Good dates for the diary: A family guide
Discover how to turn key cultural events like NAIDOC Week, World Environment Day and Book Week into fun learning moments for your children.
- 1 Mar 2024
Celebrating key calendar events with our family isn’t just about marking special dates on the calendar - it’s about creating teachable moments for our children. From NAIDOC Week to Harmony Day, World Environment Day and Book Week, these occasions give us the opportunity to foster cultural awareness, environmental responsibility and provide ongoing learning for young minds.
By participating in these events, we can fly the flag for diversity, promote inclusivity, strengthen family bonds and help our children grow into compassionate, informed global citizens.
But how can we honour each date in a meaningful way? Here’s our guide to celebrating some good dates for the diary with your family.
Harmony Day
15 - 21 March 2024
Harmony Week is all about celebrating the many cultures that make up Australia. It’s a time when we focus on being inclusive, showing respect to everyone and making sure all people feel like they belong. During this week, we come together as a community, regardless of our backgrounds, to appreciate and learn from each other’s cultures.
Families can mark Harmony Week by attending cultural festivals, trying foods from around the world and participating in workshops that celebrate different cultural traditions.
World Environment Day
5 June 2024
World Environment Day calls on everyone to take action to protect our planet. This day is crucial for raising awareness about environmental issues and the steps we can all take to live more sustainably.
There are plenty of World Environment Day activities you can do at home to honour this day (and every day) for our planet. Declutter your home by collecting unused items for resale, plant a tree or set up a worm farm in your backyard. Or make a commitment to buying in bulk from stores like The Source Bulk Foods. Better yet, take the kids along to a local clean-up day to show them the impact waste has on our beaches, parklands and waterways.
Learn more about World Environment Day here.
NAIDOC Week
7 - 14 July 2024
NAIDOC Week is a time to honour the history, culture and achievements of the world’s oldest continuous culture. This week encourages a deeper understanding and respect for the stories, traditions, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to our national identity.
Families can celebrate NAIDOC Week by attending cultural community or school events, exploring dot and rock painting at home or learning through stories like Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples, available at QBD Books and Dymocks.
Discover more about this years theme.
Wear it Purple Day
30 August
Today, we dress loud and proud in purple to show support for rainbow young people. For this year’s event, expect to see thousands of schools, organisations and workplaces taking part, acknowledging LGBTQIA+ youth and celebrating their right to show up as their true selves. It’s official – everyone looks amazing in purple.
Book Week
17 - 23 August 2024
The excitement of dressing up for Book Week is real, so it’s easy to get caught up in fussing over costume ideas. But this important week isn’t just about dressing up as our favourite literary characters – it’s a chance to instil a lifelong love of reading in our children.
Make your outfit from scratch or pick up something ready-to-go at Big W or Kmart. With your costume sorted, you can visit the local library to attend story time sessions and explore new books together as a family.
R U OK Day
12 September
“Are you ok?” Three little words can make a world of difference to someone who’s struggling. At the end of the day, we never really know who’s having a hard time beneath the surface. So, this date is a friendly reminder to check in with those around you. Kick-starting that conversation is a simple step, but it’s one that could change a life.
Australian Organic Awareness Month
1-30 September 2023
September is Australian Organic Awareness Month, encouraging us to choose certified organic for our health and the environment. Look out for organic certification when buying fresh produce, packaged food and beverages, cosmetics and skincare, home and garden products, and textiles. Your body and the planet will thank you.
World Mental Health Day
Thursday 10 October
Mental health issues are a growing problem in Australia. So looking after your mental well-being, and supporting others, has never been more critical. This World Mental Health Day, the message is simple, “Look after your mental health, Australia”.
World Food Day
Wednesday 16 October
World Food Day is a global call to action to combat hunger and ensure everyone has access to healthy food, helping to build a Zero Hunger Generation.
Celebrate this day with your family by donating food to a local charity, starting a veggie garden or sharing a meal of international cuisine at home or within your community. Visiting a local farm gives kids the chance to learn about how food is grown and understand the importance of supporting local farmers, so pop that on your list, too!
This year, we’re putting our money where our mouth is by cooking something new at home and encouraging you to help feed someone in need by donating the price of a meal via OzHarvest.
Oz Harvest are working hard to get nourishing food to people who need it most. Please make a donation today to keep their wheels turning and help ‘Nourish our Country.’ $1 = 2 meals.
These national awareness days in Australia are celebrations of kindness and community. They’re valuable reminders of ways we can leave the world a little better than we found it. Join in and share the good vibes right through the rest of the year, and beyond.
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