Organisation: United Nations

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

National/State: International

Website: www.un.org/en/events/maritimeday/index.shtml

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

Website: www.un.org/en/events/tourismday/index.shtml

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

Website: worldriversday.com/

Organisation: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Vegans are doing the planet, animals, and themselves a huge favor by ditching animal products and leading cruelty-free lives instead. Whether you're vegan yourself or you've got a friend, classmate, or family member who's vegan, share the love! Pledge to give hugs and spread compassion this "Hug a Vegan" Day.

National/State: International

Website: www.facebook.com/Hug-A-Vegan-Day-148617091833843/timeline/

Organisation: Australian Federal Police

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

Email:

Website: www.afp.gov.au/about-us/our-organisation/ceremonial-events-and-functions/ceremonial-events/national-police

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

Website: www.world-heart-federation.org/?id=123

Yom Kippur is the Jewish day of atonement.

National/State: International

Website: www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/holiday4.html

World Vegetarian Day, October 1, is the annual kick-off of Vegetarian Awareness Month. Make a difference this October by informing others about the benefits of vegetarianism.

National/State: International

Website: www.worldvegetarianday.org/

Organisation: United Nations

The International 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

Website: www.un.org/en/events/olderpersonsday/

Organisation: Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM)

World Day for Farmed Animals (WDFA), founded in 1983, is dedicated to exposing the needless suffering and death of sentient animals raised and slaughtered for food. World Day for Farmed Animals hopes to continue until animals are no longer seen as commodities, raised for their flesh and by-products.

National/State: International

Email: Info@farmusa.org

Website: www.dayforanimals.org/

Apart from recognising the enjoyment of coffee right around the globe, World Coffee Day is also used to promote fair trade coffee and to raise awareness for the plight of the coffee growers.

Website: internationalcoffeeday.org/

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

Website: www.un.org/en/events/nonviolenceday/index.shtml

Organisation: Edgars Mission

Be Kind To Animals Week is an opportunity to take a step back from our busy lives and think about those that ask nothing of us. During the first week of October (1-7th) please do something to celebrate your concern for animals worldwide.

National/State: National

Phone:

Website: bekindtoanimalsweek.org.au/

Organisation: Safe Work Australia

National Safe Work Australia Month aims to raise awareness of workplace safety and encourage all working Australians to get involved in and concentrate on safety in their workplace to reduce death, injury and disease.

Website: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/media-events/safety-month/pages/nswm

Organisation: Cancer Council

Cancer Council's Girls' Night In is the ideal reason to get your girlfriends together to celebrate friendships that matter for a cause that matters. By bringing the ladies in your life together for this special event you will be raising much needed funds to help beat women's cancers.

Website: www.pinkribbon.com.au/girls-night-in/

Organisation: Lupus Foundation

The first month-long observance for lupus awareness occurred when President Reagan signed Public Law 99-365, designating October 1986 as Lupus Awareness Month. It marks the occasion to highlight the need for more awareness and financial support for a potentially fatal disease that affects close to 6 million world-wide.

Email: info@lupus-sle.org

Website: www.lupus-sle.org/

Organisation: Children's Medical Research Institute

Great Cycle Challenge encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to get on their bikes this October and ride to fight kids' cancer!
Right now, cancer is the largest killer of children from disease in Australia. Over 600 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer every year and sadly, 3 die every week.

Website: greatcyclechallenge.com.au

Organisation: National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)

October is international breast cancer awareness month and NBCF's biggest fundraiser is the Pink Ribbon Breakfast Campaign. 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

Email:

Website: pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au/

Organisation: Life Education

Ocsober is a fundraising initiative that encourages people to give up alcohol for the month of October. 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

Website: www.ocsober.com.au/

Organisation: Mental Health Association NSW

Mental Health Month NSW is part of a national mental health promotion campaign held throughout October each year. The timing of the campaign centres on World Mental Health Day, which is marked each year on October 10.

National/State: NSW

Email: mha@mentalhealth.asn.au

Website: www.mentalhealth.asn.au/programs/mental-health-month-nsw

Address: NSW 2011

Organisation: Physical Activity Australia Inc

Physical Activity Australia have renamed October, 'Walktober' - Australia's walking month! It's the ideal time to celebrate walking. October is that time of year when you feel a 'spring' in your step; the weather is warming up and it's a great time to get outside.

National/State: National

Email: office@physicalactivityaustralia.org.au

Website: walktober.com.au/

Organisation: Australasian Podiatry Council

Foot Health Month in October is a time to look after and love your feet.

National/State: National

Website: www.apodc.com.au/

Address: VIC 3057

Community Safety Month is held every October and reminds us that we all have a role in making our communities safer. Local communities, groups, schools, regional services, businesses, state and local government departments and agencies, are encouraged to build community safety partnerships by organising safety activities with other organisations and groups.

Email: iccwa@iccwa.org.au

Website: www.vscn.org.au/community-safety-month/

Organisation: Assistance Dogs Australia

Dogtober is a way to get involved with Assistance Dogs, have some fun and help train another 25 super pups to help people with physical disabilities. You can help by creating your own doggie themed event or being sponsored to undertake a challenge which will raise much needed funds and awareness.

