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2022 health events

January

4 January – World Braille Day

International World Braille Day is celebrated yearly in recognition of the birth of Louis Braille, born on January 4th, 1809.

24 January – International Day of Education

29 January – World Leprosy Sunday

The last Sunday in January is World Leprosy Day. It is a great opportunity to raise our voice on behalf of those affected by leprosy.

February

1 February to 28 February – Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Held each year in February to educate Australians on ovarian cancer, and raise awareness by sharing the stories of real women affected by the disease.

1 February to 28 February – Red Feb

Honour those close to your heart. Raise money for life-saving research, raise awareness for heart disease and help keep families together for longer. Getting involved is as simple as wearing red and donating

1 February to 28 February – Febfast

Give up alcohol, sugar or a vice of your own and stand with young Australians experiencing alcohol or other drug issues.

1 February to 28 February – HeartKids Awareness Month

February is HeartKids Awareness Month. HeartKids is trying to raise awareness and funds in Australia about Childhood Heart Disease (CHD), which is one of the biggest killers of children under the age of one.

4 February – World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is a chance to raise our collective voices in the name of improving general knowledge around cancer and dismissing misconceptions about the disease.

5 February to 11 February – Feeding Tube Awareness Week

The mission of Feedign Tube Awareness Week is to promote the positive benefits of feeding tubes as life saving medical interventions. The week also serves to educate the broader public about the medical reasons that children and adults are tube fed, the challenges that families face, and day-to-day life with tube feeding.

6 February – International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women. Girls who undergo female genital mutilation face short-term complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulty in passing urine, as well as long-term consequences for their sexual and reproductive health and mental health.

6 February – International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (WHO)

The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, on 6 February each year, is a time to make the world aware of female genital mutilation (FGM). According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 120 to 140 million women have been subject to this harmful practice and 3 million girls continue to be at risk each year. FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of human rights.

12 February – World Cholangiocarcinoma Day

World Cholangiocarcinoma Day is an international effort to raise much-needed awareness of cholangiocarcinoma, a devastating cancer that occurs in the bile ducts in or outside the liver. This poorly understood and under researched disease is increasing in incidence globally – we believe collaboration is the way forward.

13 February to 21 February – 65k 4 65 Roses Walkathon

The 65K 4 65 Roses Walkathon is an annual fun walk and endurance event held to raise funds for the fight against cystic fibrosis, a life threatening genetic condition affecting thousands of Australians.

14 February – Sweetheart Day

HeartKids Australia is launching Sweetheart Day on 14 February to raise awareness of childhood heart disease and encourage donations to continue our work in providing support, advocacy, growing awareness and enabling further research into CHD.

14 February – National Condom Day

National Condom Day is celebrated each year to remind us that one of the easiest ways to look after your health, and the health of your sexual partners, is to use a cheap, readily available form of contraception that also protects against sexually transmissible infections (STIs

18 February – World Social Work Day

World Social Work Day is held on the third Tuesday of March each year. It’s the day that we celebrate the social work profession and promote the vital work of social workers to the Australian community, and globally.

20 February – World Day of Social Justice

The General Assembly recognizes that social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations and that, in turn, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security, or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

28 February – Summer’s Day

On this day each year stop and remember all the children who lost their lives as a result of an unintentional injury, and acknowledge those children and families living with the consequences of preventable injury.

28 February – Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day is the globally-coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.

March

1 March to 29 March – 2022 Equal Write to Read Virtual run

Every child and adult deserves an “Equal Write to Read“. Join Code Read Dyslexia Network to raise funds and awareness for dyslexia, all while increasing your fitness and health!

1 March – Zero Discrimination Day

Zero Discrimination Day highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and, above all, a movement for change. Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination.

1 March to 31 March – Melanoma March

Melanoma March celebrates Melanoma Institute Australia’s major annual fundraising campaign. Each Melanoma March brings together melanoma patients, their families, and local communities to raise awareness and funds for research to reach our goal of zero deaths from melanoma – a goal we believe we can reach this decade.

1 March to 31 March – March Into Yellow

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. March into Yellow encourages our broader community to show their support for the invisible illness by adorning themselves in the colour yellow. It is also a fun way to raise funds for Endometriosis Australia who support endometriosis education and research.

3 March – World Hearing Day

World Hearing Day in Australia is held on 3 March each year to raise awareness of how to prevent deafness and hearing loss, and to promote better ear protection and health across the world.

6 March – World Lymphoedema Day

Accredited Practitioners know only too well that many people do not have their lymphoedema diagnosed for some time, which can lead to the condition becoming quite advanced as well as having increased infections and other complications as a result. With early diagnosis, assessment, intervention and treatment, this chronic condition can be more easily managed and the quality of life improved.

7 March to 13 March – Kidney Health Week

Your kidneys play a vital role in your body. Without them, you would struggle to process toxins, and this would have a devastating impact on your health.

