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Days of Significance

At the RACP, we recognise Days of Significance as an opportunity to celebrate, commemorate, and raise awareness of important national and international events. These days bring people together to acknowledge events that are meaningful to diverse cultures, countries, and identities.

By fostering a respectful and inclusive culture, we aim to create a space where we can learn about and support the rich diversity of our communities.


January - February - March

 Day Event Description 
7 January Orthodox Christmas (Christianity) Many Orthodox Christians annually celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 to remember Jesus Christ’s birth, described in the Christian Bible. This date works to the Julian calendar that pre-dates the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly observed.
14-15 January Pongal (Hinduism - Tamil people in India & Sri Lanka) Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community, marking the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai. It celebrates the Sun, Mother Nature, and farm animals that help with the harvest.
Varies (usually in January) Mahayana New Year (Buddhism) This traditional Buddhist holiday commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, and is one of the most important events in the Buddhist calendar.
27 January International Holocaust Remembrance Day This day honours the victims of the Holocaust, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops in 1945. It reaffirms UNESCO’s commitment to countering antisemitism and intolerance.
First Week of February World Interfaith Harmony Week World Interfaith Harmony Week promotes mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue as important elements of a culture of peace.
6 February International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation This day aims to amplify and direct efforts towards the elimination of female genital mutilation.
6 February Rā o Waitangi / Waitangi Day (Aotearoa New Zealand) Waitangi Day commemorates the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, in 1840.
Early February Pasifika Festival (Aotearoa New Zealand) This festival celebrates the rich cultures of Pacific peoples in New Zealand. It started in 1993 and is held in Wellington and Auckland.
Varies (February or March) Losar (Tibetan New Year) Losar is celebrated in Tibetan Buddhism as the new year's festival and is marked on the first day of the lunisolar Tibetan calendar.
Between 21 January - 20 February Lunar New Year Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new year based on lunar calendars, celebrated in countries like China, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.
11 February International Day of Women and Girls in Science This day promotes equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields.
12 February The Freedom Ride (Australia) In 1965, students from the University of Sydney organized a bus journey to expose the appalling living conditions of Aboriginal people in rural Australia.
13 February Anniversary of the National Apology Day to Stolen Generations (2008) (Australia) This day commemorates the 2008 apology made by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the Stolen Generations for the forced removal of Indigenous children.
Varies Ash Wednesday (Christianity) Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent and is observed with prayer and fasting by many Western Christian denominations.
8 or 15 February Parinirvana Day (Buddhism) This Buddhist festival commemorates the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at age 80.
20 February World Day of Social Justice This day promotes gender equality, indigenous peoples’ rights, and the goal of full employment and social integration.
21 February International Mother Language Day This day promotes awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and advocates for multilingualism.
1 March Zero Discrimination Day This day celebrates the right of everyone to live a full, productive life with dignity, promoting inclusion, peace, and a movement for change.
First Sunday in March Te Rā O Ngā Tamariki (National Children’s Day) (Aotearoa New Zealand) This day celebrates children in New Zealand and encourages families to spend time together, thinking about how to help children thrive.
8 March International Women's Day International Women's Day focuses on gender equality, reproductive rights, and ending violence and abuse against women.
Varies Ramadan (Islam) Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims. It moves earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
15 March Christchurch Terror Attacks Anniversary This day remembers the terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019 that killed 51 victims.
21 March World Down Syndrome Day This day celebrates the uniqueness of Down syndrome, marked by the triplication of the 21st chromosome.
21 March International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Observed to remember the 1960 Sharpeville massacre, this day promotes solidarity in the fight against racism.
21 March Harmony Day (Australia) Harmony Day celebrates cultural diversity and fosters inclusiveness and respect within society.
Third Thursday of March National Close the Gap Day (Australia) This day calls for action to achieve Indigenous health equality by 2030.
21 March International Nowruz Day Nowruz, celebrated on the vernal equinox, marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the new year for many cultures worldwide.
March (Typically) Holi (Hindu) The Festival of Colours celebrates love, spring, and the triumph of good over evil, marking the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha.
26 March Purple Day (International) Purple Day raises epilepsy awareness globally, aiming to dispel myths and increase support for those with epilepsy.
Varies Maundy Thursday (Christianity) This day commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, marking the start of Holy Week.
Varies Good Friday (Christianity) Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed as part of the Paschal Triduum during Holy Week.
31 March International Transgender Day of Visibility (LGBTQIA+) Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates trans pride and awareness, recognizing the achievements and experiences of gender-diverse people.

