Calendar of Dates

This inclusive calendar highlights important dates that promote cultural understanding, religious tolerance, social inclusion, health and well-being, plus environmental stewardship.  It includes significant dates for cultural celebrations, religious observances, diversity and inclusion events, health awareness campaigns, and environmental initiatives.

Cultural

2025 Calendar of Cultural and Religious dates

We celebrate Australia’s multicultural identity, by uniting over 300 ancestries and embracing diverse cultures, beliefs, and traditions. From the indigenous First Australians to the newest arrivals, each contributes to the nation's success, thriving on common values of freedom, security, and prosperity. Note some dates may change year to year with the day of the week, or phases of the moon.

 

Date
 Event Description
January  
01 New Year's Day New Year’s Day is the first day of the Gregorian calendar and is often celebrated with fireworks and parades.
1-2 Feast of St Basil St Basil is considered one of the great leaders and thinkers of the Orthodox Christian Church. In many Greek homes, a special cake is baked on the eve of St Basil’s Day with a gold or silver coin hidden inside. Similar traditions exist for Western Christian Churches.
06 Epiphany Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of God in human form as Jesus Christ.
07 The Holy Nativity Feast (Nativity of Christ) Orthodox Churches that use the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on this day, with some traditions observing a week-long period of holidays from 1 January.
15 Thai Pongal Thai Pongal is a multi-day Hindu harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka. It is observed at the start of the month Thai according to the Tamil solar calendar. It is dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya.
19 Epiphany (Orthodox) Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of God in human form as Jesus Christ.
20 Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Sikh communities celebrate the birthday of the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh (born in 1666).
21 World Religion Day Observed in over 80 countries, World Religion Day aims to foster interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasising the common elements underlying all religions.
25 Buddhist New Year (Mahayana New Year) Buddhist New Year depends on the country of origin or ethnic background of the community. In Mahayana Buddhist countries, the New Year starts on the first full moon day in January.
26 Australia Day Australia Day provides an opportunity for all Australians to reflect, respect and celebrate. It is about acknowledging the contribution every Australian makes to our diverse nation. From our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been here for more than 65,000 years, to those who have lived here for generations, and those who have come in the waves of migration as new citizens.
27 International Holocaust Remembrance Day Holocaust Remembrance Day is a memorial for the six million Jews killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. Many people of Jewish and other faiths observe this day. It was designated by a United Nations General Assembly resolution on 1 November 2005. Many countries have instituted their own Holocaust Memorial Days, such as the UK's Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January), while others, such as Israel's Yom HaShoah, are observed at other times of the year.
February
06 Waitangi Day The national day of New Zealand, marks the anniversary of the initial signing of the Treaty of Waitangi
10 Lunar New Year Various East and Southeast Asian cultures and traditions celebrate New Year at this time. Family gatherings are common features across cultures, with those from near and far travelling to be with loved ones in time to welcome the new year.
10 Chinese Lunar New Year (Year of the Wood Dragon) For Chinese communities across the world, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year. It is celebrated through a range of traditional customs, including ancestor worship, family gatherings, special foods and gift exchanges.
10 Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year—Year of the Dragon) Tet is considered the first day of Vietnam’s spring, a time marked by new beginnings. The Vietnamese community celebrates Tet with many customs, ancestor worship, family gatherings, special foods and gift exchanges.
10 Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year—Year of the Dragon) Known in the Koreas as Seollal, Lunar New Year typically lasts three days (the day before and after the New Year). Centred on charye—paying respect to elders—the new year is a time to remember a shared heritage and look forward to the future.
10 Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) Lhosar is a festival in Tibetan Buddhism. The holiday is celebrated on various dates depending on location (Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and India). The holiday is a new year's festival, celebrated on the first day of the lunisolar Tibetan calendar, which corresponds to a date in February or March in the Gregorian calendar.
     
 

15 Nirvana Day (Parinirvana Day) An annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80.
21 International Mother Language Day The United Nations’ International Mother Language Day celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity.
21 Shaheed Day Bangladesh celebrates Shaheed Day on 21 February each year. This is a very solemn holiday that remembers the bravery and death of Dhaka University students who fought to keep Bengali as the national language. It is a day of national mourning to honour the memory of the nation’s martyrs.
24 Makha Bucha (Magha Puja) Buddhist Festival celebrated non the full moon day of the third lunar month in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar
24 Lantern Festival On the 15th day of the first lunar month, two weeks after Chinese New Year, another important traditional Chinese festival, the Chinese Lantern Festival or Yuanxiao Festival is celebrated. It marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) period.
 27Feb -29Mar Ramadan  Ramadan is the most auspicious month in the Islamic Calendar, being the month the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset.
March
01 St David’s Day St David is the patron saint of Wales. St David’s Day has been a national celebration for the Welsh community since the 18th century, featuring parades, festivities and singing.
04 Shrove Tuesday Shrove Tuesday is the English name for what is known in some other countries as Mardi Gras (French for 'Fat Tuesday') or Carnival in Spanish and Portuguese countries, and is the last day before Lent for many Christian communities. Famous celebrations include the Brazilian Carnival in Rio De Janeiro and the New Orleans Mardi Gras. It is observed in many Christian communities through participating in confession and absolution, the ritual burning of the previous year's Holy Week palms, finalizing one's Lenten sacrifice, as well as eating pancakes and other sweets.
 05 Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)  Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Christian calendar. Lent involves 40 days of fasting and reflection that concludes with Easter.
06 Maha Shivaratri A festival honouring the Hindu god, Lord Shiva
 

