Due to the high demand for space, the Our Community calendar is used only for nationally significant events. Submissions for the calendar should be sent to service@ourcommunity.com.au.
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618 community events listed
Great Northern Clean Up
Clean Up Australia
The Great Northern Clean Up, an event of Clean Up Australia, takes place during the months of August, September and October - a time of year which is more suitable
for communities living in the tropical North.
Since the campaign started in 2009 more than 30,000 volunteers have removed the equivalent of 1,800 ute loads of rubbish from 813 sites north of the Tropic of Capricorn. This year the event is taking place during the months of August-October when an estimated 3,851 volunteers have already removed around 277 ute loads of rubbish from 126 sites across northern Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Since the campaign started in 2009 more than 30,000 volunteers have removed the equivalent of 1,800 ute loads of rubbish from 813 sites north of the Tropic of Capricorn. This year the event is taking place during the months of August-October when an estimated 3,851 volunteers have already removed around 277 ute loads of rubbish from 126 sites across northern Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.
National
02 8197 3412
Dystonia Awareness Month
Australian Dystonia Support Group
Dystonia Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of dystonia - a neurological Movement condition which causes uncontrollable movements, twisting or muscles spasms and pain. There are different forms of dystonia which can also affect a person's speech and swallowing.
National
Save the Koala Month
Australian Koala Foundation
Save the Koala Month aims to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of wild koalas and their habitats.
National
Biodiversity Month
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
Big Heart Appeal
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
Starlight Movie Month
Starlight Children's Foundation
Starlight Movie Month is a chance for your colleagues, family, friends and neighbours to raise funds for seriously ill children and their families.
Dementia Awareness Month
Alzheimer's Australia
Dementia Awareness Month is the national flagship month for Alzheimer's Australia's community awareness activities. There will be events and activities held around the country to broaden understanding of dementia-friendly communities during Dementia Awareness Month.
National
National Desexing Month
Unplanned litters contribute to the overpopulation of cats and dogs and if you choose not to desex your pet then you are inviting the possibility of your pet breeding. National Desexing Month specials are offered to the general public usually during the month of July. National Desexing Month (NDM) is being planned for SEPTEMBER 2020, due to the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions.
Social September
Reach
Social September encourages us all to press pause in September - disconnect from our digital lives and reconnect with each other, and ourselves. The aim is to create spaces for face-to-face social connection, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.
National
0404 177 749
Blue September
Australian Cancer Research Foundation
Blue September is a nationwide awareness and fundraising initiative about all the cancers that affect men - not just prostate and testicular cancer, but also bowel, lung, liver, pancreatic and other cancers. The campaign aims to raise funds for Australian Prostate Cancer Research and Australian Cancer Research Foundation charities to raise men's awareness of cancer and help them to reduce the risk of developing and dying from cancer by making better lifestyle choices and seeking help sooner rather than later.
National
Debris Month of Action
Project AWARE
Project AWARE Foundation is a growing movement of scuba divers protecting the ocean planet - one dive at a time. More than six million tons of marine litter is estimated to enter the ocean each year, and scuba divers are doing their bit to battle this silent killer. During September, action is ramped up in order to combat the growing marine debris problem and inspire year-round action to remove, report and prevent underwater debris.
Liptember
Liptember Foundation
Liptember is a campaign raising funds and awareness for women's mental health during the month of September. All funds raised during the month of September are donated to the Centre for Women's Health and Lifeline.
National
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
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
Foster Care Month
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
Meat Free Week
Ethical Eats Ltd
Every march, meat free week encourages you to think about how much meat you eat and the impact eating too much has on your health, the environment and animals. At the same time, you'll also raise money for some very worthwhile charities.
National
Save the Koala Day
Australian Koala Foundation
There is currently no legislation, anywhere in the country, that can protect Koalas and Koala habitat in Australia. In 2012, the Koala was listed as 'vulnerable to extinction', under Australian Law.
World Tourism Day
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.
International
National Police Remembrance Day
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.
International
Hug a Vegan Day
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.
International
World Rivers Day
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.
International
World Heart Day
United Nations
Cardiovascular diseases are the worlds biggest killers. World Heart Day is a reminder to take care of your heart.
International
National Op Shop Week
National Op Shop Week seeks to raise awareness of the important role of charity op shops in our community and
- boost donations of quality clothing and household goods to charity op shops
- boost charity op shop sales
- recognise the tremendous work of the volunteers and staff dedicated to supporting their charity op shop.