April – May – June

 Day Event Description 
2 April World Autism Awareness Day World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed to affirm and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic people on an equal basis with others.
4-6 April Qing Ming Festival (Chinese) The Qing Ming Festival, literally meaning Pure Brightness Festival, is a holiday devoted to remembering and honouring the deceased, with people sweeping graves, burning incense, and making food offerings.
16 May Bringing Them Home Report Anniversary (Australia) On 26 May 1997, the Bringing Them Home report, which investigated the forced removal of Indigenous children, was tabled in Federal Parliament, marking a pivotal moment in the healing journey for many Stolen Generations members.
7 April World Health Day World Health Day focuses on important health issues, aiming to provide an opportunity to highlight global health problems and raise awareness.
13-15 April Baisakhi or Vaisakhi (Sikh & Hindu) Baisakhi marks the first day of Vaisakh and is celebrated as a spring harvest festival, particularly in Punjab and Northern India.
14-15 April Pohela Boishakh (Bengali) Pohela Boishakh is the Bengali New Year, celebrated on 14 April in Bangladesh and 15 April in parts of India, marking the beginning of the new year in the official calendar of Bangladesh.
14 April Puthandu (Tamil) Puthandu, or Tamil New Year, is celebrated as the first day of the Tamil year according to the solar cycle of the Tamil calendar.
13-14 April Aluth Avurudda (Sinhalese) Aluth Avurudda, or Sinhalese New Year, is celebrated in Sri Lanka to mark the traditional New Year of the Sinhalese people and Tamil population.
13 April Songkran (Buddhism) Songkran is the Buddhist New Year celebration, particularly marked by water-splashing festivities in countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and others.
20-21 April Ridván (Bahá'í Faith) Ridván is a twelve-day festival commemorating Bahá'u'lláh’s declaration that he was a Manifestation of God, celebrated starting on the 13th of Jalál in the Bahá'í calendar.
15-16 April Passover (Pesach) (Judaism) Passover, or Pesach, is a major Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
April (Full Moon) Theravada New Year (Buddhism) Theravada New Year is celebrated on the first full moon of April, marking Buddha's birth, death, and enlightenment, and the start of the rainy season.
26 April Lesbian Visibility Week (LGBTQIA+) Lesbian Visibility Week is an annual event dedicated to increasing awareness of lesbian women and their issues.
28 April World Day for Safety and Health at Work This day promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
First Sunday in May International Family Equality Day (International; LGBTQIA+) International Family Equality Day celebrates the diversity of LGBTQ+ families worldwide.
15 May International Day of Families This day highlights the importance of families and the role they play in the development of children and communities worldwide.
Mid-May Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta (Rotuman Language Week) Rotuman Language Week celebrates the culture and language of the Rotuman people, promoting the use of their language.
16 May International Day of Living Together in Peace The day promotes the desire to live together, united in differences and diversity, to build a sustainable world of peace and harmony.
Third Thursday in May Global Accessibility Awareness Day Global Accessibility Awareness Day raises awareness for digital access and inclusion for over one billion people living with disabilities or impairments.
17 May International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) Day This day raises awareness about LGBT rights violations and promotes equality for LGBT communities worldwide.
21 May World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development This UN day promotes cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue to achieve greater unity.
April-May-June Vesak, Day of the Full Moon (Buddhism) Vesak is a sacred day for Buddhists, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.
24 May Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day (LGBTQIA+) Pansexual Awareness & Visibility Day highlights the pansexual community and combats stigma and prejudice.
26 May - 1 June Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa (Samoan Language Week) (Aotearoa New Zealand) This week celebrates Samoan language and culture in New Zealand, encouraging the use of Samoan language in schools and homes.
26 May National Sorry Day/National Apology Day (Australia) National Sorry Day commemorates the Stolen Generations, aiming for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
27 May Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum (Australia) Marks the referendum when Australians voted overwhelmingly in favour of changing the constitution to recognise Indigenous Australians.
27 May - 3 June National Reconciliation Week (Australia) National Reconciliation Week celebrates milestones in reconciliation, including the 1967 referendum and Mabo decision.
28 May LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day (International; LGBTQIA+) This day highlights the issue of domestic violence within the LGBTQIA+ community and raises awareness for its victims.
1 June Global Day of Parents (International) Global Day of Parents honours parents worldwide and their significant role in children's upbringing.
June Pride Month (International; LGBTQIA+) Pride Month celebrates and commemorates LGBTQ+ pride, originating from the Stonewall riots of 1969.
1 June Samoa Independence Day Samoa celebrates its independence from colonial rule, making it the first Pacific nation to do so.
3 June Mabo Day (Australia) Mabo Day commemorates Eddie Koiko Mabo, whose legal challenge led to the recognition of Indigenous land rights in Australia.
4 June Tonga Independence Day Tonga celebrates its independence from colonial rule and its entry into the Commonwealth and UN.
Dragon Boat Festival (Chinese) Dragon Boat Festival A holiday honouring Qu Yuan, commemorated with dragon boat races and eating sticky rice dumplings called zongzi.
15 May - 14 June Shavuot (Jewish) Shavuot is a Jewish festival that marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the end of the grain harvest.
13 June International Albinism Awareness Day This day celebrates the human rights of people with albinism worldwide, raising awareness about their challenges.
June Eid al-Adha (Islam) Eid al-Adha honours the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command and is marked by sacrifices and prayers.
18 June International Day for Countering Hate Speech Promotes action against hate speech and intolerance, aiming to build a world free of xenophobia, racism, and other forms of hatred.
19 June International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict Raises awareness about the need to end sexual violence in conflict and honours its victims and survivors.
20 June World Refugee Day World Refugee Day honours refugees and promotes understanding and support for their rights and well-being.
Late June or Early July Matariki (Māori New Year) (Aotearoa New Zealand) Matariki marks the Māori New Year and is celebrated with festivals, feasts, and reflections on the past year.