03-09 Masnytsia/Maslenitsa Masnytsia/Maslenitsa is an Eastern Slavic religious and folk festival with roots in the Slavic pagan tradition of bidding farewell to winter. It is widely celebrated in various Eastern Slavic communities during the last week before Great Lent.
17 St Patrick’s Day This day is Ireland’s National Day. St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and brought Christianity to Ireland in the early days of the faith.
20 Naw-Ruz This is the Baha’i New Year, marking the first day in the Baha’i calendar. The festival is usually observed with meetings for prayer and celebration, often combined with a feast at sunset before Naw-Ruz to signal the end of a19-day fast.
20 Norouz New Year Norouz means ‘new day’ in Farsi and is a traditional festival of spring that has been celebrated for more than 3000 years. The ancient celebration of Norouz is shared by many peoples from Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, and others in the Black Sea basin, the Balkans, the Caucasus and Western, Central and Southern Asia. This festival has a number of different spellings.
13-14 Purim Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in the ancient Achaemenid Persian empire were saved from extermination by a courageous young Jewish woman named Esther and her uncle and adviser Mordechai.
 

14 Holi (Festival of Colours) Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated since ancient times to welcome spring and is seen as a new beginning. People cover each other with coloured water and bright powders.
 

April
1 Kha b-Nisan (Assyrian and Chaldean New Year) Assyrians and Chaldeans mark Kha b-Nisan, also known as Akitu, at the beginning of spring in the Northern hemisphere. Celebrated by indigenous Assyrians of Northern Iraq, North-eastern Syria, South-eastern Türkiyeand North-western Iran.
4 Qingming (Tomb Sweeping Day) Qingming is a time for Chinese people to show respect to their ancestors by visiting and cleaning their ancestors' tombs.
8 Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival) In Japan, Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated on 8 April. The day features the display of flowers at temples and the viewing of cherry blossoms throughout the country.
9 Eid al Fitr The Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, ends with the festival of Eid al Fitr. A celebratory meal breaks the fast, and good deeds have special significance during this time. Eid is also a time of forgiveness and making amends.
9 Ugadi (Telugu New Year) Ugadi or Yugadi, also known as Samvatsarādi (meaning "beginning of the year"), is New Year's Day according to the Hindu calendar and is celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa in India.
13  Palm Sunday The final Sunday before Easter Sunday marks the beginning of Christian Holy Week and commemorates the story of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem before his crucifixion.
13 - 17 Songkran (Thai New Year) Songkran is the Thai New Year and Water Festival. Thai communities celebrate this festival with food, crafts and entertainment. Songkran begins on 13 April yearly and is recognised as a national holiday.
13 - 16 Thingyan (Burmese New Year) Thingyan is the most significant annual festival on the Myanmar calendar. It marks the start of the New Year, the beginning of the Myanmar lunar calendar and celebrates life and rebirth.
13 - 16 Choul Chnam Thmey (Cambodian/Khmer New Year) Khmer New Year is usually a three-day public holiday in Cambodia. 'Choul Chnam Thmey' means 'enter the new year'. The New Year coincides with the traditional solar new year in several parts of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. Traditionally it marks the end of the harvesting season when farmers enjoy the fruits of their labour before the rainy season begins. A three-day public holiday is observed in the country.
14 - 16 Pii Mai (Lao New Year) Lao New Year or Pii Mai is celebrated every year. The coming of the New Year is seen as an opportunity to let go of the past and embrace a promising new future. Water, which holds great symbolic value in Lao culture, is used to wash Buddha statues. Sand is brought to the temple grounds and is made into stupas or mounds, then decorated before being given to the monks as a way of making merit. People also splash water on each other during the celebrations that last three days.
14 Aluth Avurudda (Sinhalese New Year) This festival is known as Aluth Ayurudda and marks the beginning of the solar New Year. It is traditionally celebrated by Sinhalese in Sri Lanka.
14 Puthandu (Tamil New Year) Puthandu, also known as Puthu-varusham, is the beginning of the solar new year. It is celebrated by Tamils around the world.
14 Vaisakhi Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is an ancient harvest festival that marks the beginning of a new solar year and harvest season. It is commonly celebrated by the Sikh community.
14 Navavarsha (Nepalese New Year) Nepal relies upon more than one calendar. As such, residents of Nepal get to enjoy three New Year celebrations, namely New Year on the Gregorian calendar, Tibetan New Year and Navavarsha. Navavarsha is typically held in the second week of April, the first day of Baisakh on the Bikram Sambat calendar. Nepal also celebrates the lunar new year (Sonam Lhosar) with a public holiday.
15 Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) Marks the first day of the Bangla Calendar. People clean and decorate their houses to welcome the New Year. They visit temples and pray for good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.
15 Maithil New Year Maithil New Year is celebrated by communities in various parts of India including Tamil Nadu, Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Manipur, Orissa, Punjab, Tripura as well as in Nepal.
17  Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)  Maundy commemorates the washing of the feet (Maundy) and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles, as described in the Christian New Testament.
18 Good Friday Good Friday is a solemn Christian remembrance of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many countries observe Good Friday as a national holiday on the Friday before Easter. For Orthodox Christians, Good Friday occurs on a different date.
19 Holy Saturday Holy Saturday is a Christian commemoration of the final day of Christ’s death. It is associated with traditions regarding Christ’s triumphant descent into hell and a 40-hour-long vigil that followers of Jesus Christ held after his burial on Good Friday.
20 Easter Sunday Easter Sunday is regarded by Christians as the day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
21 Easter Monday Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday in Eastern or Western Christian traditions. The day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion.
     
