fundraising day for many Australians. Over 100,000 war widows and 1900 children and people with disabilities benefit from the money raised. Many Australians regard this as one of the best times to remember the sacrifice made by many Australian soldiers and their families.

National/State: National

Organisation: Spina Bifida Foundation of Vic (inc)

Spina Bifida Awareness Week aims to increase awareness of the disease that affects roughly 5,000 Australians.

National/State: VIC

Organisation: Adult Learning Australia

Australia's only national celebration and promotion of all forms of adult learning.

National/State: National

Organisation: The Department of the Environment and Heritage

Biodiversity Month is held in September each year. The Department of the Environment and Heritage provides support throughout the year with a variety of resources for local groups promoting biodiversity.

National/State: National

Organisation: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is held throughout September.The national event is used to raise awareness of the importance of mens health, and regular prostate checks.

National/State: National

Organisation: Australian Koala Foundation

Save the Koala Month aims to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of wild koalas and their habitats.

National/State: National

Organisation: Heart Foundation

The Heart Foundation saves lives and improves health through funding world-class cardiovascular research, guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and assisting people with cardiovascular disease. As a charity, the Heart Foundation relies on donations and gifts in wills to continue our lifesaving research, education and health promotion work.

National/State: National

The primary aim of Foster Care Month is to raise the profile of fostering in the wider community by promoting the great work done by existing substitute care services in both the Government and non-Government sectors. The month also creates an opportunity to focus on the secondary aim of increasing recruitment by highlighting the ongoing need for the recruitment of appropriate foster care families

National/State: National

Organisation: Perth Zoo

Tiwest Night Stalk is a nation wide spotlight survey of native and feral animals. During the six weeks of Night Stalk, surveys are conducted around Australia by schools, community groups, other organisations, families and individuals. The surveys, which can be completed on any night between 1st September and 16th October, are designed to collect information about animal numbers and their distribution. This information is important and can be used by conservation agencies to assist with the management of Australian wildlife.

National/State: National

Organisation: Australian National Flag Day Association

Many cities and towns around Australia hold a special flag raising or other ceremony to mark 'Flag Day', but if this is not possible there are many other ways that the "birthday" of our flag can be celebrated, eg:

• Local schools could be encouraged to arrange special flag raising assemblies on the day so that students gain an appreciation of the history and significance of our flag;
• Councils could put out a press release asking local residents, businesses, and organisations to make a special effort to fly the flag; and/or
• Suggesting that service organisations, sporting clubs and scout/guide troops etc that holding meetings to raise the flag or otherwise make special mention of Flag Day at the beginning or end of proceedings.

Some councils even make flag badges or flag stickers available so that residents can 'show the flag' all day. A wealth of information about 'Flag Day', and about the unique story of the Australian flag, can be found at www.australianflag.org.au. Look under 'Flying the Flag' for ideas about celebrating 'Flag Day 3 Sep', and under 'Schools' for information about 'Preparing for Flag Day'.

National/State: National

Organisation: The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation

The purpose of the day is to highlight the good work going on in schools and the wider community by promoting health and physical education on a national scale through media and local activities/celebrations.

National/State: National

Rosh Hashanah is 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: Cancer Council

Cancer Council Walk to Work Day encourages organisations to support their employees to build regular walking into their daily routines by becoming Walking Workplaces. Individuals are encouraged to put their feet first and register to participate in Cancer Council Walk to Work Day and raise much-needed funds for Cancer Council Australia. Cancer remains one of Australia's biggest health problems and is expected to claim over 40,000 Australians in 2011. An estimated 114,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Australia in 2010. And 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

National/State: National

Organisation: Fight Cancer Foundation

Footy Colours Day is held on Friday 2 September and is the one day in September that you can fight cancer and change lives. Thousands of Australians unite and wear their favourite football team's colours - AFL - NRL - Rugby Union - Soccer, to help raise money for children living with cancer. So show your true colours in your workplace, school or club and make a difference to the lives of children fighting cancer, by participating in Footy Colours Day. Wear your football teams colours, guernseys, scarf, beanies and make a donation to Fight Cancer Foundation

National/State: National

Organisation: Bravehearts

White Balloon Day is a day to 'lift the cone of silence' that surrounds child sexual assualt, and is used to increase understanding of the difficult issue.

National/State: National

Organisation: ANZSES Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society.

Sustainable House Day aims to raise awareness of the environmental benefits of making your house more 'green'. It is a reminder for us to remember we are leaving footprints on the planet, and we need to be careful with our energy usage.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

Today one in five adults are illiterate, which causes many social and educational issues. International Literacy Day is a reminder of the importance of literacy.