July – August – September

 Day Event Description 
July Disability Pride Month (International) Disability Pride Month honours the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community.
1 July The Coming of the Light (Australia) Celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders to mark the arrival of the London Missionary Society in the Torres Strait Islands in 1871, introducing Christianity.
July (varies) Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) The first day of the Islamic lunar calendar, marking the start of the new year in the Islamic calendar.
First Sunday in July NAIDOC Week (Australia) NAIDOC Week celebrates and raises awareness about the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
7 July Solomon Islands Independence Day Celebrates the Solomon Islands gaining self-governance and sovereignty in 1978.
7-13 July Wikin te Taetae ni Kiribati (Kiribati Language Week) An event celebrating the language and culture of Kiribati.
12 July Kiribati Independence Day Marks the day Kiribati gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979.
14 July International Non-Binary Peoples Day (LGBTQIA+) Celebrates and raises awareness about non-binary people who do not identify with the traditional gender binary.
4-10 August Cook Islands Language Week Celebrates the language and culture of the Cook Islands, promoting Cook Islands Māori.
4 August Te Maeva Nui- Cook Islands Constitutional Day Marks the establishment of the Cook Islands as a self-governing nation in 1965.
4 August National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day (Australia) A day to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their contributions to the community.
9 August International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples Raises awareness of and protects the rights of indigenous populations worldwide.
12 August International Youth Day Designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about the challenges youth face worldwide.
18-24 August Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga (Tonga Language Week) Celebrates the language and culture of Tonga.
22 August International Day of Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief Recognizes the importance of supporting victims of violence due to religion or belief.
Last Friday in August Wear It Purple Day (Australia, LGBTQIA+) An awareness day for LGBTQIA+ youth, where supporters wear purple to celebrate diversity and support young LGBTQIA+ individuals.
31 August International Day for People of African Descent Honours the heritage, culture, and influence of Africans and the African diaspora globally.
First Wednesday in September Indigenous Literacy Day (Australia) Raises awareness about the educational struggles faced by Australia's First Nations communities.
Second Thursday in September R U Okay? Day (Australia) Encourages public discussions about social isolation and mental health, emphasizing help-seeking behavior and community support.
13 September Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (International) Marks the anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which outlines protections for indigenous communities globally.
Mid-September Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week (Aotearoa New Zealand) A week dedicated to the celebration and promotion of the Māori language in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Mid-September Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival (Chinese) Celebrates the harvest with mooncakes and a full moon, a key event in Chinese culture.
16 September Papua New Guinea Independence Day Commemorates Papua New Guinea's independence from Australia in 1975.
18 September International Equal Pay Day A day dedicated to advocating for equal pay for equal work, addressing gender pay gaps globally.
21 September International Day of Peace A global day dedicated to the pursuit of peace and the rights of all humans to live in peace.
23 September International Day of Sign Languages (People with Disability) Raises awareness about the importance of sign languages for the deaf community globally.
23 September Bi Visibility Day (International; LGBTQIA+) Celebrates bisexuality and bisexual individuals, raising awareness of the bisexual community.
29 September - 5 October Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu (Tuvalu Language Week) A week to celebrate and promote the language and culture of Tuvalu.
30 September International Translation Day Honours translators worldwide, recognizing their work to bridge cultural gaps and promote cross-cultural understanding.

