Find what's coming up
Due to the high demand for space, the Our Community calendar is used only for nationally significant events. Submissions for the calendar should be sent to service@ourcommunity.com.au.
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01-31 May
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month
Organisation: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Victoria
Prader-Willi syndrome is a lifelong condition and although lots of research is being carried out, to date there is no cure. There are no known reasons for the genetic accident that causes this condition, but we are learning more about PWS everyday, and there is hope. Hope that, through increased knowledge, we can help all people with this condition to live a fuller life despite their limitations. <p>Throughout May, we aim to raise awareness of Prader-Willi Syndrome to help boost the possibility of finding a cure.
Location: International
Website: www.pwsausa.org/
Phone: 0451 797 284
Donate online
01-31 May
CareFlight Territory Challenge
Organisation: CareFlight
Every month in the Northern Territory, CareFlight crews fly 80,000 kilometres to provide care for more than 500 patients. During May, we're asking Australians to sign up to our CareFlight Territory Challenge and collectively match this distance by setting your own exercise challenge. Sign up FREE to complete a kilometre goal throughout May, or set a goal of the hours you'll work out during the month. You can take part on your own, or in a team, and reach your Challenge target through any form/s of exercise and in any location.
Location: National
Website: www.careflightchallenge.org
01-31 May
Organisation: Miracle Babies Foundation
To raise awareness and funds for premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals that care for them.
Location: National
Website: www.miraclebabies.org.au
Donate online
01-31 May
Organisation: Mindful in May
Mindful in May brings the benefits of meditation together with an opportunity to help bring clean water to those living in the developing world. Your donation and fundraising will be used by Charity Water in its mission to solve the water crisis. When you register and donate, you'll receive a one-moth meditation program.
Location: National
Website: www.mindfulinmay.org
01-31 May
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is held during May each year to raise community awareness and promote a clear message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated in our communities.
Location: National
Website: www.domesticviolence.com.au/pages
01-31 May
Crohns & Colitis Awareness Month
Organisation: Crohn's and Colitis Australia (CCA)
Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month aims to bring attention to Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, which affects more than 5 million people.
Website: www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au
01-31 May
(date to be confirmed)
Organisation: Cystic Fibrosis Federation Australia
The National Cystic Fibrosis 65 Roses Campaign is hosted during the month of May. Each year the National Office in conjunction with its State and Territory associations host many awareness initiatives and fundraising events through May. For the last couple of years we have encouraged people to participate in a challenge themed around the number 65. Supporters have embraced this concept with many wonderful ideas for challenges.
Website: www.cff.org/About-Us/About-the-Cystic-Fibrosis-Foundation/The-65-Roses-Story/
01-31 May
Organisation: Mercy Ships Australia
This May, join with Mercy Ships to help women in Africa by hosting a Mercy May event. Helping is easier than you think! Just get your friends together for a good time and raise money for a great cause in the process. There are so many ideas for the kind of Mercy May event you can hold. All you have to do is pick one.
Website: www.mercyships.org.au
Donate online
01-31 May
Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month
The aim of Neurofibromatosis Month is to provide information to the community and to healthcare and educational professionals, so that they will better understand what Neurofibromatosis (NF) is. This will enable them to accept and provide support to those affected by NF.
01-31 May
Go Supermarket Free this Mayl to support local business, farmers and suppliers. Change your habits and buy local!
Location: National
Website: supermarketfree.com.au/
01-31 May
Organisation: Macular Disease Foundation Australia
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss in Australia. Macula Month is an annual event designed to raise awareness of the disease and to encourage those most at risk, people over 50, to have their eyes tested and macula checked. A free macular degeneration information kit is available from the Macular Disease Foundation Australia by calling the Helpline 1800 111 709.
Location: National
Website: www.mdfoundation.com.au/events/general-events/macula-month/
01-31 May
Organisation: The Ehlers-Danlos Society
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a collection of thirteen multi-systemic, heritable disorders affecting connective tissue, the most abundant tissues in the body. With the exception of the hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, each type is a distinct entity defined by mutations in a single or small set of genes. Common features among the types include joint hypermobility, skin fragility, chronic pain, and fatigue. More severe types, such as Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can be life-threatening, as fragile blood vessels and internal organs can spontaneously rupture. For more information, go to ehlers-danlos.com
Website: ehlers-danlos.com
01-31 May
Organisation: Sacred Heart Mission
<b>EAT GOOD. DO GOOD. FEEL GOOD.</b> Victoria's homelessness crisis now affects almost 23,000 people. Throughout May, participating restaurants, cafes and bars join will forces with diners to raise money to support Sacred Heart Mission's Meals Program, which provides hearty, free meals every day for up to 400 people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and social isolation.