20 - 1 May Ridvan Ridvan is the most significant festival of the Baha’i faith and is celebrated over 12 days. The First Day of Ridvan is the most important of the Baha’i Holy Days. It is the day Baha’u’lláh declared his mission as a messenger of God in the Garden of Ridvan. The festival’s first, ninth and twelfth days are considered significant days and work is suspended.
22 – 30 Passover Passover is the first and most significant of the Jewish pilgrim festivals. It celebrates the redemption by God of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Work is not permitted on the first two and last two days. Many Jews refrain from work during the whole festival.
23-Apr St George’s Day St George is the patron saint of England and one of the most venerated saints in the Anglican church. This day is generally celebrated with parades, dancing and other activities.
23-Apr Hanuman Jayanti Hanuman Jayanti is a Hindu religious festival that celebrates the birth of the Hindu God Hanuman, who is highly venerated throughout India and Nepal. This festival is celebrated on different days across India.
24-Apr Theravada New Year Theravada New Year is observed three days after the first full moon appears in April every year. The day marks Buddha's birth, death, enlightenment, and the start of the rainy season.
25-Apr ANZAC Day ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. ANZAC Day is an anniversary of the day when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed in Galipoli in 1915 as part of the Allies' invasion. It is a public holiday to recognise the contribution and sacrifices of all those who have served Australia in time of war and in war like conflicts. The day is observed with the dawn service, marches and ceremonies across Australia and New Zealand.
29-Apr Hung Vuong Festival The Hung Kings' Temple Festival is a Vietnamese festival held annually from the eighth to the eleventh day of the third lunar month in honour of the Hung Vuong or Hung Kings. The Festival commemorates the contributions of the Hung dynasty, who were the traditional founders of the nation and the first emperors of Vietnam. Since 2007 this has been a national holiday in Vietnam.
May
3-May Orthodox Good Friday Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as "Great Friday" to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion.
5-May Orthodox Easter Easter Sunday is regarded by Christians as the day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
5-May Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 victory over invading French forces by Mexican troops at the Battle of Puebla. It is an important day of celebration of Mexican culture.
18-May Ascension of Christ A Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven, according to Christian belief.
8-Jun Pentecost A festival where Christians celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the Sunday 50 days after Easter (the name comes from the Greek pentekoste, which means ‘fiftieth’).
20-May Dehwa Daymaneh This date marks the birthday of John the Baptist (also known as Yahya Yohana to Mandaeans).
22-May Declaration of the Báb This date marks the anniversary of the Báb’s announcement of his mission in 1844. The Báb is a prophet and is considered one of the founders of the Baha’i faith.
23-May Vesak Day or Buddha Day Vesak or Buddha Day is an important day of celebration for Buddhists around the world. The holiday is traditionally celebrated to commemorate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. The date varies by region and tradition.
27-May Ascension of Baha’u’lláh It commemorates the anniversary of the death in 1892 of Baha'u'lláh, the founder of the Baha'i faith. This solemn anniversary is a day of rest and is often observed by reading or chanting from the scriptures. Many pilgrims visit the Baha'i shrines and tomb in Israel to pray. The Baha'i day ends and a new one begins at sunset. Consequently, the day on which a Feast or Holy Day is observed starts at sundown of the day before the Gregorian calendar dates listed.
June
3-Jun Mabo Day The Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision on 3 June 1992, providing legal recognition that Indigenous people have a special relationship with the land. This decision paved the way for land rights known as native title. Mabo Day celebrates the life of activist Eddie Koiki Mabo.
01-Jun Dragon Boat Festival Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Jie or Double Fifth Festival) commemorates the death of the Chinese poet Qu Yuan. It is celebrated in China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and parts of Indonesia. Cultural events involve eating rice dumplings and traditional dragon boat racing.
10-Jun Dano Festival Dano is an official holiday in both North and South Korea to celebrate the ending of spring as the summer season is welcomed. The day marks the beginning of growing season when the farmers have finished seeding and planting and theYangenergy is at its highest.
11-Jun Shavuot Shavuot is a Jewish celebration of Moses’s descent from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments. It is the second of the Jewish pilgrim festivals. Some Jews refrain from working on Shavuot.
13-Jun Ascension of Jesus (Orthodox) A Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven, according to Christian belief. The Ascension of Jesus is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church.
5-May The Hajj (Pilgrimage) to Mecca, Saudi Arabia On specific days of the Islamic month of Zu Al-Hijja, millions of Muslims from around the world congregate in the Prophet’s birthplace of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Hajj is obligatory for all Muslims who have the means to undertake it.
16 - 24  Refugee week Refugee Week is celebrated around the country annually, providing the opportunity to acknowledge the success of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australian society.
7-May Eid al Adha The Eid al Adha means Feast of Sacrifice and commemorates the ordeal of Ibrahim (Abraham) who was asked to sacrifice his only son to prove his faith to Allah (God).
20-Jun World Refugee Day This day honours refugees and celebrates the strength and courage of people forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
28-Jun Matariki A New Zealand national holiday to celebrate the first rising of the Pleiades star cluster, which marks the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar.
July
1-Jul Coming of the Light Festival The Coming of the Light is celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders and commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society on Erub Island in the Torres Strait in 1871. It led to the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late 19th century.
1-Jul International Tartan Day International Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage commemorating the repeal of an English law in 1782 that banned the wearing of tartan. In North America, this day is celebrated on 6 April, the date the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320.
28-May Al Hijri (Islamic New Year) According to the lunar or Islamic Calendar, Al Hijri (Al Hijrah in Arabic) is the Islamic New Year observed on the first day of Muharram. Muharram is the Islamic Calendar’s first month of the year and is the second holiest month after Ramadan.
7 – 14 Jul NAIDOC Week National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is held annually in early July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It is an opportunity to recognise Indigenous Australians’ contributions to our country and society. This year’s theme is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud’.
6-Jun Ashura For Sunni Muslims, Ashura marks Noah's departure from the ark and the exodus of Moses from Egypt and is usually marked by a day of non-obligatory fasting. For Shia Muslims, it marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein in Karbala, Iraq, and is commemorated with public processions.
16 – 17 Jul Karsa (Mandaean New Year) Karsa marks the beginning of a new year for Mandaeans and is spent and celebrated with family. It begins at dusk on 16 July and ends 36 hours later.
21-Jul Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day) Asalha Puja Day or the Dhamma Day celebrates the first teaching of the Buddha. This Buddhist event commemorates the first sermon delivered by the Buddha after his enlightenment. This event is one of the most important festivals for Theravada Buddhists.
August
4-Aug   National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
6-Aug Hiroshima Day Observed annually, Hiroshima Day commemorates those who lost their lives in the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945, and to pray for lasting world peace.
9-Aug Nagasaki Day Three days following the observance of Hiroshima Day, Nagasaki Day commemorates the victims of the second atomic bombing of the city of Nagasaki in 1945.
9-Aug International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples The United Nations’ annual International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples encourages people to spread the United Nation’s message on the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples.
15-Aug Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Christian feast day of the Assumption of Mary celebrates the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into heaven following her death. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus.
8-Aug Raksha Bandhan Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection. This Hindu festival honours the love between brothers and sisters and is marked by the tying of a rakhi thread by the sister on her brother’s wrist.
