AUG-DEC 2026 Early Childhood Services Calendar of Events and Awareness Days
- The Educators' Domain
- 1 day ago
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2026
💜 1st–7th – World Breastfeeding Week
(Supporting breastfeeding, infant health and caregiver wellbeing, and recognising the role of families, services and communities in nurturing babies.)
💜 1st–31st – Happiness Happens Month
(Encouraging everyday joy, gratitude and positive wellbeing practices for children, educators and families.)
💜 1st–31st – Platypus Month (Australia)
(Raising awareness of the platypus, Australian waterways and the importance of caring for rivers, creeks and habitats.)
💜 3rd – Picnic Day – Public Holiday (NT)
(Northern Territory public holiday held on the first Monday in August, often marked with picnics and community events.)
💜 3rd–7th – NSW Public Education Week
(Celebrating learning and teaching across NSW public schools and early learning services. Theme 2026: Inspiring Excellence)
💜 3rd–9th – Early Learning Matters Week
(Celebrating the importance of early learning, play-based experiences, strong relationships and the vital role educators, families and communities play in supporting children’s development, wellbeing and learning.)
💜 3rd-9th – Dental Health Week (Australia)
(Promoting healthy teeth and gums, daily oral hygiene and positive dental habits. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💜 3rd-9th –Keep Australia Beautiful Week
(Encouraging litter prevention, waste reduction and pride in caring for local environments. Theme 2026: Beautiful Spaces – Happy Places! )
💜 3rd–9th – Homelessness Week
(Raising awareness of homelessness in Australia and encouraging compassion, community support and the importance of safe, secure places to live. Theme 2026: Homelessness Action Now.)
💜 4th – National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
(A national day celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their cultures, strengths and connections to family, community and Country. Theme 2026: Living Our Truth)
✨ View our Free Posters here (COMING SOON)
💜 6th – Jeans for Genes Day (Australia)
(National fundraising day supporting research into childhood genetic conditions – often marked by wearing jeans and learning about science and helping others.)
💜 8th – Happiness Happens Day
(Encouraging children, educators and families to notice small moments of joy, practise gratitude, share kindness and celebrate the everyday things that make them feel happy. )
💜 9th – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
(United Nations day recognising Indigenous cultures, histories, rights and contributions worldwide.)
💜 10th – World Lion Day (Highlighting lions, their habitats and conservation, and inspiring care for wildlife.)
💜 12th – International Youth Day
(United Nations day recognising young people’s voices, participation and rights.)
💜 12th – World Elephant Day
(Raising awareness of elephants, their habitats and the importance of wildlife protection.)
💜 14th – World Lizard Day
(Exploring reptiles, Australian lizards and respectful observation of wildlife.)
💜 15th – World Honey Bee Day
(Raising awareness of honey bees, pollinators, beekeepers and the important role bees play in gardens, food production and healthy environments)
💜 15th–23rd – National Science Week
(Schools theme 2026: “Seeds of science: Nurturing knowledge for all” – exploring how curiosity, questions and shared ideas help knowledge grow.) ✨ View our Science Week Ideas here
💜 17th–21st – Bullying No Way! Week
(National focus on preventing bullying and promoting safe, inclusive and respectful learning environments. Theme 2026: Small Acts, Big Impact.)
💜 19th – International Orangutan Day
(Highlighting orangutans, rainforest habitats and sustainable choices.)
💜 19th – World Humanitarian Day
(Recognising people who support others during crises and emergencies, and promoting compassion and kindness.)
💜 19th – National Potato Day
(A fun food-based day for cooking, planting and exploring where food comes from.)
💜 20th – Daffodil Day (Australia)
(Cancer Council fundraising day symbolising hope and support for people affected by cancer. Date set by Cancer Council.)
💜 22nd–28th – Children’s Book Week (CBCA – Australia)
(Celebrating Australian children’s literature through stories, dress-ups and shared reading. Theme 2026: “Symphony of Stories”.)
💜 23rd–29th – Speech Pathology Week (Australia)
(Raising awareness of communication, language and the important role of speech pathologists. Theme 2026: Communication creates possibility.)
💜 26th – International Dog Day
(Celebrating dogs and promoting safe, respectful behaviour around animals.) ✨ View our My Pets ideas here
💜 27th – Red Nose Day (Australia)
(Fundraising day supporting families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and the death of a baby or child.)