National/State: National

Email: info@dogtober.org.au

Website: www.dogtober.org.au/

Buy Nothing New Month is the global movement for collective, conscientious consumption. It's about thinking where our stuff comes from (finite resources) and where it goes when we're done (often landfill) and what are the fantastic alternatives out there to extend the life of our 'stuff'.

National/State: International

Email: nothingnew@buynothingnew.com.au

Website: www.buynothingnew.com.au/

Organisation: Nutrition Australia

Nude Food Day is a nationwide initiative developed to encourage kids and parents to eat well and live well, and eliminate all unnecessary packaging and wrapping that goes into schools. Nude Food Day can be celebrated any day (or everyday!) in October.

Email: info@nudefoodday.com.au

Website: www.nudefoodday.com.au/

Organisation: Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast Inc

Sexual Violence Awareness Month is held each October to encourage Queenslanders to show their support for ending violence of this nature and inform those affected about the help available.

Email: admin@stopsexualviolence.com

Website: www.stopsexualviolence.com

Organisation: QLD Police

Crime Prevention Month is about educating the community about strategies they can use to reduce their chance of being a victim of crime. Through simple steps members of the community can take part in reducing crime and can increase their personal safety. Crime Prevention Month is an opportunity for members of the community to learn these steps.

National/State: QLD

Website: mypolice.qld.gov.au/

Organisation: Neighbourhood Watch Australasia

Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) is a community led safety and awareness program working in partnership with police. It aims to prevent crime, stop social isolation and increase the safety, security and quality of life for everyone in the community. NHW Week aims to raise public awareness of and the benefits of belonging to a local Neighbourhood Watch group. The aim is to increase membership of and encourage participation in Neighbourhood Watch programs throughout Australia.

Website: www.nhwa.com.au

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

Website: www.worldanimalday.org.uk/

Organisation: United Nations

Who didn't want to be an astronaut when they were a kid? This week celebrates the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition as well as every child's imagination.

National/State: International

Website: www.worldspaceweek.org/

Organisation: UNESCO

World Teachers' Day held annually on 5 October is a UNESCO initiative, a day devoted to appreciating, assessing, and improving the educators of the world. The real point is to provide a time to look at and address issues pertaining to teachers. Strangely one of the most central, vital professionals to society does not receive the respect it deserves in some parts of the world.

National/State: International

Website: www.worldteachersday.org

Organisation: Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation

World Smile Day is celebrated on the first Friday in the month of October every year. The idea of World Smile Day was coined and initiated by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts. He is known to have created the yellow Smiley Face in 1963. The World's first World Smile Day was held in the year 1999 and has been held annually since.

National/State: International

Email: info@worldsmileday.com

Website: www.worldsmileday.com/

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

Website: www.un.org/en/events/habitatday/

Organisation: Grow

Odd socks day is a light-hearted approach to reminding people that anyone can have an odd day. Stigma is undoubtedly still one of the biggest barriers to people seeking help and recovery from mental illness.

National/State: National

Website: www.oddsocksday.org.au

World CP Day is a global innovation project to change the world for people living with cerebral palsy and their families. It is designed to gather ideas from people around the world and make the best of those ideas a reality. The project is led by a group of non-profit cerebral palsy charities, and supported by organisations in over 30 countries. We welcome new countries and partner organisations.

National/State: International

Website: en.worldcpday.org/

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

Website: www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week

Organisation: Mental Health Foundation of Australia

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

Website: www.mentalhealthvic.org.au/

Organisation: Haemophilia Foundation Australia

Haemophilia Awareness Week and Red Cake Day is an opportunity for haemophilia foundations and other organisations, as well as individuals and families, to fundraise and take part in a campaign and activities to raise awareness about haemophilia and related inherited bleeding disorders throughout Australia.

National/State: National

Email: hfaust@haemophilia.org.au

Website: www.haemophilia.org.au/

Organisation: Australian Rotary Health

Hat Day is the fun-draising day where you wear a hat and make a donation to help shine a light on mental illness in Australia. Register a Hat Day event with your workplace, club, sport team, friends, or family to support mental health research and reduce stigma. Hat Day is an initiative of Australian Rotary Health, one of the largest non-government funders of mental illness research in Australia.

Email: info@hatday.com.au

Website: hatday.com.au/

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

Website: www.un.org/en/events/postday/

Organisation: Council on the Ageing TAS

Seniors Week aims to improve community attitudes towards older people and ageing, facilitate community participation and activity by older people, and enhance community connections and inter-generational relationships. Why not register an event under the theme 'the intergenerations' - seniors sharing fun activities with younger folks. Check out their website for more information.

Email: admin@cotatas.org.au

Website: www.cotatas.org.au/programs-events/sw2015/

Organisation: World Federation for Mental Health

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

Website: www.1010.org.au/

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

The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to homeless people's needs locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness.

