Discover days and dates that lead inclusivity and foster dialogue. Join in thought-provoking discussions to mark the importance of these times within our communities. Together, let's build a campus where everyone feels valued and empowered. Explore the upcoming celebrations and acknowledgments below and note the dates significant to you. Be part of the change towards a more inclusive society.
Inclusion calendar 2025
Significant days we recognise with our community
UOW’s EDI calendar captures most dates of significance, but we acknowledge that there may be other dates to include. Please email the EDI-Team@uow.edu.au if there’s something you’d like to add.
World Braille Day
4 January, 2025
World Braille Day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people. Braille is essential in the context of education, freedom of expression and opinion, as well as social inclusion.
Epiphany
6 January, 2025
Epiphany is a Christian feast day that commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus and the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God.
Orthodox Christmas
7 January, 2025
Orthodox Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar observed by some Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Orthodox Epiphany
19 January, 2025
Occurring on 19 January, this feast commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and the revelation of the Holy Trinity.
World Religion Day
19 January, 2025
The aim of World Religion Day (which takes place on the third Sunday of January each year) is to promote understanding and peace between all religions, encouraging people to learn about other faiths and their followers.
International Day of Education
24 January, 2025
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education. The role of education in breaking boundaries between cultures and countries, and maintaining peace and equality, is celebrated noting that education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility.
Australia Day / Survival Day
26 January, 2025
26th of January is the official national day of Australia. To Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this day marks the commemoration of a deep loss – loss of their sovereign rights to their land, loss of family, loss of the right to practice their culture. This date also provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with the opportunity to reflect on the survival of the oldest living culture in the world.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
27 January, 2025
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust pays tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the nazi concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on 27 January, 1945. The day reaffirms an unwavering commitment to counter antisemitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance that may lead to group-targeted violence.
Lunar New Year
29 January, 2025
The Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world by those who follow the lunisolar calendar, including in countries such as China, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Tibet, Mongolia and Indonesia, as well as other communities around the world. 29 January marks the start of the Year of the Snake.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
11 February, 2025
In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015.
Anniversary of the National Apology
13 February, 2025
National Apology Day is commemorated annually on 13 February. On this day in 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised on behalf of the nation for past laws, policies and practices that have impacted upon Australia’s First Nations Peoples, particularly members of the Stolen Generations. The Apology is now considered a defining moment in Australian history.
International Mother Language Day
21 February, 2025
International Mother Language Day recognises that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind. UNESCO encourages and promotes multilingual education based on mother tongue or first language.
Ramadan
27 February to 29 March, 2025
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide. The month-long religious holiday is a time of self-reflection and strengthening their relationship with God. Ramadan is dictated by the lunar cycle, beginning and ending with a crescent moon. The religious holiday involves fasting, praying and being around loved ones.
Zero Discrimination Day
1 March, 2025
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.
International Wheelchair Day
1 March, 2025
International Wheelchair Day is held annually on 1 March and is a day of events and activities which take place around the world when wheelchair users celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has on their lives.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (SGLMG)
1 March, 2025
The LGBTIQA+ event in Sydney, attended by hundreds of thousands of people from around Australia and overseas is one of the largest such festivals in the world. SGLMG was built on the foundations laid by early community activists who fought for LGBTQIA+ rights in a time of wide-spread, institutionalised oppression and discrimination.
International Women's Day
8 March, 2025
Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated around the world on 8 March. International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world and is a day when all women are recognised for their achievements.
Purim (Feast of Lots)
13 March to 14 March, 2025
Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of an official of the Achaemenid Empire named Haman, as it is recounted in the Book of Esther.
Holi Festival
14 March, 2025
This great Indian festival is observed at the end of the winters in the month of March after the full Moon. Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, the Festival of Spring, and the Festival of Love, is an ancient Hindu religious festival and one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of Radha Krishna.
Hola Mohalla
14 March to 16 March, 2025
Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival that follows Holi, featuring martial arts displays, music, and poetry to promote valour and courage.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
17 March to 23 March, 2025
Neurodiversity Celebration Week 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.
St Patrick’s Day
17 March, 2025
The feast day of St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland. Originally celebrated with religious feasts and services, St. Patrick's Day has become a secular celebration of Irish culture when it reached the United States alongside Irish immigrants.
Harmony Week
17 March to 23 March, 2025
It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.