💜 28th – Wear It Purple Day
(Supporting LGBTQIA+ young people and promoting environments where everyone feels safe, valued and included.)
💜 28th – Raksha Bandhan
(A Hindu festival celebrating the bond between siblings and the values of care, protection and connection. Date may vary slightly by community.)
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2026
💛 1st–30th – Biodiversity Month (Australia)
(Raising awareness of Australia’s rich biodiversity and encouraging care for ecosystems, plants and animals through everyday learning and connection with nature.)
💛 1st–30th – Save the Koala Month (Australia)
(Focusing on koala conservation, habitat protection and helping children understand how we care for native wildlife.)
💛 1st–30th – International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
(Raising awareness of childhood cancer and supporting children and families affected, with age-appropriate conversations around care and kindness.)
💛 1st – National Wattle Day
(Celebrating Australia’s national floral emblem and exploring native plants, colours and seasonal changes.)
💛 31 Aug–6 Sept – National Superhero Week
(Celebrating everyday heroes including educators, families, carers and community helpers. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💛 31 Aug–4 Sept – Teacher Aide Appreciation Week (Australia)
(Recognising the vital role teacher aides and support staff play in learning, inclusion and wellbeing across education settings.)
💛 2nd – Early Childhood Educators’ Day
(Acknowledging the professionalism, dedication and impact of early childhood educators.)
✨ View our Free Certificates here
💛 2nd – National Health and Physical Education Day
(Promoting movement, active play and lifelong healthy habits. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💛 2nd – Indigenous Literacy Day
(Celebrating First Nations stories, languages and the importance of literacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.)
💛 4th- Krishna Janmashtami
(Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. Date may vary by community.)
✨ View our FREE Pack here
💛 5th–7th – Chuseok
(Korean harvest festival celebrating gratitude, family connection and sharing. Dates may vary slightly by community.)
💛 6th – Father’s Day
(Celebrating fathers and special people who play a caring role in children’s lives.)
✨ View our Father’s Day Ideas here
💛 6th–12th – National Child Protection Week (Australia-wide focus on child safety, wellbeing and shared responsibility. Theme 2026: TBC.)
✨ View our FREE Project Ideas here
💛 7th – Threatened Species Day
(Commemorating the extinction of the thylacine and raising awareness of protecting endangered species.)
💛 8th – International Literacy Day
(United Nations day highlighting the importance of literacy as a foundation for learning and life.)
💛 10th – R U OK? Day
(Australia’s national day encouraging meaningful conversations and checking in on one another.)
💛 11th – Bravehearts Day
(Raising awareness of child sexual abuse prevention and empowering children to feel safe and supported.)
💛 12th – World First Aid Day
(Promoting basic first aid awareness and caring for ourselves and others. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💛 13th – Roald Dahl Day
(Celebrating imagination, storytelling and a love of books through playful literacy experiences.)
💛 13th – National Bilby Day
(Raising awareness of Australia’s bilby and the importance of protecting native habitats.)
💛 14th – Māori Language Day
(Celebrating te reo Māori and the importance of language in identity and culture.)
💛 14th–20th – Foster Care Week (Australia)
(Recognising foster and kinship carers and the importance of safe, nurturing homes. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💛 15th–21st – National Organic Week
(Highlighting organic farming, sustainability and caring for land and food systems. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💛 15th–21st – Māori Language Week (Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori)
(Celebrating and promoting the Māori language and culture.)
💛 16th – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
(Raising awareness of protecting the Earth’s atmosphere and caring for our planet.)
💛 19th – Talk Like a Pirate Day
(A playful, imagination-filled day supporting language, dramatic play and creativity.)✨ View our FREE Pack here
💛 19th – Clean Up the World Day
(Global day encouraging communities to take action for a cleaner, healthier environment.)
💛 21st – World Gratitude Day
(Encouraging appreciation, thankfulness and positive relationships.)
💛 21st – International Day of Peace
(United Nations day promoting peace, kindness and respectful communities.)
💛 22nd – World Rhino Day
(Raising awareness of rhino conservation and protecting endangered wildlife.)