8 March – International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

9 March – National Day of Women Living with HIV

Each year, on March 9th, the National Network of Women Living with HIV celebrate the lives of women with HIV in Australia. We use this day to educate the wider community that HIV does affect women in Australia; and to speak to our network about issues of importance.

12 March to 18 March – World Glaucoma Week

World Glaucoma Week is a unique initiative that puts a spotlight on glaucoma as the leading cause of preventable irreversible blindness worldwide. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma can prevent needless vision impairment, however, so many are unaware they have the disease or may not have access to much-needed care.

13 March to 20 March – Coeliac Awareness Week

Over 355,000 Australians have coeliac disease .That’s approximately 1 in 70 Australians, however 80% of these don’t know they have it. Some people may have many symptoms and others have few.

14 March to 18 March – Brain Awareness Week

Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is the global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the brain, such as Alzheimers, Parkinson’s, stroke, schizophrenia and depression.

14 March to 25 March – A Taste of Harmony

A Taste of Harmony is an opportunity to celebrate your workplace’s cultural diversity. It is free to participate and easy to organise. Join over 8,000 other workplaces, big and small, city or remote who will all be taking part in recognising and celebrating their cultural diversity.

16 March to 20 March – World’s Greatest Shave

Join thousands of extraordinary Aussies by getting sponsored to shave or colour your hair for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.

You can shave, colour or wax the hair on your head, chest or face, supported all the way by proud family, friends, colleagues and classmates.

Please join in.

16 March – Swallowing Awareness Day

Around one million Australians have a swallowing difficulty. Swallowing problems can occur at any stage of life. However, the knowledge of dysphagia and its implications remain largely unknown for most Australians. Swallowing Awareness Day is an opportunity to bring attention to swallowing disorders and to connect people with speech pathologists, the professionals who can help.

18 March – World Sleep Day

This annual event highlights the importance of sleep health and encourages the public to prioritise sleep to improve their overall health and well-being

18 March – National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence

Australia’s key initiative against bullying and violence. The NDA connects schools and communities to find workable solutions to prevent bullying.

20 March – International Day of Happiness

With our world facing unprecedented challenges, wellbeing matters more than ever. When we choose to take action to help others, they benefit, we benefit and we set an example of kindness that can ripple out into the world too

20 March – World Oral Health Day

On the 20 March every year, we ask the world to unite to help reduce the burden of oral diseases, which affect individuals, health systems and economies everywhere. Its purpose: to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.

20 March to 27 March – Multiple Birth Awareness Week

For a family with multiples, managing these tougher times means arming yourself with resources and knowledge, enabling you to not only cope better as the family unit, but to engage in the best way possible with those around you who share your journey in various ways; e.g. health professionals, education providers, family members.

Multiple Birth Awareness Week

21 March – World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) , 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

21 March to 27 March – Harmony Week

This annual event highlights the importance of sleep health and encourages the public to prioritise sleep to improve their overall health and well-being

21 March – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

21 March to 27 March – National Advance Care Planning Week

National Advance Care Planning Week is an annual initiative by Advance Care Planning Australia. It encourages all Australians, regardless of their age or health status, to make their future health care preferences known. The initiative challenges people to discuss what living well means to them and to consider who they would want to speak for them, if they were too sick to speak for themselves. The initiative has been successful in starting tough but important conversations, bringing the topic to talkback radio, across social media and to family dinner tables across Australia – from Kalgoorlie to Townsville and Hobart to Alice Springs.

22 March – World Water Day

World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

24 March – World Tuberculosis Day

Each year we commemorate World TB Day to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.

25 March – National Ride2School Day

Join more than 350,000 students across the nation who will ride, walk, scoot and skate to school

25 March to 3 April – NSW Seniors Festival

NSW Seniors Festival is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, reaching up to 500,000 seniors each year. If you are over 60, NSW Seniors Festival gives you the chance to make new friends or get together with old ones at an array of local community events, many which are free or heavily discounted.

26 March – Purple Day

Purple Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising epilepsy awareness, dispelling myths, and increasing support to those affected. Founded in 2008 by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Purple Day concept was born out of Cassidy’s own struggles with epilepsy, her motivation to get people talking about the condition, and her desire to let those impacted by seizures know that they are not alone. Cassidy named the day ‘Purple Day’ after the internationally recognised colour for epilepsy, lavender.

28 March to 1 April – Vegetable Week & The Big Vegie Crunch

Only 5% of NSW children eat enough vegetables. We’re on a mission to change that stat, by increasing children’s knowledge, exposure and positive attitudes towards vegetables.

April

1 April to 30 April – April Falls Month

April Falls Month® is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of falls and to promote the latest best practice fall prevention strategies. The overall campaign goal is to get active and improve balance for fall prevention.