National
Pink Ribbon Breakfast Campaign
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
International Coffee Day
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.
World Vegetarian Day
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.
International
International Day of Older Persons
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.
International
Be Kind to Animals Week
Edgars Mission
Be Kind to Animals Week is a nation-wide initiative to encourage and inspire people of all ages to be kind to our furry, feathered and finned friends. Take our fun pledge and receive a free postal pack and a daily email to provide inspiration with simple ideas and delicious recipes.
National
Buy Nothing New Month
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'.
International
Girls' Night In
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.
National Safe Work Month
Safe Work Australia
In Australia, October is National Safe Work Month - a time to make your commitment to improving safety and health in your workplace.
This year's theme, Work Health and Safety through COVID-19, acknowledges and reflects the wide-reaching impacts of COVID-19 on Australian businesses, employers and workers.
Lupus Awareness Month
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.
Great Cycle Challenge Australia
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.
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.
Crime Prevention Month QLD
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.
QLD
Foot Health Month
Australasian Podiatry Council
Foot Health Month in October is a time to look after and love your feet.
National
VIC 3057
Sexual Violence Awareness Month
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.
Nude Food Day
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.
Ocsober
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
Walktober
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
Mental Health Month NSW
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.
NSW
NSW 2011
Dogtober
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
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Code Read Dyslexia Network Australia Ltd
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and every year many events take place during October including the National Awareness Event, Light it Red for Dyslexia, which started in 2015.
Light it Red for Dyslexia is an annual event that is administered by Code Read Dyslexia Network Australia on behalf of the national Dyslexia Support Groups. Throughout the month of October significant monuments and buildings around Australia are lit up in the colour red for Dyslexia Awareness.
World Farm Animals Day
WORLD FARM ANIMALS DAY, observed on (or around) October 2nd, is a time dedicated to exposing, mourning, and memorializing the needless suffering and slaughter of the more than 55 billion cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and other sentient land animals in the world's factory farms and slaughterhouses. It is a time for all to speak out against the atrocities and brutalization of animals raised for meat, eggs, and dairy.
International
World Day for Farmed Animals
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.
International
International Day of Non-Violence
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.
International
World Smile Day
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.
International
Odd Socks Day
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
World Animal Day
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.
International
World Space Week
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.
International
National Amputee Awareness Week
Limbs 4 Life
Limbs 4 Life empower amputees with knowledge and support to make a real difference, because no one should have to go through limb loss alone.
They provide information and support to amputees and their families while promoting an inclusive community.
Their vision is to ensure that no amputee goes through the process of limbs loss alone.
VIC
1300 782 231
Building 97, 45 GIlby Rd
MOUNT WAVELREY VIC 3149
MOUNT WAVELREY VIC 3149
International Tenants Day
Tenants Queensland
The International Union of Tenants (IUT) has therefore chose these themes together with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular goal number 11, Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable as the recommended themes when Tenants celebrate the International Tenants' Day around the world.
International
World Teachers Day
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.
International
Mental Health Week
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
World Cerebral Palsy Day
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.
International
World Habitat Day
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.
International
World Post Day
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.
International
headspace day
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
Haemophilia Awareness Week
Haemophilia Foundation Australia
The week aims to raise awareness of haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
National
03 9885 7800
03 9885 1800
World Mental Health Day
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.
International
World Homeless Day
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.
International
World Mental Health Day
Community Council for Australia
Aimed to again shed a positive light, and raise the visibility and awareness of mental health in a community.The campaign encourages people to make a #MentalHealthPromise and shed a more positive light on mental health in a bid to reduce stigma for the one in five Australians who are affected by mental illness annually.
International
National Hat Day
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.
World Day Against the Death Penalty
The World Day Against the Death Penalty aims at raising awareness on the inhumane living conditions of people sentenced to death..
International
World Sight Day
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.
International
Queensland Mental Health Week
Queensland Mental Health Commission
Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) is an annual event that aims to shine a spotlight on what all of us can do to look after our mental health and reach out to those who need support.
The event is linked to National Mental Health Week and World Mental Health Day, which is held on 10 October every year.
QLD
1300 640 709
International Day of the Girl Child
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.