💛 21st–27th – National Week of Deaf People
(Celebrating Deaf culture, Auslan and inclusive communication. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💛 23rd – International Day of Sign Languages
(Promoting the importance of sign languages and communication inclusion.)
💛 25th – Footy Colours Day (AFL)
(Fundraising event supporting children with cancer, often marked by wearing footy colours.)
💛 25th – Save the Koala Day
(National day highlighting urgent action needed to protect koalas and their habitats.)
💛 28th – King’s Birthday Public Holiday (WA)
(Western Australia public holiday.)
💛 29th – World Heart Day
(Raising awareness of heart health and wellbeing across the lifespan.)
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2026
🖤 1st – International Day of Older Persons
(United Nations day recognising the contributions, rights and wellbeing of older people and intergenerational connections.)
🖤 1st–31st – Mental Health Month (Australia)
(Raising awareness of mental health, wellbeing and help-seeking for individuals, families and communities.)
🖤 1st–31st – ADHD Awareness Month
(Increasing understanding, acceptance and strengths-based perspectives of ADHD. Theme 2026: TBC.)
🖤 1st–31st – Dyslexia Awareness Month
(Raising awareness of dyslexia and promoting inclusive, strengths-based learning approaches. Theme 2026: TBC.)
🖤 1st–7th – Australian Wildlife Week
(Celebrating Australia’s native wildlife and encouraging conservation and care for animals and habitats.)
🖤 1st – International Coffee Day
(Celebrating coffee culture and connection – often acknowledged by educators and families.)
🖤 1st – World Vegetarian Day
(Highlighting plant-based foods, sustainability and where food comes from.)
🖤 2nd–4th – Rosh Hashanah
(Jewish New Year celebrating reflection, renewal and new beginnings. Dates may vary slightly by community.)
🖤 2nd – World Farm Animal Day
(Raising awareness of farm animals and promoting respectful, ethical care.)
🖤 3rd–12th – Navaratri
(Hindu festival celebrating strength, renewal and the divine feminine. Dates may vary by community.)
🖤 4th–10th – World Space Week
(UN-recognised week celebrating science, space and technology. Theme 2026: TBC.)
🖤 4th – World Smile Day
(Encouraging kindness, positivity and simple acts that make others smile.)
🖤 4th – International Taco Day
(Fun food-themed day for cooking, pretend play and cultural food exploration.)
🖤 5th – World Teachers’ Day
(Celebrating the role of teachers in education and lifelong learning.)
🖤 5th–11th – Mental Health Week (QLD)
(Queensland focus on mental health awareness and community wellbeing. Theme 2026: TBC.)
🖤 6th – World Habitat Day
(UN day focusing on human settlements, sustainable communities and caring for places we live.)
🖤 6th – World Cotton Day
(Raising awareness of cotton production and sustainable textiles.)
🖤 7th – Labour Day Public Holiday (ACT, NSW, SA)
(Public holiday recognising workers’ rights and contributions.)
🖤 7th – King’s Birthday Public Holiday (QLD)
(Queensland public holiday.)
🖤 9th – World Post Day
(Recognising postal services and communication around the world.)
🖤 10th – World Mental Health Day
(Global focus on mental health awareness and reducing stigma. Theme 2026: TBC.)
🖤 10th – National Hat Day (#LiftTheLidOnMentalIllness)
(Raising awareness and funds for mental health through wearing a hat.)
🖤 10th – World Sight Day
(Highlighting eye health, vision care and inclusion for people with vision impairment.)
✨ View our Free Sunglasses Pack here
🖤 11th – World Egg Day
(Celebrating eggs as a food source and exploring where food comes from.)
🖤 11th–12th – Yom Kippur
(Jewish Day of Atonement focused on reflection and renewal. Dates may vary slightly by community.)
🖤 14th–20th – National Nutrition Week (Australia)
(Promoting healthy eating habits and positive food relationships. Theme 2026: TBC.)
✨ View our Health and Nutrition Pack here
🖤 14th–20th – Aussie Backyard Bird Count
(Citizen science event encouraging observation and appreciation of local birds.)
🖤 15th – National Mushroom Day
(Celebrating mushrooms and food exploration.)
🖤 15th – Global Handwashing Day
(Promoting hand hygiene and preventing the spread of illness.)