Location: National
01-31 May
(date to be confirmed)
Organisation: Epilepsy Action Australia
Art for Epilepsy brings together the talented Australian artists in support of those impacted by epilepsy in an online auction. A broad range of artists take part to provide something to suit all tastes and budgets. Each work contains the colour purple, the internationally recognised colour for epilepsy, and are auctioned off through our website. Grab yourself an original piece of art for a great cause!
Location: National
Website: www.epilepsy.org.au/donate/
01 May - 30 June
(date to be confirmed)
Organisation: Oaktree Foundation
Thousands of Australians will eat on $2 a day for five days. Feeding yourself on $2 a day is the equivalent of living below the extreme poverty line. It's a way to raise much-needed funds for Oaktree's overseas partners, as well as gain a unique insight into some of the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty.
Website: www.livebelowtheline.com.au/
22-28 May
Organisation: Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW
Schizophrenia Awareness Week is an annual event used to raise community awareness and understanding of the mental illness.
Location: National
Website: www.sfnsw.org.au/Awareness-and-Education/Awareness/default.aspx
Phone: (08) 8221 5159
Address: Locked Bag 5014 GLADESVILLE NSW 1675
22-28 May
Organisation: One Door Mental Health
People with schizophrenia are among the most highly stigmatised and socially marginalised people in our community. Through this week, government, citizens, media and NGOs aim to reduce stigma towards people affected by schizophrenia, bust myths about schizophrenia, and promote help-seeking by people affected by schizophrenia and their carers.
Location: National
Website: www.onedoor.org.au
Phone: (02) 9879 2600
22-28 May
Organisation: Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Food Allergy Week is run by the charitable, not-for-profit organisation Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. It's annual initiative that aims to better educate the public on the importance of understanding food allergy and supporting those when it comes to allergy management. This year the event is taking place from May 26 - June 1.
Location: National
Website: allergyfacts.org.au/faw
Phone: (02) 9977 8195
Address: Suite 7, 22 Darley Rd MANLEY NSW 2095
22-28 May
Organisation: The Australian Thyroid Foundation
Are you familiar with how your thyroid affects your health? Thyroid Awareness Week aims to educate all Australians about the importance of good thyroid health and role of hormones in controlling our metabolism
Location: International
23-29 May
Organisation: Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS)
Natural Medicine Week, hosted in May each year aims to promote, educate and raise awareness of the important role natural medicine practitioners play in the health and wellbeing of Australians, proudly supported by the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society. Natural Medicine Week is a great opportunity for natural medicine practitioners and users to come together to share knowledge and good health via a range of special online events running throughout the week. You can learn more about how natural therapies can support your health, get tips via the blog, or make a healthy recipe.
Location: National
Website: www.naturalmedicineweek.com.au/
24-28 May
(date to be confirmed)
Organisation: Brien Holden Vision Institute
The aims of Myopia Awareness week are: <ol><li>To raise awareness in the Australian community about myopia</li> <li>To highlight the critical role optometrists play in changing the way we think and treat myopia</li> <li>To encourage the new standards of care (myopia control and management) to be adopted by optometrists.
Website: myopiamovement.com/
25-31 May
Organisation: The Chiropractors' Association of Australia (National) Limited
Spinal Health Week presents the opportunity for chiropractors to educate Australians about the importance of spinal health in improving overall health and wellness.
Website: www.chiro.org.au/
25-31 May
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories
Organisation: United Nations
A non-self-governing territory is defined as a territory "whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government. This week of solidarity is used to show support for these territories.
Location: International
Fri 27 May
Today
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day
Organisation: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Victoria
Prader-Willi syndrome is a lifelong condition and although lots of research is being carried out, to date there is no cure. There are no known reasons for the genetic accident that causes this condition, but we are learning more about PWS everyday, and there is hope. Hope that, through increased knowledge, we can help all people with this condition to live a fuller life despite their limitations. <p>On the last Friday of May, we aim to raise awareness of Prader-Willi Syndrome to help boost the possibility of finding a cure.
