Intranet

World Health Day
2023-04-07
World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 each year to highlight significant issues around health on a global scale. It is also the anniversary of the World Health Organisation.

AUSLAN Day
2023-04-13
Deaf Australia and the Deaf community want to make 13th April a permanent official celebration fixture on the Deaf Community’s calendar, and we’d like to call it “Auslan Day”.

The 13th of April 1989 was when the first Auslan (Australian Sign Language) dictionary was published. Previously Auslan was known as sign language. This publication officially gave our community a name for our language, and Auslan was then recognised as a community language in Australia in 1991. Auslan Day is a great way to celebrate this.

It is intended to be a great platform for Auslan users to proudly promote Auslan as our native and preferred language for Deaf people, as well as recognising the culture and history of the Deaf community.

Good Friday 2023
2023-04-14

Easter Monday 2023
2023-04-17

ANZAC Day
2023-04-25
On the morning of 25 April 1915, the Anzacs set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and an ally of Germany.

The Anzacs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months.

At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli and the events that followed had a profound impact on Australians at home. The 25th of April soon became the day on which Australians remember the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.

The Anzacs were courageous and although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work
2023-04-28
Friday 28 April 2023 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work (World Day) and Workers’ Memorial Day.

Our latest data shows that in 2021, 169 workers were fatally injured at work in Australia. Any fatality at work is unacceptable. World Day is a good time to recognise the importance of work health and safety to prevent any work-related fatalities and injuries.

International Day of Families
2023-05-15
During the 1980’s, the United Nations began focusing attention on issues related to the family. In 1983, based on the recommendations of the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development in its resolution on the Role of the family in the development process (1983/23) requested the Secretary-General to enhance awareness among decision makers and the public of the problems and needs of the family, as well as of effective ways of meeting those needs.

In its resolution 1985/29 of 29 May 1985, the Council invited the General Assembly to consider the possibility of including in the provisional agenda of its forty-first session an item entitled “Families in the development process”, with a view to consider a request to the Secretary-General to initiate a process of development of global awareness of the issues involved, directed towards Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and public opinion.

Later, based on the recommendations of the Commission for Social Development, formulated in its 30th round of sessions, The Assembly invited all States to make their views known concerning the possible proclamation of an international year of the family and to offer their comments and proposals.

The Council also requested the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its forty-third session a comprehensive report, based on the comments and proposals of Member States on the possible proclamation of such a year and other ways and means to improve the position and well-being of the family and intensify international co-operation as part of global efforts to advance social progress and development.

In its resolution 44/82 of 9 December 1989, The General Assembly proclaimed The International Year of the Family.

In 1993, the General Assembly decided in a resolution (A/RES/47/237) that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month
2023-05-15 - 2023-06-15
Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month is observed every year from May 15 to June 15. The movement strives to raise awareness of the condition and to share triumphs to inspire the Tourette’s community and beyond. The difficulties that arise as a result of the illness can be physically and mentally debilitating. Involuntary twitches, movement, and sounds are all examples of Tourette’s tics. Participate in numerous ways to make a lasting effect on a global scale and help make a difference together.

IDAHOBIT
2023-05-17
IDAHOBIT is the anniversary of May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases. While we celebrate this milestone and other advancements in LGBTQIA+ equality, the unfortunate reality is that these are all too-recent in our history:

The first Mardi Gras pride march was held in Sydney in 1978, which was met with violence from police. Those who marched were beaten inside police cells and had their names published by the Sydney Morning Herald.
Tasmania was the last jurisdiction in Australia to decriminalise homosexuality in May 1997. The majority of Australians today were alive during a time when it was illegal to be gay.
The Marriage Equality plebiscite was held in 2017. While marriage equality was passed, 38.4% of Australians who voted (4.8 million people) voted against it.

The first IDAHOBIT was held in 2005 and is today acknowledged by millions of people globally. While IDAHOBIT has evolved over these years, the purpose remains the same – celebrate the progress we have made while also raising awareness for the discrimination that LGBTQIA+ people still face today.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)
2023-05-18
Thursday, May 18, 2023, help us celebrate the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments.