25-Aug Australian South Sea Islanders National Recognition Day In 1994, the Commonwealth Government officially recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group. A formal Recognition Statement followed this by the Queensland Government in September 2000.
15-Aug Krishna Janmashtami One of the most important Hindu festivals, this day celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, believed to be the eighth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who gave the vital message of the Bhagwat Gita - the guiding principles for every Hindu.
September
6-Sep Onam A Hindu harvest festival celebrated predominantly in Kerala, India.
6-Sep Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha.
11-Sep Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) New Year in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
11-Sep Nayrouz (Coptic New Year) The Nayrouz feast commemorates martyrs and confessors within the Coptic Orthodox Church. The day marks the start of the Coptic new year and its first month.
6-Sep Mawlid Al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad) The Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is commemorated in most Muslim-majority countries and is usually marked by prayers, carnivals, fairs and public processions.
5-7 Oct Chuseok Chuseok is a special holiday in Korean culture with roots in celebrating good harvest, family and the importance of the full moon as a symbol of harmony and the hope for good fortune.
6-Oct Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular East and South East Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness, dating back over 3000 years. The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, which has different variations depending on the country.
6-Oct Tết Trung Thu Tết Trung Thu is a traditional Vietnamese festival which involves watching the moon, a feast and children singing and dancing.
6-Oct Tsukimi Tsukimi is a special holiday in Japanese culture that employs the symbolism of the full moon to celebrate togetherness and hopes for good fortune.
17-Sep Australian Citizenship Day Citizenship Day was introduced in 2001. It is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and value Australian citizenship, the peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society we share, and to reflect on our role in building our nation and shaping our country's future as proud Australian citizens.
October
2-Oct Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti This day commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. It is marked with a prayer for peace, ceremonies and events throughout India. The United Nations has further declared this day the International Day of Non-Violence in honour of Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa).
22-24Oct Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year festival, commemorates the creation of the world. Customs include the blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn trumpet, and the dipping of apples in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year ahead. Work is not permitted on this day.
3-12 Dashain Dashain is the most important festival for Nepalis. It is a celebration of good prevailing over evil.
20-24 Durga Puja Durga Puja is an annual Hindu festival that reveres and pays homage to the Hindu goddess Durga. It is popular and traditionally celebrated in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, the country of Bangladesh, and in the Mithilanchal regions of Bihar and Nepal. It is marked with worship rituals, performance arts, gift giving, family visits, feasting and public processions.
12-Oct Vijay Dashami Vijay Dashami or Dussehra marks the triumph of good over evil. The celebration of Dussehra concludes the festival of Navaratri, which extends over several days.
12-Oct Yom Kippur This holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with fasting and repentance. Many Jews will refrain from work and attend synagogue services
13-Oct White Sunday White Sunday is a day when childhood is celebrated in Samoan Christian communities worldwide.
17-Oct Kathina A Buddhist festival which marks the end of the rainy season. Buddhists express their gratitude to monks by giving donations to temples and providing monks with new clothes.
20-Oct Gurgaddi (Inauguration) of Guru Granth Sahib This day commemorates the inauguration of the Sikh holy scripture, called the Guru Granth Sahib or Adi Sri Granth Sahib Ji, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Sikhs regard and respect the Holy Scripture as their living Guru.
25-Oct Simchat Torah Simchat Torah, commencing on the evening of the 24th and concluding at sundown 25th, is a celebratory Jewish holiday that marks the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle. Simchat Torah means ‘Rejoicing in the Law’ in Hebrew. Special attention is given to children who join the celebrations with flags and singing.
24-Oct United Nations Day Celebrates the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945 and highlights the promotion of peace, human rights and social and economic development globally.
28-Oct Oxi Day Commemorates the rejection by then Greek Prime Minister of the ultimatum made by Axis forces to occupy Greek territory in 1940.
20-Oct Deepavali Deepavali, also known as Diwali, Tihar and the Festival of Lights celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
November
1-Nov Bandi Chhor Divas (The Celebration of Freedom) Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to mark the release from prison of the sixth guru Sri Guru Hargobind Ji, who also rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive with him, by Mughal Emperor Jehangir in the Gwalior Fort in 1619. Celebrations include lighting oil lamps, candles and fireworks.
1-Nov All Saints’ Day This Christian day honours saints, known and unknown. Saints are men and women recognised for lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith.
2-Nov All Soul’s Day This day is a time for all Christians to remember and pray for the souls of the departed.
1-2 Birth of the Báb and Birth of Bahá'u'lláh Two successive holy days that celebrate the births of two central figures in the Baha’i faith. Each day’s worth of celebration starts and ends with the setting of the sun.
2-Nov Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) This date is celebrated with enthusiasm across the state of Gujarat, as it marks the beginning of the new year for Gujarati people.
2-Nov Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Dia de los Muertos combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls' Day, a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s.
3-Nov Bhai Tika Bhai Tika, also known as Bhai Dooj, Bhaubeej or Bhai Phonta, marks the final day of Deepavali or Tihar and is a time to celebrate family relationships.
15-Nov Loy Krathong Loy Krathong takes place on the night of the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. During the festival, many Thai communities float small lantern boats of offerings as tokens of gratitude toward the Goddess of Water and to seek her forgiveness.
5-Nov Guru Nanak Gurpurab This day commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.
16-Nov International Day for Tolerance The United Nations’ annual International Day for Tolerance fosters mutual understanding among cultures and peoples.
26-Nov The Ascension of Abdu'l Baha Commemorates the passing of Abdu’l-Bahá in 1921, the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh (the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i faith).
30-Nov St Andrew’s Day To commemorate St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland since 1320. He is also the patron saint of Romania, Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. The day is usually celebrated with traditional recitations, cuisine, dancing and singing.
December
03 First Sunday of Advent Christians celebrate Advent by lighting advent candles, displaying wreaths and hosting special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to Earth of Jesus Christ.
14-22 Chanukah Chanukah or Hanukkah commemorates the recapture and rededication by the Jewish people of the Jerusalem Temple. The festival lasts eight days and nights, with an additional candle lit each night to symbolise the miracle of the cruse of oil that lasted eight days.
08 Bodhi Day Bodhi Day commemorates the day Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. It generally falls on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the lunisolar calendar. Mahayana Buddhists in China, Korea and Vietnam celebrate Lunar Bodhi day on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. In Japan, Bodhi Day follows the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated on 8 December every year.
17 Shahidi (Martyrdom) of Guru Tegh Bahadur On this day in 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, sacrificed his life to defend the religious freedom of another faith. This was a significant event in Sikh history that profoundly impacted the future direction of Sikhism.
18 International Migrants Day A United Nations observance that calls us to remember and honour the contribution of all migrants, their stories and cultures, to our multicultural nation.
25 Christmas Day Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus and is celebrated by many in Australia regardless of religious affiliation. Christmas lights and trees are displayed, carols are sung, and individuals come together to exchange gifts and spend time with family and friends.
25 - 1 Jan Kwanzaa This week-long celebration honours African and African-American cultures, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. It was first celebrated in 1966.
31 New Year’s Eve This date commemorates the arrival of a new year following the Gregorian calendar. New Year’s Eve is a time for communities, families and friends to celebrate the year past and the year to come.