Location: International
Phone: 0451 797 284
Donate online
Fri 27 May
Today
Australia's Skin Cancer Prevention Day!
Location: National
Website: skincancerprevention.org/get-involved/dont-fry-day/
Fri 27 May
Today
(date to be confirmed)
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Organisation: Cancer Council
May is Australia's biggest Morning Tea month. Thursday 23rd May is the official day but you can host an event anytime throughout May or June. It's simple, fun and best of all for a great cause! All you need to do is set a date, brainstorm some morning tea ideas, invite your guests and raise money to help support the fight against cancer.
Location: National
Website: www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
27 May - 03 June
Today
Organisation: Reconciliation Australia
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey-the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
28-29 May
Banish the Black Dog Charity Bike Ride
Organisation: Rotary Club of Townsville Central
The Banish the Black Dog Charity Bike Ride is a relaxed cycling tour promoted by the Rotary Club of Townsville Central to raise awareness of mental health issues in our community, and to raise funds to aid research into the causes and treatments of mental health disorders. The rides major donation recipient is Australian Rotary Health, the largest non government mental health research funding organization in Australia. We also support local initiatives in the treatment and support of those suffering mental illnesses.
Website: banishtheblackdog.org.au/
Donate online
Sun 29 May
Organisation: White Wreath Association Ltd
On 29 May 'Wear white at work' and donate a gold coin to show your support for mental illness sufferers and families of suicide victims. Each year we have to come to terms with the suicide of thousands of fellow Australians (men, women and children). For those left behind by these tragedies the hurt is unimaginable. The White Wreath Association provides 24-hour support for anyone who is in need, by providing advocacy, assistance and support to both families and individuals who have been affected by a mental illness or suicide.
Location: National
Website: www.whitewreath.com/coming-events
Phone: 1300 766 177
Sun 29 May
White Wreath Day - In Remembrance of All Victims of Suicide
Organisation: White Wreath Association
White Wreath Day is celebrated in remembrance of suicide victims. Almost every Australian family is directly or indirectly affected by suicide. On White Wreath Day we are asked to display a white wreath in remembrance of those who have lost their lives.
Location: National
Website: www.whitewreath.com/coming-events
Donate online
Sun 29 May
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Organisation: United Nations
International Day of UN Peacekeepers is a day of recognition for the military, police and civilian peacekeepers deployed across the world.
Location: International
Mon 30 May
Organisation: MS Australia
World MS Day is the MS movement's annual campaign to raise awareness, support and connect the 2.8 million people living with the condition worldwide.
Location: National
Website: www.worldmsday.org
Tue 31 May
Organisation: United Nations
World No Tobacco Day aims to increase awareness about the dangers of smoking tobacco products, and the health implications of tobacco usage.
Location: International
Website: www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/en/
01-06 June
(date to be confirmed)
Is it just us or are jokes about eyes getting cornea by the day? Terrible jokes aside, Orthoptic Awareness Week is a week of serious business held each year by the Orthoptic Association of Australia. As well as raising awareness of the profession of Orthoptics, it promotes the importance of regular eye examinations for eye related issues.
Location: National
Website: www.orthoptics.org.au/media-advocacy/orthoptics-awareness-week-oaw/
Phone: 03 9857 9390
01-07 June
Haemochromatosis Awareness Week
Organisation: Haemochromatosis Australia
Haemochromatosis Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of haemochromatosis, or inherited iron overload disorder.
Location: National
Website: haemochromatosis.org.au/
Donate online
01-12 June
RISING is a surge of art, music, performance and ceremony in the heart of Melbourne. Under the full moon from 26 May to 6 June 2021, the city will re-synchronise and be re-energised with public art, performance and music spanning the emerging and iconic, the epic and intimate. RISING Festival takes the place of White Night.
Location: VIC
Website: www.facebook.com/risingmelb/
01-30 June
Organisation: Bowel Cancer Australia
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an annual initiative of Bowel Cancer Australia running throughout the month of June (1-30), to raise public awareness of a disease that claims the lives of 80 Australians every week.