National/State: International

Organisation: National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrom and Related Disorders (NOFASARD)

On the ninth day of the ninth month every year, people all around the world gather for events to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol use during the nine months of pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

National/State: International

Organisation: National Stroke Foundation

National Stroke Week raises awareness of stroke which Australia's second single greatest killer, with over 60,000 strokes occurring every year. Get involved and hold an activity in your community to support the national campaign.

National/State: National

Paryushana is a religious festivals for those who follow Jainism. it is a time of soul cleansing, where followers are washed of their sinfulness and return to a pious and virtuous state.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Suicide Prevention Day is about bringing together communities, researchers, practitioners and politicians, clinicians and those in government, individuals with lived experience and those bereaved by suicide, to demonstrate a commitment to reducing the incidence of suicide in Australia, to raise awareness of this significant national challenge and to share information about ways to effectively take action as individuals and a community.

National/State: International

Organisation: R U OK?

Are You Ok Day is an annual national day of action that aims to get Australians, right across the entire spectrum of society, connecting with friends and loved ones, by reaching out to anyone doing it tough and simply asking: "Are you ok?" talking about suicide with someone at risk actually reduces the chances of them taking their life. It is the one thing we can all do to make a real difference. R U OK ? Day is about prevention, preventing little problems turning into big problems.

National/State: National

Organisation: Fire Foundation Ltd

Friday The 13th "Don't Be One Of The Lucky Ones" is a National Fire Safety & Awareness Campaign focussing on fire prevention at home. The campaign runs each time Friday The 13th appears in a calendar year and is focussed on each campaign the focus is on a different safety message. Here's a taste of what you'll see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a3teIqU61M&feature=related

National/State: National

Yom Kippur is the Jewish day of atonement.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, the national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

This commemoration around the world offers an opportunity to focus attention and action at the global, regional and national levels on the protection of the ozone layer. All Member States are invited to devote this special day to promotion, at the national level, of concrete activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendment.

National/State: International

Herbal Medicine Week promotes the use of herbal medicines. This annual event is held by the National Herbalists Association of Australia and is spreading like wild herbs as a very popular event held nation wide on the 3rd week of September every year.

National/State: National

Organisation: Australian Government

The day is an opportunity for all of us to take pride in our citizenship and reflect on the meaning and importance of being Australian. It is a chance for all of us to think about the events and people that shaped our nation. We also reflect on the role we play in building Australia and shaping our future.

National/State: National

Organisation: Australia and New Zealand - Parks Forum

World Parks Day is an opportunity to celebrate our parks and green spaces. Everybody is encouraged to celebrate World Parks Day in their own way.

National/State: International

Organisation: Clean up Australia

Clean Up the World partners with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to inspire and empower communities to "clean up, fix up and conserve their local environment" through carrying out initiatives ranging from waste removal and tree planting to water and energy conservation projects. Clean Up the World and its participating organisations mobilise an estimated 35 million volunteers from 120 countries annually.

National/State: International

Organisation: Alzheimer's Australia

World Alzheimer's Day, September 21st of each year, is a day on which Alzheimer's organizations around the world concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer's and dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning. At the moment, Alzheimer's is progressive and irreversible.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global day when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace.

National/State: International

Organisation: World Carfree Network

World Carfree Day aims to encourage people around the world te leave their cars at home for the day. The World Carfree Network promotes a global carfree culture.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Maritime Day is a UN awareness day for issues concerning the maritime industry.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Tourism Day represents an opportunity to address how tourism can help build tolerance and understanding worldwide by serving as a catalyst for communication and exchange between the different cultures of the world.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

On average one person dies from rabies every 10 minutes. World Rabies Day aims to raise awareness of this disease, and promotes ways to prevent the disease.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Cardiovascular diseases are the worlds biggest killers. World Heart Day is a reminder to take care of your heart.

National/State: International

Organisation: The AUSPOL - Police Welfare Foundation

The National Police Remembrance Day honours the memory of those police men and women who have given their lives in the service of the community.

National/State: International

World Rivers Day is observed globally every year on the last Sunday in September. Rivers may make up only about 0.2 percent of all the fresh water worldwide but their importance is priceless. This day encourages citizens to get actively involved to ensure the future health of our rivers.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The Intwernational Day of Older Persons is a celebration of the older people in all societies, and a reminder to continue developing a society for all ages.

National/State: International

Organisation: Life Education

Ocsober is a fundraising initiative that encourages people to give up alcohol for the month of October. The campaign runs from 1- 31 October each year. Ocsober supports Life Education and Life Education's iconic mascot Healthy Harold who, for 30 years, has been empowering Aussie Kids to make smart, healthy life choices free from the harms associated with drug misuse.