1 April to 30 April – IBS Awareness Month

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you are not alone – IBS is common with prevalence estimated at 10% to 15%. Yet many people remain undiagnosed and unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder.

2 April – World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on April 2 every year, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with autism spectrum disorder throughout the world

4 April to 14 April – NSW Youth Week

Youth Week is an opportunity for young people to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives, and create and enjoy activities and events.

7 April – World Health Day

World Health Day is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.

11 April – World Parkinsons’s Day

April Is Parkinson’s Awareness Month April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month with World Parkinson’s Day recognised on 11 April each year Today in Australia, 37 people will hear the words ‘you have Parkinson’s’ for the very first time. That’s more than one person every hour, of every day.

17 April – World Haemophilia Day

Every April 17, World Haemophilia Day is marked worldwide with the goal of increasing awareness of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. This is a critical effort since with increased awareness comes better diagnosis and access to care for the millions who remain without treatment.

20 April – Youth Homelessness Matters Day

Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) has been an exciting campaign since its inception in 1990. Started by a group of social advocates who believed that too many young people were moving out of home with nowhere to go, the day has since grown into a national celebration of young people’s resilience.

24 April to 30 April – World Immunization Week

World Immunization Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.

25 April – World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.

27 April – International Guide Dog Day

International Guide Dog Day celebrates the critical role that these working dogs play in enabling people with impaired vision to get around safely and independently. International Guide Dog Day continues to be a pivotal day in which we raise awareness of the access laws and discrimination that Guide Dogs continue to face in our society.

28 April – Pay it Forward Day

Pay It Forward Day is a global initiative that exists to make a difference by creating a huge ripple of kindness felt across the world.

28 April – World Day for Safety and Health at Work

The annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.

May

1 May to 31 May – Lung Health Awareness Month

We lose 45 Australians to lung disease and lung cancer every day. Anyone can be affected, no matter your age or background. It’s never too late to start looking after your lungs. Take the time to check your lung health this Lung Health Awareness Month.

1 May to 31 May – The May 50k

The May 50K is a virtual fitness and fundraising challenge to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. You can take part in your own time, at your own pace and in and around your local area. All funds raised will support life-changing research into the prevention, treatment and finding a cure for multiple sclerosis.

1 May to 31 May – Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month

May is a chance for Australians to understand a little more about what it is like to live with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Many people living with these illnesses stay silent about the day-to-day issues they face but during May, we can help them speak up.

1 May to 31 May – Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month QLD

Each May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (DFVP Month) to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV) and to send a clear message that DFV in families and homes will not be tolerated.

1 May to 30 June – Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

1 May to 31 May – Tracky Dack Day

Funds raised from Tracky Dack Day will provide practical relief to sick kids and their families. No sick child should be put on a waiting list to get help. No child should be excluded on the basis of their illness, disability or age. No family should go without support in times of crisis.

1 May to 31 May – Cystic fibrosis Awareness Month

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes long-lasting lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. During CF Awareness Month, the community comes together to help others learn about the disease, share personal stories, and unite behind our mission: finding a cure for all people with CF.

2 May to 8 May – National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Week

Tourette Syndrome, (TS), is a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary, irresistible body movements and vocalizations. It is complex and individual in its effect.

3 May – World Asthma Day

Air pollution, from traffic exhaust to your gas cook-top, can be damaging our lungs and your general health. When we breathe in certain air pollutants, the risk of developing conditions like asthma, heart or lung disease and cancer can increase.

5 May – International Day of the Midwife

International Day of the Midwife is celebrated each year on 5 May. This is a chance for midwives to celebrate their profession and for all of us to recognise their work and contribution to maternal and newborn health.

5 May – World Hand Hygiene Day

World Hand Hygiene Day aims to maintain global promotion, visibility and sustainability of hand hygiene in health care and to bring people together in support of hand hygiene improvement around the world

8 May – World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

8 May is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day—a global day to celebrate the uniqueness and unity of our International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

10 May – World Lupus Day

World Lupus Day serves to call attention to the impact that lupus has on people around the world. The annual observance focuses on the need for improved patient healthcare services, increased research into the causes of and cure for lupus, earlier diagnosis and treatment of lupus, and better epidemiological data on lupus globally.

12 May – International Nurses Day

As the single largest workforce group, nurses are there at every turn, making a real difference to the care and the experience of patients and their families and carers. International Nurses Day is celebrated each year on 12 May, on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

12 May – International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases

May 12th has been designated as International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND) since 1992. The CIND illnesses include Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia (FM), Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).

13 May – Pirate Day

Pirate Day is an annual national day of dressing up to raise awareness and much-needed funds for childhood brain cancer. Since 2015, Pirate Day has raised over $475,000 for kids’ brain cancer research.

15 May to 21 May – National Families Week

Each year, over a hundred thousand people and hundreds of organisations celebrate National Families Week (15-21 May) – Australia’s annual celebration of families.

