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.
For free help on marketing more specific events, look to these help sheets:
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594 community events listed
World Salt Awareness Week
World Action on Salt and Health (WASH)
Many people now know that eating too much salt is bad for their health and are looking to cut down. However, whilst you can take control of your salt intake when preparing food at home by reading the labels and not adding salt, when eating out out of the home it can be difficult to know where to start.
International
Beltane
Beltane was a traditional Gaelic harvest festival, and was popularised as the 'Celtic new year.' It traditionally marked the beginning of summer.
International
65 Roses
Cystic Fibrosis Federation Australia
The National Cystic Fibrosis 65 Roses Campaign is hosted during the month of May. Each year the National Office in conjunction with its State and Territory associations host many awareness initiatives and fundraising events through May.
For the last couple of years we have encouraged people to participate in a challenge themed around the number 65. Supporters have embraced this concept with many wonderful ideas for challenges.
Mercy May
Mercy Ships Australia
This May, join with Mercy Ships to help women in Africa by hosting a Mercy May event. Helping is easier than you think! Just get your friends together for a good time and raise money for a great cause in the process. There are so many ideas for the kind of Mercy May event you can hold. All you have to do is pick one.
Crohns & Colitis Awareness Month
Crohn's and Colitis Australia (CCA)
Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month aims to bring attention to Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, which affects more than 5 million people.
Art for Epilepsy
Epilepsy Action Australia
Art for Epilepsy brings together the talented Australian artists in support of those impacted by epilepsy in an online auction. A broad range of artists take part to provide something to suit all tastes and budgets. Each work contains the colour purple, the internationally recognised colour for epilepsy, and are auctioned off through our website. Grab yourself an original piece of art for a great cause!
National
Ehlers-Danlos Awareness Month
The Ehlers-Danlos Society
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a collection of thirteen multi-systemic, heritable disorders affecting connective tissue, the most abundant tissues in the body. With the exception of the hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, each type is a distinct entity defined by mutations in a single or small set of genes. Common features among the types include joint hypermobility, skin fragility, chronic pain, and fatigue. More severe types, such as Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can be life-threatening, as fragile blood vessels and internal organs can spontaneously rupture.
For more information, go to ehlers-danlos.com
Dine With Heart Month
Sacred Heart Mission
EAT GOOD. DO GOOD. FEEL GOOD. Victoria's homelessness crisis now affects almost 23,000 people. Throughout May, participating restaurants, cafes and bars join will forces with diners to raise money to support Sacred Heart Mission's Meals Program, which provides hearty, free meals every day for up to 400 people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and social isolation.
National
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is held during May each year to raise community awareness and promote a clear message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated in our communities.
National
Mindful in May
Mindful in May
Mindful in May brings the benefits of meditation together with an opportunity to help bring clean water to those living in the developing world. Your donation and fundraising will be used by Charity Water in its mission to solve the water crisis. When you register and donate, you'll receive a one-moth meditation program.
National
Miracle Month of May
Miracle Babies Foundation
To raise awareness and funds for premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals that care for them.
National
Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month
The aim of Neurofibromatosis Month is to provide information to the community and to healthcare and educational professionals, so that they will better understand what Neurofibromatosis (NF) is. This will enable them to accept and provide support to those affected by NF.
Ramadan - Islam
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.
International
Schizophrenia Awareness Week
The Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW
Schizophrenia Awareness Week is an annual event held in May. It provides an opportunity to raise community awareness of schizophrenia and mental illness in general.
Schizophrenia Awareness Week also provides an opportunity for those who have schizophrenia to share their experience and knowledge and help to create a greater understanding of their needs and aspirations.
Schizophrenia Awareness Week also provides an opportunity for those who have schizophrenia to share their experience and knowledge and help to create a greater understanding of their needs and aspirations.
National
(08) 8221 5159
Locked Bag 5014
GLADESVILLE NSW 1675
GLADESVILLE NSW 1675
National Palliative Care Week
Palliative Care Australia
Palliative care is an issue that will affect all of us at some point in our lives, whether as a patient, carer, family member, neighbour or friend.
It's important that all Australians are aware of what care and support is available to them at the end of their lives and how they can receive it; that they have thought about what care they want and shared this with their loved ones and health professionals; and because it's important people know that palliative care is about living well at the end of life - it's for you, your carers and your family.