Location: National
Website: www.bowelcancerawarenessmonth.org/
01-30 June
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that infects people of all ages and is usually harmless to people with a healthy immune system. CMV is the leading preventable viral cause of developmental disabilities. June is the time to raise awareness of CMV and to improve lives.
Location: International
Website: www.cmv.org.au/
01-30 June
Organisation: Migraine Australia
Migraine Awareness Month is an International Event held every year in June and is organised in Australia by Migraine Australia, a national patient advocacy organisation founded to support all Australians living with migraine and their families.
Website: www.migraine.org.au/
Fri 03 June
Mabo Day commemorates the anniversary of the 1992 High Court decision in the case brought by Eddie Mabo and others which recognised the existence in Australia of native title rights. The historic court decision buried the legal description of early Australia as 'terra nullius', or 'no man's land."
Location: National
Sat 04 June
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
Organisation: United Nations
The purpose of International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse.
Location: International
Website: www.un.org/en/observances/child-victim-day
Donate online
Sun 05 June
Organisation: United Nations
World Environment Day aims to be the world's biggest and most widely celebrated environmental action event.
Location: International
Sun 05 June
Pentecost is a Christian celebration of the fiftieth day after Easter. Pentecost Sunday, which marks the end of the Easter season in the Christian calendar, celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.
Location: International
07-12 June
(date to be confirmed)
Organisation: Arrhythmia Alliance Australia
Arrhythmias are responsible for between 23,000 and 33,000 sudden cardiac arrest deaths each year, many of which could be avoided with greater public awareness of their risks and symptoms. The most common arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation affects an estimated 240,000 Australians and increases the chance of someone suffering a stroke by five times.
Location: National
Website: www.heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/au
Wed 08 June
Organisation: United Nations
The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans. The lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe, the oceans are also a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.
Location: International
Website: www.un.org/en/observances/oceans-day
Donate online
08-15 June
(date to be confirmed)
Organisation: Queensland Community Foundation
The purpose of Philanthropy Week is to raise awareness of philanthropy itself, honour those who make an outstanding contribution to the community and advance support for the state's charities and community service organisations through sustainable giving. During the week the Queensland Community Foundation holds an awards luncheon to recognise significant philanthropic achievements.
Location: QLD
Website: qcf.org.au/
10-16 June
(date to be confirmed)
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
Organisation: Australian Association for Infant Mental Health Inc
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 is an international initiative that invites Government, industry and consumers to consider the distinct needs of babies and toddlers and to invest in the critical services that support the first thousand days (conception to age 2). <p>IMHAW promotes the importance of attachment and responsive, sensitive caregiving experiences for infant-family relationships beginning in the antenatal period.
Website: waimh.org/
Donate online
Sun 12 June
World Day Against Child Labour
Organisation: United Nations
World Day Against Child Labour aims to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the efforts needed to eliminate it.
Location: International
Website: www.un.org/en/observances/world-day-against-child-labour
Sun 12 June
MS Brissie to the Bay Bike Ride
Organisation: Multiple Sclerosis Queensland
The Brissie to the Bay Bike Ride is a fundraising event for Multiple Sclerosis.
Location: Brisbane
Website: brissietothebay.com.au/
13-19 June
(date to be confirmed)
International Men's Health Week
Organisation: Men's Health Information and Resource Centre
International Men's Health Week aims to increase awareness of the importance of good health in men, boys and their families.
Location: International
Website: www.menshealthweek.org.au/
13-19 June
Organisation: World Allergy Organisation
World Allergy Week aims to raise awareness of the impact of allergy in our communities. The Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australasia and ASCIA (as a member society of the WAO) are supporting this initiative in Australia and New Zealand through our new 'wear a spot of red' campaign. This campaign encourages our supporters to help raise awareness and funds to support research into allergy, by wearing a spot of red or holding an event in their home, school or workplace.
Website: www.allergyimmunology.org.au/support-aifa/worldallergyweek
Tue 14 June
Observed annually on June 14, International Bath Day roots back to Greek Archimedes who discovered on this day that an object's volume can be measured by submerging it into water. Archimedes discovered this while being in the bath!</p> <p>International Bath Day is celebrated by letting children play in the bath enabling them to explore and rejoice over their own new amazing bath time discoveries!
Tue 14 June
Organisation: United Nations
World Blood Donor Day is a reminder of the importance of blood donation. 1 in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime, while just 1 in 30 people currently donate.