15 May – International Day of Families

Held on 15th May every year, the International Day of Families was established by the United Nations in 1993 as a way to raise awareness of issues faced by families throughout the world.

16 May to 22 May – National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers and their important contribution to our communities.

18 May – Wear Orange Wednesday: WOW Day

Residents of NSW are encouraged to wear something orange on WOW day to show their support and appreciation for their local NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers.

20 May to 27 May – Prostate Cancer Rally

A 7 day event, taking your vehicle off the bitumen and onto the dirt and gravel roads of the great Australian outback. We will visit many iconic outback towns & National Parks – enjoy sensational country food and hotel accommodation organised for you every night. All this whilst we raise funds to support Prostate Cancer Research – an insidious disease that one in seven blokes will be diagnosed with today.

20 May – National Walk Safely to School Day

National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual event when all primary school children will be encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. It is a community event seeking to promote road safety, health, public transport and the environment.

20 May – World Autoimmune Arthritis Day

Aimed at raising awareness about autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases that show up with arthritis as a major component.

22 May to 28 May – Food Allergy Awareness Week

Australia has the highest incidence of food allergy in the world, and it’s growing at a rapid rate. We estimate that there are 800,000 Australians with a diagnosed food allergy, and many more undiagnosed. Food Allergy Week is an initiative of A&AA and is dedicated to promoting community understanding of food allergy to help protect those at risk.

22 May to 28 May – National Palliative Care Week

National Palliative Care Week  (NPCW) is Australia’s largest annual awareness-raising initiative held to increase understanding of the many benefits of palliative care.

26 May – National Sorry Day

Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

27 May to 3 June – National Reconciliation Week

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.

29 May – MS Walk Run + Roll

An annual charity event to raise money to support people living with MS. The funds that you raise ensure that people living with multiple sclerosis get the vital support they need to meet their goals and live well, and ensure that no one has to face MS alone.

30 May – World MS Day

World MS Day brings the global MS community together on May 30 to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

31 May – World No Tobacco Day

This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.

June

1 June to 7 June – World Haemochromatosis Week

In the first week of June each year we join with members of Haemochromatosis International, the international alliance of haemochromatosis support groups, to create a worldwide, coordinated haemochromatosis awareness campaign in each member country. Using all forms of media, displays, and other activities, this week is an opportunity to focus attention on haemochromatosis and the risk of inherited iron overload.

1 June to 30 June – Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Red Apple Day

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – Bowel Cancer Australia’s signature event to raise awareness of Australia’s second deadliest cancer and funds for the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and the best care for everyone affected by bowel cancer.

1 June to 30 June – National Burns Awareness Month

National Burns Awareness Month (NBAM) aims to drive greater awareness amongst the Australian community of burns prevention and the correct first aid treatment for burns.

3 June – World Bicycle Day

World Bicycle Day draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle — a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation. T

7 June – World Food Safety Day

Food safety is a shared responsibility between governments, producers and consumers. Everybody has a role to play from farm to table to ensure the food we consume is safe and will not cause damages to our health. Through the World Food Safety Day, WHO pursues its efforts to mainstream food safety in the public agenda and reduce the burden of foodborne diseases globally.

13 June to 19 June – Men’s Health Week

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.

14 June – World Blood Donor Day

Every year countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

15 June – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated each year on 15 June to highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society, elder abuse.

20 June to 26 June – National Stomal Therapy Week

National Stomal Therapy Week (NSTW) is designed to both acknowledge and provide support to people living with a stoma and recognise those health professionals and support agencies involved in their care.

20 June to 26 June – World Continence Week

Pledge your support for the more than one million men around Australia who live with incontinence. BINS4Blokes is a men’s health initiative from the Continence Foundation of Australia and an Australia-wide awareness and advocacy campaign promoting the installation of incontinence product disposal bins in male public toilet facilities.

20 June – World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.

21 June – MND Global Awareness Day

June 21 every year is MND/ALS Global Awareness Day. MND/ALS Associations across the world use the day to raise awareness of the disease to the general public. The day is also used to express hope that one day there will be a turning point in the search for cause, treatment and cure of this disease.

29 June – World Scleroderma Day

Each year on 29th Juen the world’s scleroderma community comes together to recognize World Scleroderma Day. On this day in 1940, internationally renowned Swiss painter Paul Klee died. He had scleroderma and his artwork was widely influenced by his experience with the condition.

July

1 July to 3 July – Dry July

Go Dry this July for Ovarian Cancer Australia You’ll be helping Ovarian Cancer Australia continue to provide a range of specialist psychological, practical and emotional support services for women and families affected by ovarian cancer.

1 July to 31 July – National Pyjama Day

Supporting little kids with big dreams In July, wear your favourite pair of PJ’s and raise vital funds to support children living in foster care.