International
Bleeding Disorders Awareness Week
Haemophilia Foundation Australia
Bleeding Disorders Awareness Week is an opportunity for individuals and families as well as Haemophilia Foundations and other organisations to take part in a campaign and activities to raise awareness about haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and related inherited bleeding disorders throughout Australia.
National
1800 807 173
World Arthritis Day
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.
International
Fair Food Week
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.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Advanced Breast Cancer Group
The day sees women living with metastatic breast cancer supporting other women living with the disease. We are keen to make sure these women have a voice nationally.
National
Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Advanced Breast Cancer Group
Advanced Breast Cancer Group - which sees women living with metastatic breast cancer supporting other women living with the disease. We are keen to make sure these women have a voice nationally.
National
International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction
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.
International
Haemophilia Awareness Week and Red Cake Day
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
National Adoption Awareness Week
National Adoption Awareness Week (NAAW) is coordinated by Adopt Change and is designed to raise awareness of adoption and provide education on the support needs of children and families. NAAW aims to increase insight and understanding through a series of specialist and community-based events exploring the experiences of children and families through local and intercountry adoption and promote reform of Australian adoption laws and practices to facilitate a pro-adoption community.
Wellness Walk & Festival
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.
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.
International Day of Rural Women
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.
International
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remeberance Day
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Research and Information
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.
To lose a baby is an agonizing heartache we wish no one would have to go through. If you have lost a baby, you are not alone: 1 out every 4 Australian women has lost a baby, too. Many bereaved parents find that being able to honour their babies on 15th Oct helps them on their journey to overcome the grief.
International
National Smashed Avo Day - Brunch for a Cause
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
International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
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
Global Handwashing Day
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.
Each year on October 15, over 200 million people are involved in celebrations in over 100 countries around the world.
International
National Carer's Week
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
National Water Week
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
1300 361 426
National Nutrition Week
Nutrition Australia
National Nutrition Week encourages Australians to learn about making healthy food and lifestyle choices.
National
Anti Poverty Week
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
GiveOUT Day
GiveOUT
Following a successful inaugural year, GiveOUT Day is back in 2020 - a national day of giving to LGBTIQ+ communities, organisations and projects. Donations made to participating organisations on Friday 16 October 2020 may be matched dollar-for-dollar by GiveOUT. We have a growing list of sponsors and partners, including Domino's Australia ($5,000 donation), JOY 94.9 (media partner) and the Reichstein Foundation. Join us as we work to build the capacity of LGBTIQ+ projects and communities around Australia, and create greater visibility for these grassroots organisations. Sign up now to raise funds for your organisation, or donate to one (or more!) of the worthy projects.
National
World Food Day
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.
International
Week Without Violence
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.
International
National Edge Day
Edge Day is an unofficial holiday founded by people who associate themselves with the straight edge movement. Straight edge is a subculture and subgenre of hardcore punk whose adherents refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, and other recreational drugs. It was a direct reaction to the sexual revolution, hedonism, and excess associated with punk rock.
International
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
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.
International
Book Week
Children's Book Council Of Australia
Each year, many schools and public libraries from all over Australia spend a week celebrating books and Australian authors and illustrators. Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians develop activities, offer competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading.
National
Navaratri (Hindu)
Navaratri is the hindu festival that translates to "nine nights". It is a festival for followers to invoke the energy of the Universal Mother.
International
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Awareness Day
Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD)
This year we will be hosting the 3rd International Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Awareness Day.
DLD is a developmental disability which affects who a person thinks about, understands and uses language. The cause for this is unknown and affects approximately 7% of the population. It is often referred to as a hidden disability, as people with DLD look like everyone else. It is hidden, but very common and often goes undiagnosed. As you can imagine, difficulties with language development significantly impacts a person's ability to make friends, learn at school and enter the workforce. A person with DLD is also at high risk of incarceration, anxiety/depression and suicide.
International
1300 881 763
33 Cubberla Street
FIG TREE POCKET QLD 4069
FIG TREE POCKET QLD 4069
Ride2Work Day / Ride2Uni Day
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
Loud Shirt Day
First Voice Centres around Australia
Fish out your flashiest frock, or dig out that awesome Hawaiian shirt you've been hiding in your wardrobe and get it on!
Loud Shirt Day is the day you wear something really, loud to help give deaf children the gift of sound and speech. Whether you fancy stripes, florals, polka dots or paisley, as long as its got colour, pizzazz, it'll be perfect for Loud Shirt Day.