Schizophrenia Awareness Week
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
Macular Degeneration Awareness Week
Macular Disease 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 Macular Disease Foundation Australia by calling 1800 111 709.
National
National Volunteer Week
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
Thyroid Awareness Week
The Australian Thyroid Foundation
Are you familiar with how your thyroid affects your health? Thyroid Awareness Week aims to educate all Australians about the importance of good thyroid health and role of hormones in controlling our metabolism
International
Macular Degeneration Awareness Week
Macular Disease Foundation Australia
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss in Australia. Macular Degeneration Awareness Week is an annual event designed to raise awareness of the disease and to encourage those most at risk, people over 50, to have their eyes tested and macula checked. A free macular degeneration information kit is available from the Macular Disease Foundation Australia by calling the Helpline 1800 111 709.
National
Bitcoin Pizza Day
Bitcoin (BTC) users around the world celebrate "Bitcoin Pizza Day" today, May 22. The price of one of the legendary pizzas purchased on this day in 2010 was worth $41.4m in 2018.
International
Wow Day
State Emergency Service (SES)
A day of recognition and appreciation where the dedicated work of State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers is celebrated across Australia.
The focus of WOW Day is to encourage the community to show their support in a very simple but highly visible gesture by wearing the colour orange. This is the colour worn by SES volunteers.
International Day for Biological Diversity
United Nations
The International Day for Biological Diversity is used to increase understanding and awareness of all biodiversity issues.
International
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
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
World Turtle Day
For more than 100 million years, marine turtles have covered vast distances across the world's oceans, and have been an integral part of tropical coastal ecosystems. Over the past 200 years, human activities have tipped the scales against the survival of these ancient mariners.
International
Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival
Ningaloo Reef is a name recognised nationally and internationally as a 'premier marine environment', home to the most predictable, seasonal aggregations of whale sharks in the world. The Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival highlights the community's relationship with the annual visit of the whale shark.
The objective is to bring together government departments, business, industry and community members to strengthen their relationships, while enhancing the education and celebration of the whale shark.
WA
World Thyroid Day
The Australian Thyroid Foundation
World Thyroid Day (WTD), May 25th, is dedicated to thyroid patients and to all who are committed to the study and treatment of thyroid diseases worldwide.
International
International Missing Children's Day
A day where people around the world commemorate the missing children who have found their way home, remember those who have been victims of crime, and continue efforts to find those who are still missing.
International
Red Shield Appeal Doorknock
Salvation Army
The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvation Army's signature fundraising drive which helps fund a vast network of social and community services.
The Red Shield Appeal began in 1965 and funds programs and services ranging from providing shelter for the homeless, assisting families in crisis through practical support and financial counselling, to guiding people with addictions through to a clean, healthy lifestyle.
The appeal kicks off with offical launch events around the country where corporate and community leaders are invited to be our partners in mission.
National
13 72 58
Banish the Black Dog Charity Bike Ride
Rotary Club of Townsville Central
The Banish the Black Dog Charity Bike Ride is a relaxed cycling tour promoted by the Rotary Club of Townsville Central to raise awareness of mental health issues in our community, and to raise funds to aid research into the causes and treatments of mental health disorders. The rides major donation recipient is Australian Rotary Health, the largest non government mental health research funding organization in Australia. We also support local initiatives in the treatment and support of those suffering mental illnesses.
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories
United Nations
A non-self-governing territory is defined as a territory "whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government. This week of solidarity is used to show support for these territories.
International
Spinal Health Week
The Chiropractors' Association of Australia (National) Limited
Spinal Health Week presents the opportunity for chiropractors to educate Australians about the importance of spinal health in
improving overall health and wellness.
National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day Committee
National Sorry Day is a continuing effort to achieve appropriate education, reconciliation and recognition for the Aboriginal stolen generation.
National
Girl Guides Australia National Biscuit Day
Girl Guides Australia
On May 20, Girl Guides across Australia sell Girl Guide Biscuits with all funds raised directly supporting local Girl Guides in the community. The theme for 2017 is "Give her change. She'll make change."
National
Food Allergy Week
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Food allergy continues to increase at alarming rates. Whilst researchers across the world try to understand more about food allergy and the increase, those in the Australian community live with the challenge of managing risk whilst maintaining a good quality of life.