National/State: International

Website: www.worldhomelessday.org/

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

National/State: International

Website: dayofthegirl.org/

Organisation: headspace

The first ever headspace day will be held on 11 October. #headspaceday is about ensuring young people across the country have access to youth friendly, mental health services, no matter where they live. By picking up an Access All Areas wristband from your local headspace centre, you can show your support for young people experiencing mental health issues and the importance of access to services for all young people.

National/State: National

Website: www.headspaceday.org.au

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

Website: www.worldarthritisday.org/

Organisation: Bicycle Network

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

Website: www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/programs/3025/

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

Website: www.un.org/en/events/disasterreductionday/

Organisation: National Smashed Avo Day

An annual national brunch event held simultaneously in cafe, restaurants, clubs, homes and parks across the country to raise funds for youth and homeless charities in Australia. Participants will join in with friends and family for Sunday brunch at their favourite local brunch spot, enjoy great food, support local businesses and be encouraged to donate directly to nominated charities via the www.givenow.com.au website. The day's events will be promoted and shared via @smashedavoday on Instagram and our unique social media tags #smashedavoday #brunchforacause #biggestbrunch

National/State: National

Website: www.smashedavoday.com.au

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

Website: www.un.org/en/events/ruralwomenday/

Organisation: PILARI

15 October is International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. On this day, parents and families across Australia honour their babies who passed away from miscarriage, stillbirth or postnatal causes.

National/State: National

Website: 15october.com.au/

Organisation: The Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing

Global Handwashing Day was originally created for children and schools,but can be celebrated by anyone promoting handwashing with soap.

Each year on October 15, over 200 million people are involved in celebrations in over 100 countries around the world.

National/State: International

Website: globalhandwashing.org/global-handwashing-day/

Organisation: Australian Water Association

National Water Week is dedicated to raise community awareness about current and future water issues and to encourage the community to take action to protect our vital water sources. It's also a celebration of water achievements in painting a sustainable future for generations to come.

National/State: National

Phone: 1300 361 426

Website: www.awa.asn.au

Organisation: Anti Poverty Week

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

Email: apw@antipovertyweek.org.au

Website: www.antipovertyweek.org.au/about/about-anti-poverty-week

Organisation: Carers Australia

Carers Week recognises and celebrates the 2.6 million Australians who are carers in our communities. Carers Week events across Victoria provide opportunities for carers to get together and support one another, exchange ideas and information, and spread awareness about caring.

National/State: National

Email:

Website: www.carersweek.com.au/

Organisation: Deaf Australia Inc

Every year, Deaf Australia and it's state branches gear up to organise events through a week long period which is focused on celebrating Auslan, Deaf people and the Deaf community in Australia.

Email: info@deafau.org.au

Website: deafaustralia.org.au/nwdp/

Organisation: White Wreath Association

Every year during the third full week of October is Sock it to Suicide week, the White Wreath Association encourages everyone to wear bright coloured socks to their workplace, school, etc and donate a gold coin in support of the White Wreath Association.

National/State: National

Email: white.wreath@bigpond.com

Website: www.whitewreath.com

Organisation: Nutrition Australia

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

National/State: National

Website: www.nutritionaustralia.org/national/national-nutrition-week

Organisation: Adults Surviving Child Abuse (ASCA)

Blue Knot Day is ASCA's national awareness day celebrated in October every year. On this day, ASCA asks all Australians to unite in support of the 5 million Australian adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse.

Email: events@asca.org.au

Website: www.blueknot.org.au/BlueKnotDay

Organisation: Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW

The Wellness Walk is a yearly event taking in the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with the finishing line at Government House to enjoy the celebratory Wellness Festival! It's a family friendly walk with an easy route suitable for all ages & abilities.
The walk raises awareness for mental illness & encourages walking as a way to improve mental wellness. This is a wonderful event brings together people from all walks of life in a positive, active and fun environment because together we make a difference.

Website: www.wellnesswalk.org.au/

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

Website: www.fao.org/world-food-day/home/en/

Organisation: World YWCA and WHIN (Women's Health in the North)

Week Without Violence is a worldwide campaign that aims to raise awareness of family violence and encourages you to think and act towards a world without violence.

National/State: International

Website: www.nifvs.org.au/event-directory/week-without-violence/

Organisation: Birdlife Australia

Have you ever wondered about the birds in your neighbourhood? Join thousands of people for the AUSSIE BACKYARD BIRD COUNT - BirdLife Australia's first nationwide bird survey. All you need is 20 minutes, your favourite green patch and some keen eyesight (or binoculars!) Record the birds you see on our brand new Aussie Bird Count app (or website) and you'll instantly see live information on how many people are taking part near you and the number of birds and species counted right across your neighbourhood and the whole of Australia!

National/State: National

Email: birdweek@birdlife.org.au

Website: www.aussiebirdcount.org.au

Organisation: Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA)

Coordinated by the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA), to support the Peoples' Food Plan, Australia's Fair Food Week shines a light on our new story of food.

Website: fairfoodweek.org.au/