National/State: National

Organisation: National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)

As you are probably aware, October is internationally breast cancer awareness month and NBCF's biggest fundraiser is the Pink Ribbon Breakfast Campaign.

This initiative began over 10 years to raise funds for breast cancer research. Over that time, hundreds of thousands of Australians have attended and donated to breakfast held across the country. And, with the help of that support, NBCF has been able to fund 241 research grants.

Whether you hold a morning tea, a big breakfast event in your community or a get-together in your office, the donations collected will make a difference to people with breast cancer.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

Celebrated on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi the International Day of Non-Violence aims to disseminate education and understanding of the positive effect of non-violence.

National/State: International

The World Smile Day is celebrated on October 04, 2013. 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: RSPCA

Happy Tails Day is a fundraising event for the RSPCA. If you have a pet or just love animals the RSPCA invites you to donate money or buy their merchandise to keep them fighting for animal rights.

National/State: National

World Animal Day was 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Space Week is used to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.

National/State: International

Organisation: Centre for Organic and Resource Enterprises

National Organic Week Australia (NOW) is 10 days of targeted media and locally-staged activities designed 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.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

World Teachers' Day is held annually on 5 October to celebrate the essential role of teachers in providing quality education at all levels.

National/State: International

Navaratri is the hindu festival that translates to "nine nights". It is a festival for followers to invoke the energy of the Universal Mother.

National/State: International

Mental Health Week is an annual national awareness event held in October every year. The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the wider community, to increase community awareness and education about mental health issues and to encourage participation in life enhancing lifestyles

National/State: National

Organisation: National Fire Protection Association

Fire prevention week aims to educate the community, particularly children, about the dangers of fire and the importance of prevention techniques.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

United Nations has designated the first Monday in October each year as 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Mental Health Day aims to raise public awareness of mental health issues, and increase understanding of the strain they can place on the individual, their families, friends and communities.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

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.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

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. 10.11.12 is bigger than one issue, one organization, or even one country.

National/State: International

Anti-Poverty Week aims to strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and in Australia; and to encourage research, discussion and action to address these problems, including action by individuals, communities, organisations and governments.

National/State: National

Every year on International Arthritis Day people with arthritis from around the World join together to make their voices heard and raise awareness of arthritis, an often painful disease that affects millions of individuals across the globe.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction is a day for city-planners and governments across the world to think about the safety of the people who rely on them in the instance of a natural disaster. While it is not a day to actively decrease the instances of natural disasters, it is a reminder to these people that they must reduce the death tolls of the most major disasters.

National/State: International

An Islamic commemoration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to god.

National/State: International

National Nutrition Week encourages Australians to learn about making healthy food and lifestyle choices.

National/State: National

Global Handwashing Day 2011 will revolve around schools and children. On Global Handwashing Day, playgrounds, classrooms, community centers, and the public spaces of towns and cities will be awash with activity to drive handwashing behavior change on a scale never seen before, bringing the critical issue to center stage. So get out the soap and scrub those hands.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

On the International Day of Rural Women we recognise the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Food Day is a reminder that everybody deserves and needs access to food, particularly those who can't keep up with rising food prices.

National/State: International

Ride 2 Work Day has become an established event on the annual workplace calendar. Whether you're a regular cycle-commuter or you're just thinking about having a go, now is the time to start planning for Ride to Work Day.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

The UN developed this day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries - a need that has become a development priority.

National/State: International

Organisation: International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)

World Osteoporosis Day raises public awareness about osteoporosis. Its held on the 20 October each year.

National/State: International

Organisation: Children's Week Council of Australia

Children's Week is an annual event celebrated in Australia during the fourth week in October. Children's Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It is also a time for children to demonstrate their talents, skills and abilities.

National/State: National

Organisation: The Australian Thyroid Foundation

The Australian Thyroid Foundation wants all Australians to be aware of this event and the importance of the message. A healthy thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. These hormones control the body's metabolism and digestion. Without these hormones the body will suffer and your overall health will be affected. The thyroid gland is part of the body's endocrine system and therefore other hormones in the body can be affected as well. Research shows Australia and New Zealand are now iodine deficient, which means our soils and food supply no longer naturally contain enough iodine. Therefore we all need to include iodine in our daily diet.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

This day marks the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations in 1945.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The United Nations hope to disseminate information about the challenges of world development to help promote continued efforts to solve some of these issues.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Disarmament week is a day to unite in the effort to reduce, limit and eventually abolish weapon usage.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is a reminder to preserve our visual and audio documents that have become the primary records of the 20th and 21st centuries.