2 July – Disorders of the Corpus Callosum Awareness Day

Every year on July 2 we celebrate International Corpus Callosum Awareness Day. We chose the middle day of the year to represent the corpus callosum in the middle of the brain.

3 July to 10 July – NAIDOC Week

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth

10 July to 16 July – National Diabetes Week

Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. Diabetes requires daily self care and if complications develop, diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and can reduce life expectancy. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it.

18 July to 24 July – National Farm Safety Week

Farmsafe Australia is committed to keeping you safer on Australian farms. Our mission is to improve the wellbeing and productivity of Australian agriculture through enhanced health and safety awareness and practices.

19 July to 25 July – Birth Trauma Awareness Week

The delivery of a baby is a positive event for many women, but for some it can be a mixed experience or even very negative, resulting in physical and/or psychological injuries (trauma) with lasting negative impacts on their lives.

24 July to 31 July – Donate Life Week

DonateLife Week is the national awareness week to promote organ and tissue donation in Australia. Each DonateLife Week, Australians are encouraged to register to be an organ and tissue donor and to have a conversation about it with their family and friends.

25 July – World Drowning Prevention Day

World Drowning Prevention is held annually on 25 July. This global advocacy event serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and to offer life-saving solutions to prevent it.

28 July – World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis, encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public and highlight the need for a greater global response as outlined in the WHO’s Global hepatitis report of 2017.

30 July – International Day of Friendship

To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN encourages governments, international organizations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.

August

1 August to 7 August – World Breastfeeding Week

Breastfeeding is key to sustainable development strategies post-pandemic, as it improves nutrition, ensures food security and reduces inequalities between and within countries.

1 August to 30 August – MS Readathon

MS Readathon challenges kids to read as much as they can in August. All funds raised provide vital support services to families with multiple sclerosis. It’s an epic adventure for an incredible cause. Your kids will love it!

1 August to 7 August – Dental Health Week

Dental Health Week (DHW) is the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) major annual oral health campaign. It takes place each year in the first full week of August. The campaign focuses on the importance of taking steps to care for your teeth and gums to help you to keep your teeth and smile for life.

1 August to 31 August – Dying to Know Day

An annual campaign that empowers Australians at all stages of life to live and die well. During August, people hold events, gatherings at home, take individual action, and much more, all to improve their knowledge around choice at end of life.

4 August – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

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.

7 August to 13 August – National EOS Awareness Week

During NEOSW challenges people to take the Top 8 Challenge and don8 to help fund medical research into eosinophilic disorders. This means not eating any of the top 8 common allergenic foods (milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut, tree nut, shellfish and fish) for 24 hours

8 August to 14 August – National Stroke Week

Help others to keep enjoying precious moments too by sharing the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) signs of stroke message with your family and friends.

10 August to 20 August – Kidney Kar Rally

The Kidney Kar Rally is a fun, exciting event that raises funds for our Kidney Kids and Youth programs. Held every year, it involves multiple teams driving thousands of kilometres across the beautiful Australian countryside with one ambition – to change the lives of children and young people affected by kidney disease. The Rally is not a conventional race, but a test of skills.

12 August – International Youth Day

International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.

12 August – Red Nose Day

Every year on the second Friday in August, we invite Australians everywhere to get silly for a serious cause to raise much needed funds to help stop little lives being cut short and support grieving families. More than 3,000 babies still die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in Australia. We are losing them to stillbirth, SIDS among other things.

13 August to 21 August – National Science Week

In-person and online events, virtual tours, DIY science and more, all across Australia

19 August – World Humanitarian Day

This day was designated in memory of the 19 August 2003 bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killing 22 people, including the chief humanitarian in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.

21 August to 27 August – Speech Pathology Week

Speech Pathology Week seeks to promote the speech pathology profession and the work done by speech pathologists with the 1.2 million Australians who have a communication disability.

28 August to 3 September – Legacy Week

The Legacy Week appeal has been running since the 1940’s and is a time for all Australians to show their support for the widows and children whose loved ones have served our country.

31 August – National Meals on Wheels Day

National Meals on Wheels Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday in August each year. This annual celebration recognises the work of the organisation’s volunteers.

31 August – International Overdose Awareness Day

The world’s annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind

September

1 September – Gold Bow Day

The ATF Gold Bow Day – 1st September, raises awareness about the importance of being aware of thyroid cancer symptoms.

1 September to 30 September – Steptember

STEPtember is Australia’s leading virtual health and wellness fundraising challenge. Join an incredible community of STEPpers changing the lives of people living with cerebral palsy.

1 September to 30 September – Footy Colours Day

Footy Colours Day is Fight Cancer Foundation’s national community fundraising event which asks participants to host an event at their workplace or school and wear their favourite footy colours for kids with cancer.