October – November – December

 Day Event Description 
1 October International Day of Older Persons The International Day of Older Persons is celebrated annually to recognize the contributions of older persons and to examine issues that affect their lives.
October ADHD Awareness Month (International) ADHD Awareness Month occurs annually throughout October to raise awareness and educate the public about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
1 October Tuvalu Independence Day Tuvalu Independence Day is remembered every year on October 1 to celebrate its independence from British colonial rule in 1978.
October Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Rosh HaShanah is the New Year in Judaism, marking the start of the High Holy Days.
Early October Macawa ni Vosa VakaViti (Fijian Language Week) Fiji Language Week celebrates the culture and language of Fiji.
8 October International Lesbian Day (LGBTQIA+) A day to celebrate lesbians, their culture, history, and diversity, mostly celebrated in New Zealand and Australia.
10 October World Mental Health Day World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma.
10 October Fiji Independence Day Fiji gained independence from British colonial rule on this date in 1970.
11 October National Coming Out Day (LGBTQIA+) A day to support and celebrate individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community sharing their authentic selves.
11 October International Day of the Girl Child A day to raise awareness of the challenges facing girls, especially those in poverty.
10 October Yom Kippur (Judaism) The holiest day of the year in Judaism, focused on atonement and repentance.
October Vijayadashami (Hinduism) A major Hindu festival marking the end of Durga Puja and Navaratri.
13-19 October Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue (Niue Language Week) Niue Language Week celebrates the culture and language of Niue.
15 October International Day of Rural Women This day highlights the role and situation of women in rural areas.
Third Wednesday of October International Pronouns Day (LGBTQIA+) A day to make respecting and sharing personal pronouns commonplace.
October Sukkot (Tabernacles) (Judaism) A Jewish festival commemorating God's provision in the Wilderness and looking ahead to the Messianic age.
19 October Niue Independence Day Celebrating Niue's independence from New Zealand in 1974.
Last week of October Asexual Awareness Week (International; LGBTQIA+) A week dedicated to raising awareness of asexuality.
26 October Intersex Awareness Day (International; LGBTQIA+) An awareness day to highlight human rights issues faced by intersex people.
27 October - 2 November Te Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau (Tokelau Language Week) Tokelau Language Week celebrates the culture and language of Tokelau.
October-November Deepavali (also known as Diwali) (Hinduism) India's biggest festival, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
November Bhai Tika (also known as Bhai Dooj and Bhathru Dwithiya) (Hinduism) A Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
8 November Intersex Solidarity Day (also known as Intersex Day of Remembrance) A civil awareness day to highlight the issues faced by intersex people.
10-16 November Papua Niugini Tok Pisin Wik (Papua New Guinea Pidgin Language Week) Celebrating the culture and language of Papua New Guinea.
13-19 November Transgender Awareness Week (International; LGBTQIA+) A week to raise awareness of transgender issues and transphobic violence.
16 November International Day for Tolerance A day to raise awareness of the dangers of intolerance.
19 November International Men's Day A day to raise awareness of men's issues like parental alienation, homelessness, and violence.
19 November World Toilet Day A day to raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis.
20 November Transgender Day of Remembrance (International; LGBTQIA+) A day to memorialize victims of transphobic violence.
24-30 November Solomon Aelan Pijin Langguis Wik (Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week) Celebrating the culture and language of Solomon Islands.
25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women A day to amplify efforts to raise awareness about gender-based violence.
1 December World AIDS Day A day to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic and honour those who have died from HIV.
2 December International Day for the Abolition of Slavery A day to commemorate the adoption of the UN agreement to eliminate human trafficking and exploitation.
3 December International Day of Persons with Disabilities A day to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
10 December Human Rights Day A reminder of the importance of respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights globally.
18 December International Migrants Day A day to raise awareness about the challenges faced by international migrants.
20 December International Human Solidarity Day A day to promote solidarity for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty eradication.
24 December Christmas Eve (Christianity) The evening or day before Christmas Day, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Late November – December Hanukkah (Judaism) A Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple and the Maccabean Revolt.
25 December Christmas Day (Christianity) Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed as a religious and cultural holiday.

If there are other national and internationally recognised dates you would like us to include in the calendar of days of significance, email racp.diversity@racp.edu.au

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