 

Diversity

2025 Diversity and Inclusion Dates Calendar

Explore key dates dedicated to celebrating diversity, fostering inclusion, and raising awareness about social justice and equity. Also refer to the calendars for Cultural & Religious plus Health & Wellness related dates.

 

January

04 World Braille Day
19 - 9 Feb Midsumma Festival
24 International Day of Education - for peace and development
27 Holocaust Remembrance Day

 

February

02 Physical Disability Awareness Day
09 Victoria Pride
11 Safer Internet Day
11 International Day of Women & Girls in Science

13 National Apology Anniversary
 14-02 Mar Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
 16-22 Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
18 International Asperger’s Day
20 World Day of Social Justice

 

March

01 International Wheelchair Day
01 International Women of Colour Day
01 Zero Discrimination Day
08 International Women's Day (IWD)
 17-23 Neurodiversity Celebration Week

20 National Close the Gap Day
 21-27 Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination
 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
 21 World Down Syndrome Day
 31 Transgender Day of Visibility

 

April

02 World Autism Awareness Day
21 World Creativity and Innovation Day
22-28 Lesbian Visibility Week
27 International Guide Dog Day 

 

May 2025

04 International Family Equality (Family Pride) Day
4-10 Tourette Syndrome Awareness Week
15 Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)
15 International Day of Families
19 Global Accessibility Awareness Day

21 World Down Syndrome Day
17 International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT)
21 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue & Development
26 National Sorry Day
27-3 Jun Reconciliation Week

 

June 2025

Pride Month
01 Global Day of Parents
03 Mabo Day (End of Reconciliation week)
12 World Day Against Child Labour
15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
20 World Refugee Day
23 International Women in Engineering Day
28 Stonewall Riots Anniversary

 

July 2025

Disability Pride Month
14 International Non-Binary People's Day
 15 World Youth Skills Day

 

August 2025

11-15 Bullying No Way week 
12 International Youth Day
15 National Day of Action Against Bullying & Violence
19 World Humanitarian Day  
29 Wear it Purple Day - LGBTIQA+ awareness day especially for young people

 

September 2025

Supplier Diversity Month - sourcing goods from under-represented groups.