National/State: International

Organisation: The Cancer Council

Pink Ribbon Day is the Cancer Council's fundraiser aimed at helping raise awareness of breast cancer, as well as funds towards research, early prevention and patient support programs. The pink ribbon is the international symbol of support and recognition for women affected by breast cancer across the globe.

National/State: National

Meaning 'summers end', Samhain is an ancient Celt festival marking the beginning of winter/the Celtic new year.

National/State: International

Organisation: WVD Melbourne

The core belief of World Vegan Day Melbourne is that it is a positive celebration of being vegan. It is a chance for vegans, those interested in the vegan way of life and all their friends to come together and enjoy themselves.

National/State: International

Organisation: Movember Foundation

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.

Organisation: The Australian Lung Foundation

Lung Awareness Month is used to promote lung health and focus on the impact of lung disease in the Australian community.

National/State: National

Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated by Hindu, Jain and Sikh religions.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Damage to the environment in times of armed conflict impairs ecosystems and natural resources long after the period of conflict, often extending beyond the limits of national territories and the present generation.

National/State: International

Organisation: QLD Eye Institute

National Sunnies Day is aimed at educating children about looking after the health of their eyes.

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

This is a day to celebrate the responsible use of science to further the advancement of peace and development across the world.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The International Week of Science and Peace was first observed during 1986 as part of the observance of the International Year of Peace. The organization of events and activities for the week was undertaken as a non-governmental initiative; the secretariat for the International Year of Peace was informed of the preparatory activities and the final summary of events that occurred during the week. The organizers sought to encourage the broadest possible international participation in the observance.

National/State: International

Remembrance Day (11 November) 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.

National/State: National

Remembrance Day (11 November) 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.

National/State: International

Organisation: Planet Ark

National Recycling Week aims to improve the positive environmental outcomes of recycling by increasing community awareness, increasing collection rates and reducing contamination. Local councils, businesses and community groups are encouraged to join in throughout the week.

National/State: National

Organisation: National Event in Australian Neonatal Intensive Care Units

National/State: National

Organisation: United Nations

World Pneumonia Day seeks to raise awareness of pneumonia as a public health issue and help prevent the millions of avoidable child deaths from pneumonia that occur each year.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The World Diabetes Day campaign is an event used to increase understanding of diabetes, and to raise funds for research.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The International Day of Tolerance promotes respect, dialogue, cooperation and tolerance of all cultures.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

A day to highlight the incidence and prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - more commonly known as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Every year more than 1 million people die from a traffic crash. This day is used to remember those who have died on the roads, and to remind the public to be careful when driving.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Universal Children's Day is observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Africa Industrialisation Day aims to mobilise the commitment of the international community to the industrialisation of Africa.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

World Philosophy Day's objective is to encourage the peoples of the world to share their philosophical heritage and to open their minds to new ideas, as well as to inspire a public debate between intellectuals and civil society on the challenges confronting our society.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

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.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

This day is a reminder that violence against women should never occur. It is a reminder that the world must continue to eliminate instances of violence against anybody, particularly women.

National/State: International

Organisation: White Ribbon Foundation (Australia)

The White Ribbon Campaign aims to raise awareness among Australian men and boys about the roles they can play to prevent violence against women. The campaign calls for men across Australia to speak out and take an oath swearing never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

A day for UN member states to show their solidarity with the Palestinian people.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is transmissible through bodily fluids such as blood. With time, HIV causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease, which is not communicable. HIV positive individuals need special health care and support from their community to live free from discrimination.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Despite the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, slavery still exists. This is a day to raise awareness of the issue that continues to function in new forms.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

This day aims to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities and gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

This day aims to increase awareness of the important role voluinteers play in many organisations, and aims to stimulate more people to volunteer.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development of States, and of the role of ICAO in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport.

National/State: ACT

Organisation: United Nations

International Anti-Corruption Day is a day for worldwide business leaders to renounce corruption and continue efforts to abolish it.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

A day to celebrate the basic rights of all humans, and to remember that many people still have to fight for their human rights.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

International Mountain Day is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the world's mountains and highlands

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Organizations are invited to observe International Migrants Day through the dissemination of information on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, and through the sharing of experiences and the design of actions to ensure their protection.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

Developing countries have the primary responsibility for promoting and implementing South-South cooperation, not as a substitute for but rather as a complement to North-South cooperation, and in this context reiterating the need for the international community to support the efforts of the developing countries to expand South-South cooperation.

National/State: International

Organisation: United Nations

International Human Solidarity Day was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2005 as an initiative in the fight against poverty.

National/State: International

The Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God.

National/State: International

Organisation: World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

World Thinking Day is a day of friendship, advocacy and fundraising for 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world.