✨ View our FREE Handwashing Banner here
🖤 16th – World Bread Day
(Celebrating bread, baking traditions and food cultures.)
🖤 18th – Loud Shirt Day
(Supporting children with hearing loss and raising awareness of communication inclusion.)
🖤 19th–25th – National Children’s Week
(Celebrating children’s rights, voices and wellbeing. Theme 2026: TBC.)
🖤 19-25th – National Water Week
(Promoting water conservation and sustainable water use. Theme 2026: TBC.)
✨ View our Water Play Pack here
🖤 23rd – Children’s Day (Australia)
(Celebrating children, their voices and their right to play, learn and feel safe.)
🖤 24th – World Kangaroo Day
(Raising awareness of kangaroo protection and conservation.)
🖤 24th – National Bandanna Day
(Fundraising and awareness day supporting children with cancer.)
🖤 25th – World Pasta Day
(Fun food-based day exploring cooking and cultural foods.)
🖤 25th – International Artists Day (Celebrating creativity, self-expression and the arts.)
🖤 27th – National Grandparents’ Day
(Celebrating grandparents and special older people in children’s lives.)
✨ View our Grandparents Day Pack here
🖤 27th–31st – Queensland State Education Week
(Celebrating learning, partnerships and education across Queensland.)
🖤 31st – Halloween
(Celebrating imaginative play, dress-ups and community fun.)
🖤 31st – Day for Daniel
(Australia-wide child safety awareness day focusing on keeping children safe.)
2026
🧡 1st–30th – Movember (Men’s Health Month)
(Raising awareness of men’s health, including mental health and suicide prevention, and encouraging early support-seeking and healthy habits.)
🧡 1st–30th – National Adoption & Permanency Awareness Month (Australia)
(Building awareness of adoption, permanency and the importance of safe, stable, loving homes for children and young people.)
🧡 1st – World Vegan Day (Exploring plant-based foods, sustainability and food choices in respectful, age-appropriate ways.)
🧡 1st – All Saints’ Day (Christian)
(A Christian day remembering saints and people of faith. Observed by some families and communities.)
🧡 3rd – Melbourne Cup Day (VIC public holiday)
(Victorian public holiday held on the first Tuesday in November. Many services run simple “fashions/fun hat” style activities.)
✨ View our Free Melb Cup Pack here
🧡 5th – Outdoor Classroom Day (Global celebration of outdoor play and learning, encouraging children to explore, move and investigate outside.)
🧡 8th–15th – Australian Food Safety Week (Highlighting simple steps to reduce foodborne illness and support safe food handling at home and in services. Theme 2026: TBC.)
🧡 8th – Diwali / Deepavali
(Festival of Lights celebrated by many Hindu, Sikh and Jain families, focusing on light, hope, family and community. Date may vary slightly by community.)
🧡 9th–13th – World Nursery Rhyme Week
(Celebrating the value of nursery rhymes for early language, rhythm, memory and connection. Official rhymes 2026: ♫Hickory Dickory Dock
♫Doctor Foster
♫Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat
♫Row Row Row Your Boat
♫12345
🧡 9th–15th – National Recycling Week (Australia)
(Planet Ark’s national week promoting “recycle right”, waste reduction and positive sustainability habits. Theme 2026: TBC.)
✨ View our Recycling Activity Pack here
🧡 10th – Directors Day (ECEC)
(Recognising the leadership and wellbeing of service directors and educational leaders across early childhood settings.)
✨ View our FREE Directors’ Day Certificate & Thank You Card Pack here
🧡 10th – World Science Day for Peace and Development
(UNESCO day highlighting the role of science in society and supporting children’s curiosity, inquiry and wonder.)
🧡 11th – Remembrance Day
(A national day of remembrance, often marked with poppies, simple symbols of peace, and gentle reflection.)
✨ View our Free Pack here
🧡 13th – World Kindness Day
(Encouraging kindness, empathy and helpful actions within families, services and communities.)
🧡 13th–19th – Transgender Awareness Week
(Building understanding, inclusion and safety for transgender and gender-diverse people.)
🧡 14th – World Diabetes Day
(Raising awareness of diabetes and healthy lifestyles. Theme 2026: TBC.)
🧡 16th – International Day for Tolerance
(Focusing on acceptance, respect and inclusion, supporting children to recognise and celebrate difference.)