National
Macular Degeneration Awareness Week
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
Suite 902, Level 9
447 Kent Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
447 Kent Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
National Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation Australia
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey-the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
White Wreath Day - In Remembrance of All Victims of Suicide
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
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
United Nations
International Day of UN Peacekeepers is a day of recognition for the military, police and civilian peacekeepers deployed across the world.
International
Wear White at Work
White Wreath Association Ltd
On 29 May 'Wear white at work' and donate a gold coin to show your support for mental illness sufferers and families of suicide victims. Each year we have to come to terms with the suicide of thousands of fellow Australians (men, women and children). For those left behind by these tragedies the hurt is unimaginable. The White Wreath Association provides 24-hour support for anyone who is in need, by providing advocacy, assistance and support to both families and individuals who have been affected by a mental illness or suicide.
National
1300 766 177
World MS Day
MS Australia
World MS Day is a day to educate and inform people across the world about the different types of access issues faced by people with Multiple Sclerosis.
National
World No Tobacco Day
United Nations
World No Tobacco Day aims to increase awareness about the dangers of smoking tobacco products, and the health implications of tobacco usage.
International
National Smile Day
Humour Foundation
Smile day is The Humour Foundation's annual fundraising campaign. It is the one day of the year we ask the public to get involved in raising funds to help sick children SMILE in hospitals around Australia. Together we can discover the power of a smile!
National
1300 HUMOUR (486 687)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that infects people of all ages and is usually harmless to people with a healthy immune system. CMV is the leading preventable viral cause of developmental disabilities. June is the time to raise awareness of CMV and to improve lives.
International
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Bowel Cancer Australia
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an annual initiative of Bowel Cancer Australia running throughout the month of June (1-30), to raise public awareness of a disease that claims the lives of 80 Australians every week.
National
Mabo Day
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
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
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.
International
Haemochromatosis Awareness Week
Haemochromatosis Australia
Haemochromatosis Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of haemochromatosis, or inherited iron overload disorder.
National
Heart Rhythm Week
Arrhythmia Alliance Australia
Arrhythmias are responsible for between 23,000 and 33,000 sudden cardiac arrest deaths each year, many of which could be avoided with greater public awareness of their risks and symptoms. The most common arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation affects an estimated 240,000 Australians and increases the chance of someone suffering a stroke by five times.
National
World Environment Day
United Nations
World Environment Day aims to be the world's biggest and most widely celebrated environmental action event.
International
Eid al Fitr (Islam)
During the month of Ramadan Eid al-Fitr is a time of charitable giving, peace-making and spiritual renewal.
International
World Oceans Day
United Nations
The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.
The lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe, the oceans are also a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.
International
Philanthropy Week
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.
QLD
Pentecost - Christian
Pentecost is a Christian celebration of the fiftieth day after Easter. Pentecost Sunday, which marks the end of the Easter season in the Christian calendar, celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.
International
International Men's Health Week
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.
International
Gold Telethon
Sydney Children's Hospital Founation
Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation is the principal fundraising body for Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.
Gold Telethon is our major annual fundraiser, an all-day broadcast on Channel Nine.
NSW
1800 644 336
Locked Bag 2005
RANDWICK NSW 2031
RANDWICK NSW 2031
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
Australian Association for Infant Mental Health Inc
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 is an international initiative during 11th - 17th June that invites Government, industry and consumers to consider the distinct needs of babies and toddlers and to invest in the critical services that support the first thousand days (conception to age 2).
IMHAW promotes the importance of attachment and responsive, sensitive caregiving experiences for infant-family relationships beginning in the antenatal period.
World Day Against Child Labour
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.
International
World Blood Donor Day
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.
International
International Bath Day
Observed annually on June 14, International Bath Day roots back to Greek Archimedes who discovered on this day that an object's volume can be measured by submerging it into water. Archimedes discovered this while being in the bath!
International Bath Day is celebrated by letting children play in the bath enabling them to explore and rejoice over their own new amazing bath time discoveries!
National Buddy Day
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation
National Buddy Day was created to show the importance of friendship and raise awareness of bullying amongst primary school children.
National
1300 341 343
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
United Nations
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day seeks to prevent elder abuse incidents by giving targeted information and encouraging community participation on a broad scale.The day is about all of us working together to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older people wherever they live, and to highlight the need for appropriate action.
International
Global Wind Day
In more than 75 countries around the world, wind farms are in operation, generating energy from a clean and renewable source. Global Wind Day is a worldwide event for discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world.
International