Every user deserves a first-rate digital experience on the web. Someone with a disability must be able to experience web-based services, content and other digital products with the same successful outcome as those without disabilities. This awareness and commitment to inclusion is the goal of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), a global event that shines a light on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities.

National Sorry Day
2023-05-26
National Sorry Day is an Australia-wide observance held on May 26 each year. This day gives people the chance to come together and share the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities. Stolen generations refer to Indigenous Australians who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

The first National Sorry Day was held on May 26, 1998, which was one year after the tabling of a report about the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. The report, known as Bringing Them Home, acknowledged that Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families and communities since the early days of European occupation in Australia. Governments and missionaries were responsible for this forced separation.

Systematic removal practices were implemented through various assimilation and “protection” policies by the late 19th century. Many Indigenous children were forcibly taken away from their families in the name of assimilation during the 1950s and 1960s. These children are known as the “Stolen Generations”. They were brought up in institutions or fostered to non-Indigenous families. This removal was official government policy in Australia until 1969.

By the 1980s, by welfare and community groups spoke out that governments’ social welfare practices were discriminatory against Indigenous people. This forced a reappraisal of removal and placement practice during the 1980s. In 1980 the family tracing and reunion agency Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation was established. Similar services now exist throughout Australia.

Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd tabled a motion in parliament on February 13, 2008, apologizing to Australia’s Indigenous people, particularly the Stolen Generations and their families and communities, for the laws and policies that inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss. The apology included a proposal for a policy commission to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in matters such as life expectancy, educational achievement, and economic opportunity. This event is seen by many as a step forward in reconciliation.

Reconciliation Week
2023-05-27 - 2023-06-03
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, let’s choose to create a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.

World Oceans Day
2023-06-08
World Ocean Day rallies the world for ocean and climate action on 8 June and throughout the year. We work in partnership with youth leaders, zoos, aquariums, museums, and other youth-focused organizations, as well as a huge range of diverse organizations and businesses from all sectors in a growing global network. Together, we effectively engage the public, inform policymakers, and unite the world to protect and restore our shared ocean and create a stable climate. Join the growing global movement in June and continue to grow the engagement and action year-round!

National Best Friend Day
2023-06-08 08:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Brisbane)

Men's Health Week
2023-06-12 - 2023-06-18
International Men’s Health Week is celebrated every year around the world in the middle of June. It is an important opportunity to highlight the importance of men’s health, and to promote and support the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our communities.

Men’s Health Week focuses on not just physical health, but also men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. During the week, we highlight the health challenges faced by men in Australia and worldwide and run events that can be replicated year-round to improve the physical, emotional and mental health of men and boys.

Through a series of promotions, events and publicity around the country, Men’s Health Week is designed to provoke thought and discussion about what needs to be done to improve male health.

International Day of Yoga
2023-06-21
The idea of a world yoga day was promoted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He suggested the date chosen be the longest day of the year, at least, in the Northern Hemisphere.

Yoga derives from Hindu and Eastern religious practices as a form of meditation and exercise meant to unite mind and body. However, it has spread all over the world even among those not following Eastern religions. Yoga has become very popular, and it was made a UN observance to promote “health, harmony, and peace”.

Around the time of International Day of Yoga, there is public promotion of Yoga and education about Yoga in national media, as well as special Yoga events in some countries stressing its benefits.

Make Music Day
2023-06-21
World Music Day originally launched several decades ago in France. In 1982 the Ministry of Culture in France developed a clever idea to celebrate the wonders of music. They wanted free, live music to be available to everybody no matter what their heritage or background. Usually you have to pay for tickets to music festivals, but not with World Music Day!

NAIDOC Week
2023-07-02 - 2023-07-09
We’re proud to announce that the 2023 National NAIDOC Week theme is For Our Elders. Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones. Our loved ones who pick us up in our low moments and celebrate us in our high ones. Who cook us a feed to comfort us and pull us into line, when we need them too. They guide our generations and pave the way for us to take the paths we can take today. Guidance, not only through generations of advocacy and activism, but in everyday life and how to place ourselves in the world.