05 International Day of Charity
08 International Literacy Day
10 World Suicide Prevention Day
11 RUOK Day

15-21 World Childless Week
18 International Equal Pay Day
23 Bi Visibility Day
23 International Day of Sign Languages
24 International Age Diversity Day

 

October 2025

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Awareness Month
ADHD Awareness Month
Dogtober - celebrating assistance dogs

01 International Day of Older Persons
02 International Day of Non-Violence
01 World Vegetarian Day
4-16 Down Syndrome Awareness Week

08 International Lesbian Day
11 International Day of the Girl
11 National Coming Out Day
12-18 National Carers Week

15 International Pronouns Day
15-21 National Week of Deaf People
18 World Menopause Day
21 Loud Shirt Day – Hear and Say
20-26 Ace Asexual Awareness Week
26 Intersex Awareness Day

 

November 2024

08 Intersex Solidarity Day
13-19 Transgender Awareness Week
16 International Day for Tolerance
17-21 Inclusion at Work Week

19 International Men’s Day
20 International Children's Day
20 Transgender Day of Remembrance
 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

29 World Movement Disorders Day

 

December 2024

03 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
 10 Human Rights Day

 

Champion Diversity and Inclusion

This calendar highlights key opportunities to learn, reflect, and foster stronger, more inclusive communities and workplaces.

Although often misused ‘Being Woke’ at its core means ‘being aware’, staying informed, conscious, and inclusive, actively working toward a more equitable society.  Diversity encompasses various factors, including age, caring responsibilities, country of birth, cultural background, multilingual ability, religious affiliation, disability status, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Inclusion ensures that everyone feels welcomed. Support initiatives that challenge unconscious bias, promote anti-racism, and encourage the use of inclusive language. 

Consider using these phrases offering a warm invitation:

• The more, the merrier.
• There’s always room for one more.
• Come as you are.
• Make yourself at home.
• Everyone has a seat at the table.
• You’re part of the family now.

• Mi casa es tu casa (Spanish) – My house is your house.
• L’invitation est ouverte (French) – The invitation is open.
• Tutto è possibile quando siamo insieme (Italian) – Anything is possible when we’re together.
• Nadie queda afuera (Spanish) – No one is left out.
• Veni come sei (Italian) – Come as you are.
• A casa mia, tutti sono benvenuti (Italian) – In my home, everyone is welcome.
• Alle sind willkommen (German) – Everyone is welcome.
• Tous les invités sont les bienvenus (French) – All guests are welcome.
• La porta è sempre aperta (Italian) – The door is always open.
• Bánh mì cho mọi người (Vietnamese) – Bread for everyone.
• Kommen Sie herein, Sie sind willkommen (German) – Come in, you are welcome.
• Más lugar para todos (Spanish) – More space for everyone.



Health

2025 Calendar of Health and Wellness Awareness dates

Explore some key days dedicated to health education, prevention, and awareness throughout the year. Note some dates may change year to year with the day of the week.

January
24 International Day of Education - for peace and development
24 Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day

28   World Leprosy Day  
30   World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day  

February

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month  
REDFEB Heart Health Month
Febfast break from alcohol

04   World Cancer Day  
04- 10   Healthy Lunchbox Week  
04-10   Feeding Tube Awareness Week  
06   International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation  
06   Safer Internet Day  

10 World Pulses Day
11 to 17 Heart Failure Awareness Week
12 International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism
13 World Radio Day
14 V-DAY to end violence against women
14 National Condom Day
28 Summer’s Daybutton battery awareness
28 Teal Ribbon Giving Day
29 Rare Disease Day


March
March into Yellow Endometriosis Awareness Month
World’s Greatest Shave
The March Charge for Cancer
Make March Purple for Epilepsy

01-08 Tasmanian Bike Week
03   World Hearing Day   
04   World Obesity Day  

6-12 – World Glaucoma Week
09   The National Day of Women Living with HIV  

14-20 – Brain Awareness Week
13 International School Meals Day
13 World Kidney Day
14 World Sleep Day
17-24 Multiple Birth Awareness Week
17-24 Neurodiversity Celebration Week
17-24 National Advance Care Planning Week
18 World Social Work Day
20 International Day of Happiness
20 World Oral Health Day
21 National Ride2School Day
24 World Tuberculosis Day
26 Purple Day for Epilepsy
30 World Bipolar Day

April
Parkinson’s Awareness Month
IBS Awareness Month
FND Awareness Month

05 International Day of Conscience
07 World Health Day
08 to 14 Dietitians Week
11 World Parkinson’s Day
14 World Chagas Disease Day
17 World Haemophillia Day
21-27 World Immunization Week
30 International Guide Dog Day
25 World Malaria Day
28 World Day for Safety and Health at Work
29-5 May Heart Week
29-3 May Human Experience Week

May
Macula Month
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month
Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month