National
Limb Difference Awareness Week
Aussie Hands
Aussie Hands celebrates 20 years supporting Australians living with a hand or arm difference, and this year, members will share their stories to raise awareness of living with a limb difference.
National
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
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
National Unity Week
Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders announced a National Day of Unity in response to growing reports of discrimination, violence and rising tensions within the Australian community.
Children's Week
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.
World Evidence-Based Healthcare Day
JBI
Evidence-based healthcare is a worldwide movement with hundreds of organisations and tens of thousands of individuals working tirelessly towards improving the science and practice of EBHC for the same aim: to improve health outcomes. This is a global initiative aimed at creating awareness of the need for better evidence to inform healthcare policy, practice and decision making in order to improve health outcomes globally.
Now, more than ever, the importance of having the ability to utilise the best available evidence has been highlighted by the rapid implementation of effective hand washing and the correct use of PPE to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
World Osteoporosis Day
International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
World Osteoporosis Day takes place every year on October 20, launching a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. Organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) every year, World Osteoporosis Day involves campaigns by national osteoporosis patient societies from around the world with activities in over 90 countries.
International
Garage Sale Trail
Garage Sale Trail is a free festival of over 16,100 garage sales that happens in communities across Australia annually. Save the date! The next Garage Sale Trail is happening on Saturday 20 October and Sunday 21 October 2018.
It's fast becoming a national movement of reuse-loving, community minded individuals who come together on one weekend to clear out their pre-loved stuff, find treasure, meet the neighbours and have some fun. Garage Sale Trail is Powered by 150+ local councils, like-minded partners and over 370,000 Australians. Whether you're looking to declutter or make some money, love the search for a unique bargain, or just want to take part in a fun community event, get involved!
National Week of Deaf People (NWDP)
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.
Pink Ribbon Day
The Cancer Council
Cancer Council's Pink Ribbon Day helps raises funds in support of the many thousands of Australian women affected by breast and gynaecological cancers. Cancer Council aims to minimise the threat of women's cancers through successful prevention, best treatment, support and world-class cancer research.
State Education Week
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.
QLD
Sock it to Suicide Week
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
World Polio Day
Rotary Club
World Polio Day shines a spotlight on the importance of the global eradication of polio, and addresses the existing threat to the global community of ongoing poliovirus transmission and the risk of circulating vaccine derived polioviruses (cVDPV).
International
World Polio Day
Polio Network Victoria
World Polio Day serves as a reminder that the disease, which can cause lifelong paralysis, is almost eradicated. The day is used to raise funds for polio foundations to continue their efforts to finally see the end of polio.
International
1300 704 456
1300 704 451
208 Wellington St
COLLINGWOOD VIC 3066
COLLINGWOOD VIC 3066
National Kidsafe Day
Kidsafe
National Kidsafe Day aims to increase awareness of unintentional childhood injuries and their prevention, as well as the important work of Kidsafe - the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia, in public education, advocacy and research into the causes and prevention of unintentional childhood injury.
National
World Development Information Day
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.
International
United Nations Day
United Nations
This day marks the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations in 1945.
International
Disarmament Week
United Nations
Disarmament week is a day to unite in the effort to reduce, limit and eventually abolish weapon usage.
International
We'll Make a Change
CPL - Choice, Passion Life
The We'll Make A Change Trek will see you and your team choose one of two distances - 9km or 17km - and trek through Brisbane's beautiful D'Aguilar National Park.
National Bandanna Day
Canteen
This year's National Bandanna Day aims to raise $1.7 million to help young people living with cancer. The theme for this year's event is "Attitude is Everything - Buy It, Wear It". By selling, buying and wearing bandannas, you can show your support for young people as they fight cancer.
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
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.
International
Big Cake Bake
Red Cross
Big Cake Bake is a delicious way to raise funds for Red Cross and help bake the world a better place.
National
1800 652 635
Injury Free Day
K.I.D.S Foundation
Simply nominate a day during October to promote safety and the importance of injury prevention.
The KIDS Foundation Injury Free Campaign is an annual event which highlights the importance of safety and injury prevention. The campaign runs during October, Community Safety Month. Schools can register their involvement, receive free resources and show their commitment to safety by encouraging their students and staff to be safe at school, at home and within the community.
National
Blue Knot Day
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.
Herbal Medicine Week
National Herbalists Assoc Australia
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