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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636 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.
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.
Supermarket Free Month
Go Supermarket Free this Mayl to support local business, farmers and suppliers. Change your habits and buy local!
National
Macula Month
Macular Disease Foundation Australia
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss in Australia. Macula Month 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
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
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
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
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
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Victoria
Prader-Willi syndrome is a lifelong condition and although lots of research is being carried out, to date there is no cure. There are no known reasons for the genetic accident that causes this condition, but we are learning more about PWS everyday, and there is hope. Hope that, through increased knowledge, we can help all people with this condition to live a fuller life despite their limitations.
Throughout May, we aim to raise awareness of Prader-Willi Syndrome to help boost the possibility of finding a cure.
International
0451 797 284
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
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
CareFlight Territory Challenge
CareFlight
Every month in the Northern Territory, CareFlight crews fly 80,000 kilometres to provide care for more than 500 patients.
During May, we're asking Australians to sign up to our CareFlight Territory Challenge and collectively match this distance by setting your own exercise challenge. Sign up FREE to complete a kilometre goal throughout May, or set a goal of the hours you'll work out during the month. You can take part on your own, or in a team, and reach your Challenge target through any form/s of exercise and in any location.
National
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.
Live Below the Line
Oaktree Foundation
Thousands of Australians will eat on $2 a day for five days. Feeding yourself on $2 a day is the equivalent of living below the extreme poverty line. It's a way to raise much-needed funds for Oaktree's overseas partners, as well as gain a unique insight into some of the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty.
National Families Week
Families Australia
National Families Week is a time to celebrate with your immediate family, make contact with your extended family and friends and share in the enjoyment of family activities within the wider community. It is a time to celebrate the meaning of family and to make the most of family time.
National
National Road Safety Week
Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group
Every year, approximately 1200 people are killed and another 44,000* are seriously injured on Australian roads. Traffic injury is the biggest killer of Australian children under 15 and the second-biggest killer of all Australians aged between 15 and 24. These numbers are growing every year but are preventable if we choose to Drive So Others Survive!.
National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, partnering road safety organisations and Government. The week highlights the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it.
UN Global Road Safety Week
United Nations
Particularly targeted at young drivers, Road Safety Week aims to increase awareness of the dangers present on the roads.
International
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
National Volunteer Week (NVW)
Volunteering Australia
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteers. From Monday to Sunday, NVW will celebrate the significant contribution of Australia's almost six million volunteers. Each year these volunteers dedicate over 600 million hours to help others.
0480 258 723
PO Box 128
CIVIC SQUARE ACT 2608
CIVIC SQUARE ACT 2608
National Law Week
Law Week is an annual event, held in May, to promote public understanding of the law and its role in society.
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.
National Community Language School Day
Community Languages Australia
National Community Language School Day promotes the work of community language schools and importance of language education by sharing activities with the local community. Whilst the Day itself is May 18, 2019 school can work around this date a week before a week later
National Community Language School Day is an iniative by Community Languages Australia that represents all community language school state and territory federations and associations at a national level.
L2, 189 Faraday St,
CARLTON VIC 3053
CARLTON VIC 3053
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
United Nations
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an opportunity to increase understanding of cultural diversity, and the positive impact it can have on countries and communities.
International
The Bloody Long Walk
Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
A 35km challenge in Melbourne to raise funds to find a cure for Mitochondrial disease (mito) - a debilitating genetic disorder that robs the body's cells of energy, causing multiple organ dysfunction or failure and potentially death. Other events are held on varying dates throughout Australia.
National
Bitcoin Pizza Day
Bitcoin (BTC) users around the world celebrate "Bitcoin Pizza Day" on May 22. The price of one of the legendary pizzas purchased on this day in 2010 was worth $41.4m in 2018.
International
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
Schizophrenia Awareness Week
One Door Mental Health
People with schizophrenia are among the most highly stigmatised and socially marginalised people in our community. Through this week, government, citizens, media and NGOs aim to reduce stigma towards people affected by schizophrenia, bust myths about schizophrenia, and promote help-seeking by people affected by schizophrenia and their carers.
National
(02) 9879 2600
Food Allergy Week
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Food Allergy Week is run by the charitable, not-for-profit organisation Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. It's annual initiative that aims to better educate the public on the importance of understanding food allergy and supporting those when it comes to allergy management. This year the event is taking place from May 26 - June 1.
National
(02) 9977 8195
Suite 7, 22 Darley Rd
MANLEY NSW 2095
MANLEY NSW 2095
Schizophrenia Awareness Week
Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW
Schizophrenia Awareness Week is an annual event used to raise community awareness and understanding of the mental illness.
National
(08) 8221 5159
Locked Bag 5014
GLADESVILLE NSW 1675
GLADESVILLE NSW 1675
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
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
Communities in Control Conference
Our Community
Australia's most inspiring annual community sector gathering, Communities in Control, provides for an opportunity for delegates to lift their gaze from the daily grind, to hear the latest community sector research and developments, to be challenged, to reconnect with others in or supportive of the community sector, and to reaffirm their commitment to and enthusiasm for the work they do.
Online
Natural Medicine Week
Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS)
Natural Medicine Week, hosted in May each year aims to promote, educate and raise awareness of the important role natural medicine practitioners play in the health and wellbeing of Australians, proudly supported by the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society.
Natural Medicine Week is a great opportunity for natural medicine practitioners and users to come together to share knowledge and good health via a range of special online events running throughout the week. You can learn more about how natural therapies can support your health, get tips via the blog, or make a healthy recipe.
National
Myopia Awareness Week
Brien Holden Vision Institute
The aims of Myopia Awareness week are:
- To raise awareness in the Australian community about myopia
- To highlight the critical role optometrists play in changing the way we think and treat myopia
- To encourage the new standards of care (myopia control and management) to be adopted by optometrists.