1 September to 30 September – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was first proclaimed by former US President Obama in 2010. Since then it has become a global initiative, raising awareness for childhood cancer. The Gold Ribbon is the International Awareness Symbol of Childhood Cancer, with gold being the international colour of childhood cancer awareness.

1 September to 30 September – Liptember

A campaign dedicated to raising funds and awareness for women’s mental health, harnessing the true potential of the collective, encouraging and inspiring people to listen, share, and learn.

1 September to 30 September – The Long Run

The Long Run is an awareness and fundraising event for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, supporting all men and families impacted by prostate cancer. All you need to do is run, walk or wheel 72km during September; when and where is up to you.

1 September to 30 September – Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month

September marks Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) Awareness Month, a globally recognised awareness initiative aimed at raising awareness about the disease, its symptoms and the need for support. Being told you or someone you love has PF or Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) can be a very overwhelming and frightening experience. PF is a complex disease and medical information can be limited or difficult to understand. There may be many decisions to consider about treatment, as well as emotional and practical changes to your day-to-day life.

1 September to 8 September – Adult Learners Week

Adult Learners Week is an international celebration of lifelong and lifewide learning. We encourage Australians to use Adult Learners Week to reflect on your own learning journey and investigate opportunities to take the next step.

1 September to 30 September – World Alzheimer’s Month

Each September, people unite from all corners of the world to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia.

2 September – Diabetes Australia Walk to Work Day

People who walk before or during work are generally healthier, more productive and less likely to be sick or absent. It’s in the best interests of all individuals and organisations to build walking into their daily routine and support the Walk to Work program.

4 September – PKD Awareness Day

PKD Awareness Day takes place each year on September 4th and is our day to raise awareness for Polycystic Kidney Disease. Though PKD affects more than 25 thousand Australians and millions worldwide, many people have never heard of this disease. Together, we can change that!

4 September to 10 September – National Child Protection Week

Child abuse and neglect is preventable. If we all work together as a community we can create an Australia where all children can grow up safe and well. What role can you play in supporting children and their families?

5 September to 11 September – Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness Week

It is the mission of Worldwide Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness Week® to raise awareness and to help improve the level of education of Idiopathic Hypersomnia among the general public, people with Hypersomnia, and medical professionals

5 September to 11 September – Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week

The biggest week in Australia dedicated to good health and wellbeing for women, girls, and gender diverse people.

6 September to 12 September – Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week (BIEDAW)

To celebrate all bodies, we must be aware of the impact of diet culture on our body image and our lives. BIEDAW is a nation week to raise awareness of the impact of diet culture on our lives and body image, so we can continue to celebrate all bodies.

7 September – National Health and Physical Education Day

Health & Physical Education (HPE) Day is a nationwide initiative that highlights the importance of HPE in the Australian Curriculum, and its influence on the learning and development of children.

7 September – Indigenous Literacy Day

Through storytelling, ILD provides a window into the richness, diversity and multilingual world of First Nations peoples with a selection of short, inspiring video stories by First Nations storytellers (of all ages) from across the country.

7 September – World Duchenne Awareness Day

World Duchenne Awareness Day is a global day aimed to raise awareness for those affected by Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

7 September – International Day of Clean Air for blue skies

UN Member States recognize the need to substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination by 2030, as well as to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management by 2030.

8 September – International Literacy Day

Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.

8 September – R U OK?Day

R U OK?Day is 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.

9 September – Bravehearts White Balloon Day

An annual day to raise awareness about child sexual abuse and speak up for survivors

9 September – International FASD Awareness Day

9:09am on the 9th day of the 9th month is observed every year in recognition of the importance of being alcohol free for the nine months of a pregnancy

13 September to 19 June – National blood donor week

National Blood Donor Week is our annual chance to celebrate you. You: regular donors, retired donors, soon-to-be donors, and champions of donation.

13 September – World Sepsis Day

World Sepsis Day is held annually on 13 September and is an initiative of the Global Sepsis Alliance. Each year events are held worldwide to raise awareness about sepsis.

17 September – World Patient Safety Day

World Patient Safety Day 2022 is an important event to raise awareness of and highlight effective and innovative strategies to improve maternal and newborn safety.

19 September – Talk Like a Pirate Day

Talk Like a Pirate Day on the 19th September is nationally recognised as the major fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Support.

19 September to 25 September – Stay in Bed Day

not sure if this still runs

19 September to 25 September – Dementia Action Week

Dementia impacts close to half a million Australians and almost 1.6 million Australians are involved in their care. The number of people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years. With so many people impacted now and into the future, it is vital we clear up some of the prevailing misconceptions about dementia.

19 September to 25 September – National Week of Deaf People

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)

23 September – International Day of Sign Languages

The International Day of Sign Languages is an unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.

28 September – World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about rabies prevention and to highlight progress in defeating this horrifying disease. 28 September also marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death, the French chemist and microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine.