🧡 17th – World Prematurity Day
(Raising awareness of babies born too soon and recognising families’ strength and support needs.)
🧡 19th – International Men’s Day
(Acknowledging men’s wellbeing, positive role models and healthy relationships.)
🧡 19th – World Toilet Day
(United Nations day highlighting sanitation, hygiene and access to safe toilets globally.)
🧡 20th – World Children’s Day (UN)
(Celebrating children’s rights, voices and wellbeing.)
🧡 20th – Transgender Day of Remembrance
(A day of remembrance and solidarity, reinforcing safety and respect.)
🧡 21st – World Fisheries Day
(Raising awareness of sustainable fishing, oceans and caring for waterways and marine life.)
🧡 21st–29th – Social Inclusion Week (Australia)
(Theme: “CONNECT, COLLABORATE & CELEBRATE!” — focusing on belonging, participation and community connection.)
🧡 24th – National Fairy Bread Day
(A fun Australian food day supporting cooking experiences and shared traditions.)
🧡 25th – White Ribbon Day / International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women(Promoting respectful relationships and safety. Campaign messaging 2026: TBC.)
2026
❤️ 1st – World AIDS Day
(Raising awareness, understanding and compassion, and supporting communities affected by HIV. Theme 2026: TBC.)
❤️ 1st –National Water Safety Day
(Declared by the Federal Government to coincide with the first day of summer, urging Australians to prioritize water safety as drowning risks peak during the holiday season.)
💚 2nd – International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
(United Nations day recognising human rights, dignity and the importance of freedom and safety for all.)
❤️ 3rd – International Day of People with Disability / International Day of Persons with Disabilities
(Celebrating inclusion, accessibility and the rights of people with disability. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💚 4th–12th – Hanukkah
(Jewish Festival of Lights celebrating hope, faith and community. Observed from sundown 4th to nightfall 12th; dates may vary slightly by community.)
❤️ 4th – International Cookie Day
(A fun food day for cooking experiences, measuring, mixing and sharing traditions in age-appropriate ways.)
💚 5th – International Volunteer Day
(Recognising the contribution of volunteers and community helpers. Theme 2026: TBC.)
❤️ 5th – World Soil Day
(Exploring gardening, composting and caring for environments through nature play. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💚 5th – Mannalargenna Day (Tasmania)
(Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural celebration recognising Mannalargenna and Palawa community connection and culture.)
❤️ 7th – International Civil Aviation Day
(United Nations day recognising the role of aviation in connecting communities globally.)
💚 9th – International Anti-Corruption Day
(United Nations day promoting fairness, honesty and integrity in communities.)
❤️ 9th – International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
(United Nations day promoting human dignity, safety and prevention of harm.)
💚 10th – International Animal Rights Day
(Encouraging kindness and respectful care for animals and living things.)
❤️ 10th – Human Rights Day
(United Nations day recognising dignity, fairness and rights for all. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💚 11th – International Mountain Day
(Celebrating mountain environments and sustainability. Theme 2026: TBC.)
❤️ 12th – International Universal Health Coverage Day
(United Nations day promoting health, access and wellbeing for everyone, everywhere.)
💚 18th – World Arabic Language Day
(Celebrating Arabic language and culture, and the role of language in identity and belonging.)
❤️ 18th – International Migrants Day
(Recognising the contributions of migrants and promoting welcoming, inclusive communities. Theme 2026: TBC.)
💚 20th – International Human Solidarity Day
(United Nations day focusing on kindness, helping others and community connection.)
❤️ 24th – Christmas Eve
(A significant day for many families; services may acknowledge with calm celebrations and family connection.)
💚 25th – Christmas Day (Public Holiday)(National public holiday in Australia.)
❤️ 26th – Boxing Day (Public Holiday)(National public holiday in Australia.)
💚 26th Dec–1st Jan – Kwanzaa
(Cultural celebration of community, heritage and values. Observed by some families and communities.)
❤️ 28th – Additional Public Holiday for Boxing Day (Australia)
(Observed in many states/territories when Boxing Day falls on a weekend — check your state/territory list.)
💚 31st – New Year’s Eve
(A calendar milestone marking the end of the year and reflecting on memories, growth and hopes.)
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