National Close the Gap Day
20 March, 2025
In 2006, more than 40 national organisations came together to form Close the Gap ‐ Australia’s largest ever campaign to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Every year, Australians are encouraged to hold their own event on National Close the Gap Day to raise awareness about the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians. Since 2006, the Close the Gap campaign has achieved an enormous amount through community support.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
21 March, 2025
On this day in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid “pass laws”. Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the UN General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
World Down Syndrome Day
21 March, 2025
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) 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.
Eid al Fitr (end of Ramadan)
31 March, 2025
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the Shawwal (the 10th month in the Islamic calendar) as the fasting month of Ramadan comes to an end. Amid the reflection and rejoicing, Eid al-Fitr is also a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. Eid is a time of joy and blessing for the entire Muslim community.
Transgender Day of Visibility
31 March, 2025
Trans Day of Visibility is an annual international celebration of trans pride and awareness, recognising trans and gender diverse experiences and achievements. Events on 31 March involve celebrating with gender diverse people all around Australia by sharing stories, starting conversations, and attending events.
World Autism Day
2 April, 2025
World Autism Day is celebrated annually and aims to spread awareness about autism and encourage its acceptance.
International Asexuality Day
6 April, 2025
International Asexuality Day is an annual event celebrated on April 6 to recognise and celebrate asexuality and the asexual community. The day is intended to create awareness and understanding of the full asexual spectrum.
World Health Day
7 April, 2025
World Health Day is celebrated annually, and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. This year the World Health Organisation will observe the 75th anniversary of this day.
Passover
12 April to 20 April, 2025
Passover is a major Jewish holiday, that celebrates the Biblical story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt.
Sikh New Year / Vaisakhi
13 April to 14 April, 2025
Vaisakhi is a significant day for Sikhs, as it marks the formation of the Khalsa and the Sikh New Year.
Solar new Year
14 April, 2025
The Solar New Year is celebrated around the world in many Asian regions who follow the lunisolar calendar, it is celebrated on various dates during the first two weeks of April.
Orthodox Easter
20 April, 2025
Orthodox Easter takes place following the first full moon after Passover. Orthodox Easter always falls after the Jewish celebration of Passover, because, according to the New Testament, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ took place after he entered Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.
Easter Sunday
20 April, 2025
Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter-observing Christians refer to the week before Easter as Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday (marking the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem), includes Spy Wednesday (on which the betrayal of Jesus is mourned), and contains the days of the Easter Triduum including Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Maundy and Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
- Palm Sunday 13 April: marking the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem
- Good Friday: commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus
- Easter Sunday: celebrating the resurrection of Jesus
- Easter Monday: marking the day after Jesus rose from the dead
Ridvan (Great Month) (20 April – 3 May)
20 April to 3 May, 2025
Ridvan is the most important Baha'i festival, commemorating the twelve days when Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, declared his mission.
Lesbian Visibility Week
21 April to 27 April, 2025
Lesbian Visibility Week is to celebrate lesbians and show solidarity with all LGBTQI women and non-binary people. In, 2025 we will be celebrating the power of sisterhood by uplifting incredible LGBTQIA women and non-binary people from every generation, in every field and in every country around the world. One community, so many brilliant individuals.
ANZAC Day
25 April, 2025
On 25 of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as ANZACs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day, known as ANZAC Day.
International Guide Dog Day
26 April, 2025
International Guide Dog Day celebrates the important role Guide Dogs play in supporting people all around the world with low vision or blindness to achieve their goals and live independently. It marks the establishment of the International Federation of Guide Dog Associations on 26 April 1989.
World Day of Safety and Health at Work
28 April, 2025
The annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. It is an awareness-raising campaign intended to focus international attention on the magnitude of the problem and on how promoting and creating a safe and health culture can help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries.
International Family Equality (Family Pride) Day
4 May, 2025
The International Family Equality Day is an official LGBT awareness day. Since 2012, this day marks the celebration of LGBTQ diverse families globally.
Ascension of Christ
9 May, 2025
Ascension Day celebrates the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven, 40 days after his resurrection.
International Women in Mathematics Day
12 May, 2025
The goal of the day is to inspire women everywhere to celebrate their achievements in mathematics, and to encourage an open, welcoming and inclusive work environment for everybody.
Vesak (Buddha Day)
12 May, 2025
Vesak is the most significant Buddhist festival, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Practitioners will clean and decorate their houses and ask for purification from their suffering. Followers will visit monasteries, sometimes before dawn, and participate in mantras and ceremonies.