29 September – World Heart Day

World Heart Day (29 September) is an opportunity for everyone to stop and consider how best to use ❤️ for humanity, for nature, and for you. Beating cardiovascular disease is something that matters to every beating heart.

30 September – Light the Night

The Leukaemia Foundation invites every person whose life has been touched by blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma to be part of this beautiful community event that takes place across Australia

October

1 October to 7 October – Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Week

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental disorder that is often misunderstood. People with this disorder are frequently discriminated against and stigmatised.

1 October to 31 October – Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month is an opportunity for individuals and families as well as Haemophilia Foundations and other organisations to take part in a campaign and activities to raise awareness about haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and related inherited bleeding disorders throughout Australia.

1 October to 31 October – Mental Health Month

Mental Health Month gives us an opportunity to raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing. It is marked in New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT and centres specifically on World Mental Health Day on October 10.

1 October to 31 October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The aim of the BCAM is to shine a light on the devastating impact breast cancer has on thousands of Australians each day. Over 20,000 Australians will be diagnosed with the disease this year alone.That equates to 55 Australians every day.

1 October to 31 October – National Safe Work Month

October is National Safe Work Month—a time to commit to building a safe and healthy workplace.

4 October to 11 October – National Amputee Awareness Week

October 4 – 11 is National Amputee Awareness Week and it provides the opportunity for Australian community to recognise, support and celebrate those living with limb loss.

6 October to – World Cerebral Palsy Day

October 6 marks World Cerebral Palsy Day. We ask people around the world to come together to celebrate and support those living with CP, embrace diversity and to help create a more accessible future for everyone. As cerebral palsy affects more than 17 million people worldwide, there are millions of reasons to make your voice heard on October 6. Join the movement this World Cerebral Palsy day to help create awareness and action around cerebral palsy,

7 October – Odd Socks Day

One in five Australians aged 16-85 experience mental ill-health in any year. Odd Socks Day is all about reducing the stigma of mental ill-health and raising awareness of this serious issue, while having some fun.

10 October – World Mental Health Day

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

12 October – World Arthritis Day

World Arthritis Day is a global awareness day held every year on 12 October. WAD aims to help raise awareness in all audiences across the world of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, often referred to as RMDs.

13 October – World Thrombosis Day

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition in which a blood clot forms most often in the deep veins of the leg, groin or arm (deep vein thrombosis) and travels in the circulation, lodging in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Together, DVT and PE are known as VTE – a dangerous, potentially deadly medical condition.

15 October – International Day of Rural Women

Achieving gender equality and empowering women is not only the right thing to do but is a critical ingredient in the fight against extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition. On average, women make up more than 40 percent of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, ranging from 20 percent in Latin America to 50 percent or more in parts of Africa and Asia.

16 October to 25 October – National Carers Week

National Carers Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the 2.65 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend.

16 October – World Food Day

We need to build a sustainable world where everyone, everywhere has regular access to enough nutritious food. No one should be left behind.

16 October to 22 October – Anti-Poverty Week

During Anti-Poverty Week, you can help fight poverty and hardship.

19 October – National Ride2Work Day

Join Australia’s biggest celebration of commuter riding at National Ride2Work Day.

20 October – World Osteoporosis Day

World Osteoporosis Day – WOD, marked on October 20 each year, a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. It aims to put bone health and fracture prevention on the global health agenda and reaches out to health-care professionals, the media, policy makers, patients, and the public at large. The WOD campaign, amplified by IOF member societies in all regions of the world, is an ideal occasion to drive action on behalf of bone health and fracture prevention.

20 October – World Evidence-based Healthcare Day

We call on the global evidence community to share their experiences and collective wisdom around the formation, development, maintenance, evaluation and outcomes of partnerships in evidence-based healthcare:

20 October – World Evidence-Based Healthcare (EBHC) Day

The campaign for World EBHC Day 2022 focuses on partnerships for purpose and how partnerships within and across the global evidence ecosystem work to bridge research, policy and practice, and realise the potential of evidence-based healthcare.

21 October – Loud Shirt Day

You’re invited to make noise and get LOUD for kids who are deaf or hard of hearing. It couldn’t be easier to show your support, all you need to start is a LOUD shirt!

22 October to 30 October – Children’s Week

Children’s Week is a national celebration of children’s rights, talents and citizenship held on the fourth Wednesday of October in Australia to coincide with Universal Children’s Day. Each year the theme of Children’s Week highlights a particular Children’s Right.

24 October – World Polio Day

Unless we eradicate polio, within 10 years, as many as 200,000 new cases could occur around the world each year. In the past few years, only two countries have reported cases of polio caused by the wild virus, but no child anywhere is safe until we’ve vaccinated every child.

27 October – Blue Knot Day

Blue Knot Day is an Australian national day on which Blue Knot Foundation calls on all Australians to unite in support of the more than 5 million Australian adults who have experienced complex trauma.