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
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
Red Shield Appeal Weekend
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
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.
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
Girl Guides Australia National Biscuit Day
Girl Guides Australia
For more than 60 years Girl Guides around Australia have proudly sold Girl Guide Biscuits in our communities to our families, friends, supporters and businesses. They are certainly an icon of Girl Guiding and a valuable symbol of our connection with the broader community.
National
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
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Victoria
Prader-Willi syndrome is a lifelong condition and although lots of research is being carried out, to date there is no cure. There are no known reasons for the genetic accident that causes this condition, but we are learning more about PWS everyday, and there is hope. Hope that, through increased knowledge, we can help all people with this condition to live a fuller life despite their limitations.
On the last Friday of May, we aim to raise awareness of Prader-Willi Syndrome to help boost the possibility of finding a cure.
International
0451 797 284
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
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.
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.
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
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
World MS Day
MS Australia
World MS Day is the MS movement's annual campaign to raise awareness, support and connect the 2.8 million people living with the condition worldwide.
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
Orthoptic Awareness Week
Is it just us or are jokes about eyes getting cornea by the day? Terrible jokes aside, Orthoptic Awareness Week is a week of serious business held each year by the Orthoptic Association of Australia. As well as raising awareness of the profession of Orthoptics, it promotes the importance of regular eye examinations for eye related issues.
National
03 9857 9390
Haemochromatosis Awareness Week
Haemochromatosis Australia
Haemochromatosis Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of haemochromatosis, or inherited iron overload disorder.
National
RISING Festival
RISING is a surge of art, music, performance and ceremony in the heart of Melbourne.
Under the full moon from 26 May to 6 June 2021, the city will re-synchronise and be re-energised with public art, performance and music spanning the emerging and iconic, the epic and intimate. RISING Festival takes the place of White Night.
VIC
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
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
Migraine Awareness Month
Migraine Australia
Migraine Awareness Month is an International Event held every year in June and is organised in Australia by Migraine Australia, a national patient advocacy organisation founded to support all Australians living with migraine and their families.
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
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
World Environment Day
United Nations
World Environment Day aims to be the world's biggest and most widely celebrated environmental action event.
International
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 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
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
Australian Association for Infant Mental Health Inc
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 is an international initiative 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
MS Brissie to the Bay Bike Ride
Multiple Sclerosis Queensland
The Brissie to the Bay Bike Ride is a fundraising event for Multiple Sclerosis.
Brisbane
World Allergy Week
World Allergy Organisation
World Allergy Week aims to raise awareness of the impact of allergy in our communities. The Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australasia and ASCIA (as a member society of the WAO) are supporting this initiative in Australia and New Zealand through our new 'wear a spot of red' campaign. This campaign encourages our supporters to help raise awareness and funds to support research into allergy, by wearing a spot of red or holding an event in their home, school or workplace.
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
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!
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
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
Red Apple Day
Bowel Cancer Australia
A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Red Apple Day, when Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through the purchase of a Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon and apple themed fundraising activities.
National
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
United Nations
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought to promote public awareness of the issue, as well as developing a focus on the effects of climate change.
International
World Sickle Cell Day
Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder in which abnormal haemoglobin is produced. Patients with this condition suffer from anaemia and pain crises amongst other complications due to abnormal sickled red blood cells. World Sickle Cell day was established based on recommendation by the United Nations is celebrated every year to raise awareness of the condition to improve treatment and search for a cure.
International
333 Waverley Road
MT WAVERLEY VIC 3149
MT WAVERLEY VIC 3149
Refugee Week
The Refugee Council Of Australia
Refugee Week is used to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.
While a refugee's journey begins with danger, it also begins with hope. Refugees flee their homelands not only because they fear persecution, but also because they have hope: they hope to find freedom from persecution, and safety and security for themselves and their families; they hope to be given a chance to start a new life and recover from past trauma.
While a refugee's journey begins with danger, it also begins with hope. Refugees flee their homelands not only because they fear persecution, but also because they have hope: they hope to find freedom from persecution, and safety and security for themselves and their families; they hope to be given a chance to start a new life and recover from past trauma.
National
World Refugee Day
United Nations
World Refugee Day is used to raise awareness of the difficult lives led by refugees.
International
World Continence Week
Continence Foundation of Australia
The Continence Foundation of Australia relies on its members and other individuals and organisations to assist with the promotion of World Continence Week and its theme to the local communities and media networks. Every year individuals and organisations have contributed in reaching out to its local networks, including those who are, or are at risk of becoming, incontinent.
International
Thinking of You Week
John Sands
Thinking of You Week is a special week that harnesses the emotional power of greeting cards to create a wave of love, caring and happiness around the world. Sending handwritten cards generates positive feelings and wellbeing. Science has shown that receiving a handwritten card creates a lovely warm positive boost. The fact that you have spent the time to make or chose a card, write it and send it makes people feel far more special and cared for than receiving instant texts, emails or Facebook messages.
MND Global Day
MND Australia
MND Global Day raises awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), which is a progressive neurological disease.
NSW
International Day of Yoga
United Nations
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word 'yoga' derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
International
International Widows Day
United Nations
The first International Widows' Day was observed on 23 June 2011, providing an opportunity to give special recognition to the plight of widows and their children in order to restore their human rights and alleviate poverty through empowerment.
International
United Nations Public Service Day
United Nations
The UN Public Service Day intends to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.
International
Bring Your Dog To Work Day
Advantage Petcare
Having dogs in the workplace has a whole range of benefits - from reducing stress to increasing productivity and improving team relationships. It's also great for your dog, who gets to spend the day with you rather than at home alone.
International