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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616 community events listed
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.
Schools Tree Day
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
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
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
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
Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month
WomenCan
Every year in Australia more than 6,500 women will be diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer and around 2,000 will die. WomenCan is the fundraising arm of the peak research organisation - Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG). During September the 'Save The Box' campaign raises awareness for cancer research. Many women are uncomfortable talking about their gynaecological parts. However, by understanding, taking early action and through research we improve life for women now and in the future.
National
Dystonia Awareness Month
Australian Dystonia Support Group (ADSG)
Dystonia Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of dystonia - a neuroligical movement condition which causes unccontrollable movements, twisting ro muscle spasms and pain. There are different forms of dystonia which can also affect a person's speech and swallowing.
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
Australian Dystonia Awareness Month
Dystonia Network of Australia Inc. (DNA)
Providing a pathway to support, information, literature and community awareness for adults and children living with dystonia and their carers and health providers.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
Australian Dystonia Awareness Month
Dystonia Network of Australia Inc. (DNA)
Providing a pathway to support, information, literature and community awareness for adults and children living with dystonia and their carers and health providers.
National
02 4784 3368
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
Bright Pink Lipstick Day
Pink Hope
Bright Pink Lipstick Day aims to raise awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in the community and raise funds for Pink Hope to be able to continue to offer programs and support services for those at risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Australian Citizenship Day
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
Clean up the World Weekend
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.
International
Talk like a Pirate day
International Talk Like A Pirate Day falls on September 19th every year - a chance for anyone to talk like a pirate.
International
National Thank A Cop Day
National Thank A Cop Day is your opportunity to make them feel valued and loved. On the 19th September annually is the community's chance during Police Week to personally thank each and everyone of them.
In recent times there is ample evidence that they are doing it tough as the job becomes more demanding and individuals lose respect for them in aggressive ways. Make them feel appreciated and special citizens on this day through our actions.
National
Sustainable House Day
Alternative Technology Association
Open the door to sustainable living by touring some of Australia's most environmentally progressive homes, on show on Sustainable House Day.
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
World Gratitude Day
On World Gratitude Day we should focus on what we are grateful for and appreciate what we have, rather than what we want or think we need. It's possible that we can keep our unnecessary and frivolous consumption at bay too.
International
World Alzheimer's Day
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.
International
International Day of Peace
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.
International
World Carfree Day
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.
International
World Rhino Day
WWF-South Africa
World Rhino Day celebrates all five species of rhino: Black, white, greater one-horned, Sumatran and Javan rhinos.
International
World Maritime Day
United Nations
World Maritime Day is a UN awareness day for issues concerning the maritime industry.
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
Mesothelioma Awareness Day
mesothelioma.com
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Caused by asbestos, mesothelioma has no known cure and has a very poor prognosis.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com
On this day, patients, caretakers, family members, doctors, and friends help promote the work that health care teams are doing to raise awareness about mesothelioma and how to prevent it. Supporters wear blue and may wear mesothelioma awareness wristbands or ribbons. Mesothelioma Awareness Day has been uniting survivors, caregivers, and loved ones by honoring those affected by this rare disease.
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
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 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
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 Heart Day
United Nations
Cardiovascular diseases are the worlds biggest killers. World Heart Day is a reminder to take care of your heart.
International
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 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
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.
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Week
Australian BPD Foundation
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental illness characterised by unstable and varying emotions, that can lead to volatile relationships and self-harm which can include suicide or suicidal ideation. Our aim is to raise awareness that BPD is a treatable illness with appropriate therapies and supports.
Our Awareness Week was ratified in the Australian Parliament on 1 Oct 2014 and is celebrated nationally every year. It is coordinated by the Australian BPD Foundation, and for the last 2 years has been funded by the National Mental Health Commission.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
Foot Health Month
Australasian Podiatry Council
Foot Health Month in October is a time to look after and love your feet.
National
VIC 3057
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join the Walktober Challenge and take steps to make sure that this generation of kids are active and healthy. Commit to 31 days of activity for a minimum of 31 minutes. At the same time, we raise funds to enable Bluearth and its programs to have a presence in more schools across Australia.
National
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.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 Sight Day
WHO
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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 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
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
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
National Superhero Week
Muscular Dystrophy Australia
Bring your Super Powers and a gold coin donation and come to school or your workplace dressed up as your favourite superhero or better yet, invent one! Register your school or workplace and nominate a date for the event in the first week of September.
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.