27 October – World Occupational Therapy Day

World Occupational Therapy Day is the opportunity to heighten the visibility of the profession’s development work and to promote the activities of WFOT locally, nationally, and internationally.

28 October – Day for Daniel

Day for Daniel is Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day and this year will be held on Friday 28 October!

28 October – National Bandanna Day

Held on the last Friday in October, National Bandanna Day is the flagship fundraising and awareness campaign for Canteen. Since Bandanna Day began it has raised more than $35 million to support young people impacted by cancer. You can get involved in a range of ways to show your support and join the movement to stand up to cancer!

29 October to 5 November – International Brain Tumour Awareness Week

The IBTA brings together experience and expertise from all over the world with the aim of enhancing the well-being and quality of life of brain tumour patients and their families.

29 October – World Psoriasis Day

Psoriasis is not a skin condition. It is a chronic disease with impacts throughout the body and can lead to related conditions – called comorbidities – like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, or anxiety.

November

1 November to 30 November – Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This year you can help fund life-changing research and support programs to provide hope for Australians living with lung cancer.

1 November to 30 November – Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Awareness Month

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Awareness Month is a globally recognised awareness initiative aimed at raising awareness about the disease, its symptoms and the need for support.

1 November to 30 November – Movember

Movember fundraisers are a global community of fired up Mo Bros and Mo Sisters – aka rock stars making a difference in mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

1 November to 30 November – Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month

November marks Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Awareness Month, a globally recognised awareness initiative aimed at raising awareness about the disease, its symptoms and the need for support.

6 November to 12 November – Perinatal Mental Health Week

Each year in the second week of November, Perinatal Mental Health week creates conversation and awareness of just how many people and families are affected by perinatal mental health challenges, and where families, individuals and care-givers can find help, support and understanding.

7 November to 13 November – Neighbourhood Watch Week

Neighbourhood Watch Week raises public awareness of the benefits of belonging to a local Neighbourhood Watch group and encourages participation in Neighbourhood Watch programs throughout Australia.

12 November – World Pneumonia Day

Pneumonia is the single biggest infectious killer of adults and children – claiming the lives of 2.5 million, including 672,000 children, in 2019.

12 November to 19 November – Australian Food Safety Week

Australian Food Safety Week is the major activity of the Food Safety Information Council, Australia’s leading disseminator of community targeted food safety information and a health promotion charity.

13 November – World Kindness Day

Make kindness the norm.

14 November – World Diabetes Day

Globally, an estimated 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014, compared to 108 million in 1980. The global prevalence of diabetes has nearly doubled since 1980, rising from 4.7% to 8.5% in the adult population. This reflects an increase in associated risk factors such as being overweight or obese. Over the past decade, diabetes prevalence has risen faster in low and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

16 November – International Day for Tolerance

Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. UNESCO’s 1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance.

17 November – World Pancreatic Cancer Day

On World Pancreatic Cancer Day, loved ones, communities and organizations around the world unite to shine a light on pancreatic cancer and share our universal message that it’s about time we all know the symptoms! Raise awareness on this special day as we share the facts about this disease, survivor stories and what you can do to make an impact.

17 November – World Prematurity Day

Every year, 15 million babies are born premature worldwide. More than one million of these babies die, and many more face serious, lifelong health challenges. Preterm birth is truly a problem that can happen to every one of us, irrespective of the country we live in, our culture or socioeconomic status.

18 November – White Ribbon Day

White Ribbon Day is your opportunity to bring people together, in person or online – to raise awareness and commit to action to prevent violence against women. In workplaces, schools and communities all over Australia, we are asking you to stand up, speak out and act to end gendered violence

19 November – International Men’s Day

In Australia, IMD is a great opportunity to take part in a global conversation about manhood, masculinity and men’s issues by highlighting some of the social issues that men and boys face, making a difference for the men and boys in your community, celebrating men and boys in all their diversity and having some serious fun in the process

19 November – World Toilet Day

The Observance celebrates toilets and raises awareness of the 3.6 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation. When some people in a community do not have safe toilets, everyone’s health is threatened. Poor sanitation contaminates drinking-water sources, rivers, beaches and food crops, spreading deadly diseases among the wider population.

20 November – World Children’s Day

World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare.

December

1 December to 31 December – Decembeard

Bowel Cancer Australia’s hair-raising fundraiser encouraging you to get hairy while raising awareness and funds to help beat bowel cancer.

1 December – World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year. It raises awareness across the world and in the community about the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. It is a day for people to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

10 December – Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.

12 December – Universal Health Coverage Day

Universal Health Coverage Day is the annual rallying point for advocates to raise their voices and share the stories of the millions of people still waiting for health, call on leaders to make smarter investments in health and remind the world about the imperative of universal health coverage (UHC).

20 December – International Human Solidarity Day

International Human Solidarity Day is: a day to celebrate our unity in diversity.