Thyroid Awareness Month
Miracle Month of May
Mindful in May

1-7 – National Motor Neurone Disease Week – MND

05 International Day of the Midwife
05 World Hand Hygiene Day
06 International No Diet Day
06 World Asthma Day
08 World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
08 International Thalassaemia Day
08 World Ovarian Cancer Day
10 World Lupus Day
11 to 17 Kidney Action Week
12 International Nurses Day
12 International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases

12-18 – International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Week
13 to 19 World Salt Awareness Week 2024
15 – World Autoimmune Arthritis Day
16 Coeliac Awareness Day
19 World IBD Day
19 World Family Doctor Day

19-25 Spinal Health Week
19-25 National Palliative Care Week
20-26 Kidney Health Week
20-26 Exercise Right Week
20 International Clinical Trials Day
20-26 National Volunteer Week
20-26 Spinal Health Week

23 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
24 Don’t Fry Day
25-31 International Thyroid Awareness Week

25-31 Macular Degeneration Awareness Week
25 World Thyroid Day
26-01 Jun Food Allergy Week

27 – 65 Roses Day
30 World MS Day
31 World No Tobacco Day
31 Tracky Dack Day

June
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Migraine Awareness Month
August Beard Season

1 Global Day of Parents
1-7 World Haemochromatosis Week
2-8 Tourette Syndrome Awareness Week
03 World Bicycle Day
03 World Orthoptic Day
03 Mabo Day
03-9 World Heart Rhythm Week
03-7 Orthoptics Awareness Week
05 World Orthoptic Day

05 – MS Walk & Fun Run
05 International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing

07 World Food Safety Day
10-16 Men’s Health Week

12-19 National Blood Donor Week
13 International Albinism Awareness Day

14 World Blood Donor Day
18 International Day for Countering Hate Speech
18 Sustainable Gastronomy Day
19 World Sickle Cell Day
19 Red Apple Day

21 MND Global Awareness Day
21 International Day of Yoga
26 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
29 World Scleroderma Day

July
01-31 Dry July
11 World Population Day

12-18 National Blood Donor Week
14-20 National Diabetes Week
22-28 National Pain Week
25 World Drowning Prevention Day
28 World Hepatitis Day
28-4 Aug DonateLife Week
30 International Day of Friendship

 

August

Tradies National Health Month

1-7  World Breastfeeding Week  
02 Jeans for Genes 
 5-11  Loneliness Awareness Week  
5-11  Dental Health Week  
5-11  National Stroke Week  
5-11  Dental Health Week   

7-13 National EOS Awareness Week

13 Neuro-rehab Awareness Day

19-25  Brain Injury Awareness Week  

20-27  Hearing Awareness Week

21-26  Speech Pathology Week  
31 International Overdose Awareness Day 

 

September

Dementia Awareness Month

World Alzheimer’s Month  
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month  
Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month 
Biodiversity Month   
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month  
STEPtember 

1 Gold Bow Day

2-6  Women’s Health Week  
4  PKD Awareness Day  
4  World Sexual Health Day  

5 -11 Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week
6  Walk to Work Day  
7  World Duchenne Awareness Day  

8  World Physiotherapy (PT) Day  
9  International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day  
9  World First Aid Day  
10  World Suicide Prevention Day  

11-15 Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness

12  R U OK? Day  
12-18 National Stroke Week
 16  International Day for Interventional Cardiology  
17  World Patient Safety Day 

18-24 Parkinson’s Awareness Week

19  Dietitians Day  
21  World Alzheimer’s Day  

22-29 Kids in Pain Awareness Week
25  World Pharmacists Day  
28  World Rabies Day  
29  World Heart Day

  

October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month  
Spina Bifida Awareness Month  
National WorkSafe Month  
Mental Health Month  

Polio Awareness Month
1-7 October BPD Awareness Week  

4-11 National Amputee Awareness Week

6  World Cerebral Palsy Day  
03 World Smile Day  
9-15   Podiatry Week  

9-15 Haemophilia Awareness Week
10  World Homeless Day  
10  World Mental Health Day  
09  World Sight Day  

12 International Arthritis Day
12-18 National Carers Week  
13  International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction  
14  Allied Health Professions Day  
15  International Day of Rural Women  
16 World Food Day  
15 National Ride2Work Day  

20 World Osteoporosis Day
24 World Polio Day  
27 World Occupational Therapy Day  

26 Great Strides Day – Cystic Fibrosis
 
November
Workout 4 Women Challenge  
Movember  
Epilepsy Awareness Month  
Lung Cancer Awareness Month  

5  International Pathology Day  
8  International Day of Radiology  
1 Genetic Counsellor Awareness Day  
2-8  Perinatal Mental Health Week  
13  World Kindness Day  
14  World Diabetes Day  
17  Cervical Cancer Elimination Day  
17  World Prematurity Day  
18-24  World Antimicrobial Awareness Week  
18-24  National Skin Cancer Action Week  
19  World Toilet Day  

December

1 World AIDS Day
5 International Volunteer Day  
12  International Universal Health Coverage Day  
20  International Human Solidarity Day  
27 International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
  

Environment

2025 Calendar of Environmental Awareness Dates

Explore some significant days dedicated to promoting sustainability, conservation, and environmental action throughout the year. Note some dates may change year to year with the day of the week.