International Day of Families
15 May, 2025
The International Day of Families observance is to raise awareness of the impact of demographic trends on families. The UN uses the day to promote awareness of the issues that surround families and increase knowledge of the social, demographic, and economic factors that affect families.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
15 May, 2025
Global Accessibility Awareness Day is an awareness day focusing on digital access and inclusion for the more than one billion people who live with disabilities or impairments. It is marked annually on the third Thursday of May.
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
17 May, 2025
IDAHOBIT was started on 17 May,1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. This day aims to help educate people and raise awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
21 May, 2025
Held every year on 21 May, UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlighting not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
National Sorry Day
26 May, 2025
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’.
Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum
27 May, 2025
On 27 May, 1967, Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them. A resounding 90.77 per cent said ‘Yes’ and every single state and territory had a majority result for the ‘Yes’ vote. It was one of the most successful national campaigns in Australia’s history.
National Reconciliation Week
27 May to 3 June 2025
National Reconciliation Week offers people across Australia the opportunity to focus on reconciliation, to hear about the cultures and histories of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to explore new and better ways of meeting challenges in our communities.
UOW Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Strategy
Ascension of Baha’u’llah
27 May to 28 May, 2025
This Baha'i holiday marks the ascension of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, to the spiritual realm.
World MS day
30 May, 2025
World MS Day aims to raise awareness and campaign with everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dragon Boat Festival
31 May, 2025
Celebrated to commemorate the eatdh of Qu Yuan, a famous Chinese poet and minister known for his patriotism and contributions to classical poetry, who eventually became a national hero. See more: 2025 Sydney Lunar New Year Festival Dragon Boat Festival - Dragon Boat NSW
Pride Month
1 June to 30 June, 2025
Pride Month commemorates years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, as well as the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s a month-long celebration that recognizes the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to society. Pride Month is a joyful and colourful display of love, unity, and resilience, with events and activities that promote inclusivity, educate the public, and celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.
Global Day of Parents
1 June, 2025
Designated by the General Assembly in 2012, Global Day of Parents provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their "selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship."
Shavuot
1 June to 3 June, 2025
Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, is the second of the three major Jewish festivals with both historical and agricultural significance. Agriculturally, it commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple. Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, also known as the Time of the Giving of Our Torah. Shavuot is not tied to a particular calendar date, but to a counting from Passover. Shavuot could theoretically occur on Sivan 5th (two 30 day months), 6th (a 29 day month and a 30 day month) or 7th (two 29 day months). Some Jews refrain from working on Shavuot.
Mabo Day
3 June, 2025
Mabo Day marks the anniversary of the High Court of Australia’s judgement in 1992 in the Mabo case. This is a day of particular significance for Torres Strait Islander Australians. Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo’s name is synonymous with native title rights. His story began in May 1982 when he and fellow Murray (Mer) Islanders David Passi, Sam Passi, James Rice and Celuia Salee instituted a claim in the High Court for native title to the Murray (Mer) Islands in the Torres Strait. The decision overturned a legal fiction that Australia was terra nullius (a land belonging to no one) at the time of British colonisation.
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
4 June to 9 June, 2025
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is a mandatory religious duty for capable Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime. The hajj is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices and institutions known as the Five Pillars of Islam.
Eid al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
6 June to 10 June, 2025
Eid al-Adha is the second of two major Muslim festivals (the other being Eid al-Fitr) commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. During the festival, families that can afford to sacrifice a ritually acceptable animal (sheep, goat, camel, or cow) do so and then divide the meat among family, friends and the less fortunate.
Pentecost
8 June, 2025
Pentecost is a Christian holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles of Jesus.
The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 Day
10 June, 2025
The Act was intended to partially compensate Aboriginal people for loss of land through invasion, through allocation of a proportion of land tax to communities through land councils. This is especially important in intensively occupied NSW. The Act saw the establishment of NSW Land Councils system.
Autistic Pride Day
18 June, 2025
Autistic Pride Day is an annual celebration that takes place on June 18th. It’s a day to show off and celebrate an individual's unique Autistic identity and all the amazing things they bring to the world.
Autistic Pride Day is all about celebrating our unique identity and the diversity of the human experience. Let’s embrace our differences, promote understanding, and make the world a more accepting and inclusive place for everyone.
World Refugee Day
20 June, 2025
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.
International Women in Engineering Day
23 June, 2025
International Women in Engineering Day is celebrated on June 23 every year around the world, to honour women in the field of engineering. It focuses on raising the profile of women who are changing the field of engineering one degree at a time.
2025 dates coming soon
2025 dates coming soon