We draw strength from their knowledge and experience, in everything from land management, cultural knowledge to justice and human rights. Across multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics and everything in between, they have set the many courses we follow. The struggles of our Elders help to move us forward today. The equality we continue to fight for is found in their fight. Their tenacity and strength has carried the survival of our people.

It is their influence and through their learnings that we must ensure that when it comes to future decision making for our people, there is nothing about us – without us.

We pay our respects to the Elders we’ve lost and to those who continue fighting for us across all our Nations and we pay homage to them.

National Diabetes Week 2022
2023-07-09 - 2023-07-15
Diabetes Australia launched National Diabetes Week in 2015 at the Lightwell in Federation Square, Melbourne, highlighting that three out of four people substantially underestimate the prevalence of diabetes in our community. Diabetes Australia is calling on all Australians to support the campaign and help to raise awareness of diabetes during National Diabetes Week.

National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
2023-08-04
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (Children’s Day) is our national day dedicated to celebrating our children. Children’s Day is celebrated across the country each year on 4 August.

Children’s Day is a time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities and all Australians, celebrate the strengths and culture of our children. It is an opportunity for us to show our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.

Children’s Day has been run annually since 1988 and is the initiative of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children.

International Cat Day
2023-08-08
The original festivities for International Cat Day were put together for the first time in 2002 by IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Along with other animal rights groups who joined in to celebrate, this was declared to be the day to appreciate and honor one of the most popular pets on the planet.

An estimated 500 million cats are thought to be frolicking in neighbors’ gardens across the world, which means that most every extended family is bound to have an aunt with more kittens than former husbands, no matter the country or climate.

And that’s great, because owning a cat has been shown to improve mental health and to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. So when it’s raining cats and dogs outside and there is no one to cuddle with, any black, ginger, Persian, Siamese, Burmese, Bengal, Shorthair, Munchkin, Balinese, RagaMuffin or any old stray cat will do the trick on International Cat Day.

International Day of the World's Indigenous People
2023-08-09
Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.

EKKA Show Holiday
2023-08-16 | Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Brisbane, Queensland, 4006, Australia
The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is Queensland’s largest and most loved annual event, attracting on average 400,000 people.
Run by the RNA and staged at its original birthplace, the Brisbane Showgrounds, the Ekka brings the country and city together for a true celebration of agriculture.
The Ekka showcases the best of Queensland, attracting more than 21,000 competition entries from woodchop to giant vegetables, 10,000 animals from beef cattle to cats and dogs, world-class live entertainment, award-winning food and wine, carnival rides and showbags, family shopping, educational activities and much more.
The iconic show has been running since 1876 and is full of traditions, a unique atmosphere and childhood memories that have been passed down through generations of families.

National Skills Week 2023
2023-08-21 08:00 - 2023-08-27 17:00
National Skills Week is an annual event and in 2023 runs from 21 – 27 August. The week is dedicated to raising the profile and status of vocational learning, showcasing the attractive career opportunities for all Australians and represents a perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate our amazing Endeavour Foundation and Community Solutions trainees.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) has been the foundation of Australia’s strong and vibrant economy. It has produced industry leaders; it offers great diversity plus new and exciting career paths.
For more information, visit the National Skills Week website.

Wear it Purple Day
2023-08-25
Wear It Purple Day 2023
On Friday 25 August, we unite to celebrate ‘Wear It Purple Day’ which strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow youth.
We encourage you to wear purple and update your Teams background tile in solidarity of this important day.
By wearing purple, we demonstrate to rainbow young people in our services that they are seen, supported and respected.
If you are at Support Centre, join us on Monday 21 August for a ‘Meet & Chat’ in celebration of this important day.
You’ll hear from Complex Support Lead, Yaz Thomas and the Complex Support Team while enjoying some delicious PRIDE and Wear it Purple Day branded cookies – courtesy of the wonderful café staff!
What: Wear it Purple Day: Meet & Chat
When: Monday 21 August, 10:30am – 11:30am
Where: Support Centre verandah
This year’s theme is ‘Write your story’ and champions the importance of expression and individuality where you’ll also have the opportunity to share your own unique perspective with others.
OUR FOUR KEY FOCUS AREAS

Awareness – We provide support and resources for Schools, Universities, Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSA’s) and Youth Organisations to assist them in creating inclusive experiences for rainbow young people. We act as a source of resources to support the effective delivery of Wear It Purple Day in Schools, Universities, Workplaces and the broader community.