January
20 Penguin awareness day

26 World Clean Energy Day

February
02  World Wetlands Day
11 International Day of Women and Girls in Science

March
01  World Seagrass Day
03  World Wildlife Day
02 Clean Up Australia Day
14  International Day of Action for Rivers
21 International Day of Forests
22 World Water Day
23 World Meteorological Day
30 Zero Waste Day

April
17  International Bat Appreciation Day
18-19 May Australian Heritage Festival
18  International Day for Monuments and Sites
(World Heritage Day)
22  Earth Day

May
05-11 Compost Awareness Week
10 World Migratory Bird Day
12 International Day of Plant Health
19 to 25 National Archaeology Week
20 World Bee Day
22 International Day for Biological Diversity
23 World Turtle Day
31 World Parrot Day

June
5  World Environment Day
8  World Oceans Day
15  Global Wind Day
17  World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
22  World Rainforest Day

July
11 World Population Day
12  International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms
26 Schools Tree Day
27 National Tree Day

August
Platypus awareness month
1-7 Landcare Week
7-13 Keep Australia Beautiful Week
12-20 National Science Week
20-24 World Water Week

September
07 National Threatened Species Day
07 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
16 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
22 World Car Free Day
28 World Rivers Day

October
04 World Animal Day
07 World Habitat Day
13 International Day for Natural Disaster Risk Reduction
14-15 Global Nature Positive Summit in Sydney
15 National Ride to Work Day
21-27 National Water Week

November

5 World Tsunami Awareness Day

26 World Sustainable Transport Day

December
05 World Soil Day
11 International Mountain Day

 

 

Tassie Festivals

Tasmania's festivals and events celebrate the island’s rich culture, natural beauty, and vibrant community. Visitors can enjoy seasons of blooming gardens and outdoor gatherings filled with local food, art, and entertainment. Featuring local artists, artisan crafts, boutique wines, native botanicals, and unique culinary experiences.

SUMMER

January 2025

28-02: Connect Festival, Montegu. (NW)
  Family-friendly music and camping. 
28-04: Taste of Summer, Hobart (S)
 A celebration of Tasmanian food, drinks, and live entertainment on Hobart Waterfront Battery Point.
04-06: Good Gumnuts, Burnie. (NW)
 Relaxed Music & Camping festival
10-12: Cygnet Folk Festival, Cygnet (S)
 Renowned folk music and arts festival
17-19: Tamar Valley Folk Festival, George Town (N)
 Traditional and contemporary folk music festival  
25-27: Kindred Spirit, Kindred (NW)
 Old school hall music and camping festival

 

February 2025
 31-02: Festivale, Launceston (N)
31-02: Harvest Festival, North Morton (NW)
05-09 Devil Country Muster, Smithton (NW)
06-09: Party in the Paddock, Launceston (N)
07-08: Love It camping and music festival, Kimberly (NW)
07-08: Gravity Fest, Maydena Bike Park (S)
07-11: Wooden Boat Festival, Hobart (S)
13-16: Rosebery Festival (NW)
14: Frankie Fest, Frankford (N)
14-16: Rockin' By The River, Sassafras (NW)
15: Evandale Village Fair (N)
19-23: Clarence Jazz Festival (S)
22: Koonya Garlic Festival (S)
22: A Day at the Creek Music Festival, Mole Creek (NW)
22: A Day At The Lake, Tullah (NW)
01-28: TasPride Summer Festival is Tasmania's premier LGBTIQ cultural festival, Hobart (S)

 

March 2025
 09: Taste the Harvest, Devonport.
08-10: SteamFest, Sheffield.
09-10: A Taste of the Huon, Huonville.
14-16: ECHO Festival, Swansea.
15: Bream Creek Show.
21-30: Ten Days on the Island.
21-22: Forth Valley Blues Fest.
Richmond Village Colonial Fair

 

AUTUMN

April 2025
11-13: TrailGraze, North & North West Tasmania.
26: TasFaire, Ross
01-30: Derwent Valley Autumn Fest, New Norfolk.

May 2025
1-3: Agfest.
21-25: Musical Theatre Festival, Launceston.

June 2025
1-30: Permission to Trespass
21: Winter solstice
27-6 July: Festival of Voices
Bay of Fires Winter Arts Fest, St Helens
North East Tasmania Art and Craft Festival, Scottsdale

WINTER

July
- 28 June–19 July: Bicheno Beams
- Devonport Jazz Festival
- Bridport Tassie Scallop Fiesta

August
- 12–19 Aug: Beaker Street Festival
- Tasmanian Whisky Week
- Chocolate Winterfest, Latrobe

September
- Great Eastern Wine Week
- Junction Arts Festival, Launceston
- CHarts Festival, Stanley

SPRING

October
A Festival Called George, St Helen’s
- Nubeena Bee Festival
- Tulip Festival, Wynyard
- Hobart Gin Festival
- Spring Loaded Festival, Wynyard
- Tasmania Medieval Festival, Sheffield
- Cradle Country Music Festival, Ulverstone
- Mt Roland Folk Festival, Gowrie Park
- Tasmania Medieval Festival, Sheffield

November 2024
- 1–3: Tasmanian Craft Fair, Deloraine
- 3–9: Mural Fest, Sheffield
- 8–10: Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival
- 8–10: Effervescence Tasmania Sparkling Wine Festival, Tamar Valley, Launceston.
- 16: Bicheno Food and Wine Festival

December 2024
- 28 Dec – 4 Jan: Taste of Summer, Hobart
- 31: Launceston Beerfest

 

Whether it's tasting sweet honey, enjoying craft brews, or exploring creative artworks, Tasmania’s celebrations offer something for everyone, blending nature’s splendor with the lively energy of local talent, music, and culture. Perfect for those seeking an authentic Tasmanian experience.

Related Information 

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