Location: International
Wed 15 June
In more than 75 countries around the world, wind farms are in operation, generating energy from a clean and renewable source. Global Wind Day is a worldwide event for discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world.
Location: International
Website: www.globalwindday.org/
Wed 15 June
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Organisation: United Nations
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day seeks to prevent elder abuse incidents by giving targeted information and encouraging community participation on a broad scale.The day is about all of us working together to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older people wherever they live, and to highlight the need for appropriate action.
Location: International
Website: www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day/
Wed 15 June
Organisation: Bowel Cancer Australia
A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Red Apple Day, when Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through the purchase of a Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon and apple themed fundraising activities.
Location: National
Website: www.redappleday.org/
Fri 17 June
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
Organisation: United Nations
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought to promote public awareness of the issue, as well as developing a focus on the effects of climate change.
Location: International
Sun 19 June
Organisation: Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder in which abnormal haemoglobin is produced. Patients with this condition suffer from anaemia and pain crises amongst other complications due to abnormal sickled red blood cells. World Sickle Cell day was established based on recommendation by the United Nations is celebrated every year to raise awareness of the condition to improve treatment and search for a cure.
Location: International
Website: www.tasca.org.au
Address: 333 Waverley Road MT WAVERLEY VIC 3149
19-25 June
Organisation: The Refugee Council Of Australia
Refugee Week is used to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.<br><br> While a refugee's journey begins with danger, it also begins with hope. Refugees flee their homelands not only because they fear persecution, but also because they have hope: they hope to find freedom from persecution, and safety and security for themselves and their families; they hope to be given a chance to start a new life and recover from past trauma.
Location: National
Website: www.refugeeweek.org.au/
Donate online
Mon 20 June
Organisation: United Nations
World Refugee Day is used to raise awareness of the difficult lives led by refugees.
Location: International
20-26 June
(date to be confirmed)
Organisation: Continence Foundation of Australia
The Continence Foundation of Australia relies on its members and other individuals and organisations to assist with the promotion of World Continence Week and its theme to the local communities and media networks. Every year individuals and organisations have contributed in reaching out to its local networks, including those who are, or are at risk of becoming, incontinent.
Location: International
Website: www.continence.org.au/
20-27 June
(date to be confirmed)
Organisation: John Sands
Thinking of You Week is a special week that harnesses the emotional power of greeting cards to create a wave of love, caring and happiness around the world. Sending handwritten cards generates positive feelings and wellbeing. Science has shown that receiving a handwritten card creates a lovely warm positive boost. The fact that you have spent the time to make or chose a card, write it and send it makes people feel far more special and cared for than receiving instant texts, emails or Facebook messages.
Website: www.thinkingofyouweek.com.au/
Tue 21 June
Organisation: United Nations
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word 'yoga' derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
Location: International
Website: www.un.org/en/observances/yoga-day
Tue 21 June
Organisation: MND Australia
MND Global Day raises awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), which is a progressive neurological disease.
Location: NSW
Donate online
Thu 23 June
United Nations Public Service Day
Organisation: United Nations
The UN Public Service Day intends to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.
Location: International
Thu 23 June
Organisation: United Nations
The first International Widows' Day was observed on 23 June 2011, providing an opportunity to give special recognition to the plight of widows and their children in order to restore their human rights and alleviate poverty through empowerment.
Location: International
Website: www.un.org/en/observances/widows-day
Fri 24 June
Organisation: Advantage Petcare
Having dogs in the workplace has a whole range of benefits - from reducing stress to increasing productivity and improving team relationships. It's also great for your dog, who gets to spend the day with you rather than at home alone.
Location: International
Website: www.petsit.com
Sat 25 June
Organisation: United Nations
The Day of the Seafarer celebrates the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.
Location: International
Website: www.imo.org/About/Events/Pages/Day-of-the-Seafarer.aspx
Donate online
Sun 26 June
World Drug Day: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Organisation: United Nations
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a day used to raise awareness of the threat to public health and safety that illicit drugs pose.
Location: International
Sun 26 June
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Organisation: United Nations
Torture seeks to annihilate the victim's personality and denies the inherent dignity of the human being. The United Nations has condemned torture from the outset as one of the vilest acts perpetrated by human beings on their fellow human beings.
Location: International