Events Calendar 2026

1 March 2026

On Zero Discrimination Day, we celebrate the right of everyone to live a full and productive life—and live it with dignity. 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. This year, the theme is “We stand together”. Find out more information here: Zero Discrimination Day

4 March 2026

Balance the Scales is a promise that every woman and girl – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives. Yet in 2026, too many across Australia and the world are still denied that fair go. Discriminatory laws, policies, and practices persist. Gender-based violence remains widespread, and structural barriers block too many from seeking or receiving justice. Find out more information here: International Women's Day

Monday 17 - Sunday 23 March 2025

Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. You can wear orange to show your support, or you can attend/host a Harmony Week event. Find out more information here: Harmony Week

16 to 20 March 2026

Founded by Siena Castellon in 2018, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. Find out more information here: Neurodiversity Week

23 April 2026

Children and adolescents form a third of the world's population. Research has demonstrated that adverse experiences in childhood impact lifelong mental and physical health. Most mental disorders develop in childhood and adolescence (before the age of 25), and one-quarter of disability-adjusted life years for mental and substance use disorders occur in youths. The prevalence of mental disorders continues to rise in the young and is higher than in adults. The need to improve understanding of this, as well as to create awareness of its importance in families, communities and societies, cannot be underestimated.

The initiation of a World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day (WICAMHD) to:

1. Recognise the global importance of infant, child and adolescent mental health.
2. Advocate for the promotion of mental health and prevention of mental illness in infants, children and adolescents. Find out more information here: World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day

28 April 2026

AI and digital tools are revolutionising occupational safety and health. Today, robots are operating in hazardous environments, doing the heavy lifting, managing toxic materials and working in extreme temperatures. They take on repetitive and monotonous tasks, while digital devices and sensors can detect hazards early on. At the same time, in the absence of adequate OSH measures, digital technologies can lead to accidents, ergonomic risks, work intensification, reduced job control and blurred boundaries.

The campaign will shed light on how new technologies are transforming OSH, including through the automation of tasks, use of smart OSH tools and monitoring systems, extended reality and virtual reality and algorithmic management of work. Find out more information here: Work Safety Day

24 May 2026

World Schizophrenia Awareness Day serves to break the stigma and raise awareness for better mental health care. Schizophrenia is a complex and often stigmatised mental health condition. Many people who live with it face social isolation, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare and support services.

Raising awareness about schizophrenia can help reduce stigma and promote greater understanding and support for those affected by the condition. Find out more information here: World Schizophrenia Awareness

10 June 2026

Thank a First Responder Day 2026 will be held on Wednesday, 10 June to encourage the community to give thanks for the incredible work first responders do and the families that support them.

In 2025, first responders and their families across Australia received an outpouring of gratitude from the community. Events were held across the country, cards and mementos were dropped at stations, and messages of gratitude flooded social media.

Thank a First Responder Day is an initiative of Fortem Australia, an independent not-for-profit supporting the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and their families. Find out more information here: Thank a First Responder Day