Opportunity – We provide meaningful opportunities for rainbow young people to develop their skills, expand their network and contribute to the inclusivity of their communities.

Environment – We provide supportive & safe spaces (digital and physical) and contribute to a world where young rainbow people feel proud of who they are.

Collaboration – We collaborate and unite with other organisations to further the inclusion of rainbow young people. Through partnerships, we support the effective delivery of Wear It Purple Day in Schools, Universities, Workplaces and the broader community.
Visit the intranet for more information.

RU OK? Day
2023-09-14
National Day of Action

It’s our national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life.

Our research has found four in ten Australians feel asking someone, ‘are you OK?’ is a conversation better had with an expert.

However, R U OK? want you to know you don’t need qualifications to have an R U OK? conversation.

The work of health professionals is vital, and their value cannot be underestimated however we can all play a role in supporting the people in our world.

You don’t need to be an expert to have an R U OK? conversation. Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through.

Ask R U OK? No qualifications needed, because a conversation could change a life.

National Week of Deaf People
2023-09-18 - 2023-09-24
The National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) is a week-long national celebration of Deaf individuals and the Australian Deaf community, which includes celebrating the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) and International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) which are initiatives of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). These two events are traditionally held during September and are based on the founding date of the WFD (23 September 1951). is an opportunity for Deaf people to celebrate their communities, language, culture and history; make the public aware of their local, state and national Deaf communities; and to recognise their achievements

It is also an opportunity for organisations involved with or wishing to be involved with the Deaf Community to build and maintain relationships with Deaf people and be recognised as an ally to the Deaf community.

Buy Nothing New Month
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-31
Buy Nothing New Month is the global movement for collective, conscientious consumption.

It’s a little idea, that started in Melbourne and is spreading to the Netherlands and USA.

In 2011, Sydney Morning Herald ran a poll asking “is Buy Nothing New Month a good idea?” Over 10,000 voted. 82% said “yes”

It’s a one month challenge to buy nothing new (with the exception of essentials like food, hygiene and medicines)

Buy Nothing New Month isn’t Buy Nothing New Never. Nor is it about going without.

It’s literally about taking one month off to really think, “Do I really need it?” If I do, “can I get it second-hand, borrow it or rent it? What are my alternatives? Can I borrow from a friend? Can I swap with my neighbor?”

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’.

It’s easy. It’s fun. It’s moving from consumption-driven to community-driven.

It’s good for us, our wallets and our planet.

Hop on board!

National Safe Work Month
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-31
The primary objective of National Safe Work Month is to encourage all individuals and organisations to prioritise safety in their workplaces and work towards reducing the number of work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

By running this campaign, we aim to promote a positive safety culture and to emphasise the importance of preventing accidents and incidents from happening.

By participating in National Safe Work Month, all individuals and organisations can help to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities and create safer, more productive working environments for everyone.

Mental Health Month
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-31
Mental Health Month is celebrated each year in the month of October in NSW. Mental Health Month reminds us of the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing. The Month also provides us the opportunity to understand the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives and encourages help seeking behaviours when needed. Mental Health Month NSW is coordinated by WayAhead – Mental Health Association NSW.

The Mental Health Month theme for 2023 is ‘We all have a role to play’. Whether it’s taking time to care for yourself, caring for someone close to you, supporting your community to be more mental health aware, or being a mental health ally. This mental health month, think about ways you connect with the people around you. Making a world free from mental health stigma, and more inclusive for people who are going through tough times takes all of us!
