• Children's Day Australia

    28 October 2026

    Children’s Day in Australia is observed annually on the fourth Wednesday of October and forms part of Children’s Week, the nation’s primary event dedicated to children’s rights. Established in 1985 by the Australian government, the day promotes the protection and improvement of children’s living conditions. The United Nations originally designated 20 November as Universal Children’s Day, but Australia chose to celebrate in October. Children’s Week spans from the Saturday before to the Sunday after Children’s Day, featuring activities aligned with the ongoing theme ‘A Caring World Shares’.

  • World Ultrasound Physician Day

    29 October

    World Ultrasound Physician Day is observed annually on 29 October to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of ultrasound diagnostic doctors. The celebration originated in the early 2000s, recognising the critical role of ultrasound in modern medicine. Since the first ultrasound device appeared in 1958, this non-invasive method has become essential for early disease detection and monitoring. In Australia, ultrasound diagnostics are regulated by professional bodies and integrated into national healthcare programs, ensuring high standards and accessibility.

  • World Teachers' Day Australia

    30 October 2026

    World Teachers’ Day in Australia is observed annually on the last Friday of October, except when it coincides with Halloween, in which case it is moved to early November. Established globally by UNESCO in 1994, the Australian date was chosen to avoid school holidays. The day features various school events, award ceremonies for education excellence, and the Hats Off to Teachers campaign symbolising respect for educators. The government promotes teacher scholarships and encourages participation from educators, parents, and the community.

  • Bandana Day

    30 October 2026

    Bandana Day is observed annually on the last Friday of October to support individuals living with cancer. The day highlights the use of bandanas by patients experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy and other treatments. Originating from South Asia and popularised in the West, bandanas have become a symbol of comfort and identity for many. The Australian charity CanTeen organises Bandana Day to raise awareness and provide support for young people aged 12 to 24 living with cancer. The event emphasises the psychological and social impact of hair loss and promotes the bandana as a protective and uplifting accessory.

  • Halloween

    31 October

    Halloween is celebrated annually on 31 October and has origins in ancient Celtic, Roman, and early Christian customs. The festival marks the eve of All Saints’ Day and includes traditions such as wearing costumes and apple bobbing. In Australia, Halloween is widely observed as a secular event, especially among families with children who participate in trick-or-treating. Retailers promote themed products, and community events often feature traditional decorations and activities. Despite its popularity, some groups in Australia critique Halloween as a commercial import unrelated to local culture.

  • World Vegan Day

    1 November

    World Vegan Day was established on 1 November 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vegan Society and the term ‘vegan’. The term was coined by Donald Watson in 1944 when founding the Vegan Society in London. Veganism is a lifestyle excluding all animal products in diet and clothing, motivated by ethical concerns about animal welfare. In Australia, the day is marked by festivals, educational events, and activism in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The day concludes Vegetarian Awareness Month, which begins on 1 October.

  • All Saints Day Australia

    1 November

    All Saints Day in Australia is celebrated annually on 1 November, primarily by Catholic and Anglican communities. The day honours all saints, especially those without individual feast days, through special church services, prayers, and visits to cemeteries. Rooted in early Christian tradition and established by Popes Gregory III and IV, the observance is linked to the liturgical calendar and often includes processions and vigils. While not a public holiday, it holds significant spiritual meaning and is marked by various religious activities across Australian Christian communities.

  • Tasmania Recreation Day

    2 November 2026

    Tasmania Recreation Day is an official public holiday observed in northern Tasmania on the first Monday of November. Established in 1919 alongside the Bank Holidays Act, it was originally known as the First Monday in November Holiday. The holiday balances the number of public holidays across Tasmania, complementing the Royal Hobart Regatta observed in the south. It has no cultural or religious origins and primarily serves to provide a uniform number of days off for residents. The day also supports local tourism and economic activity within the state.

  • All Souls Day

    2 November

    All Souls Day is an annual Christian event observed primarily on 2 November, following All Saints’ Day. It is recognised in Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, and some Protestant denominations. The day centres on prayers, fasting, and masses for souls in Purgatory, aiming to aid their journey to Heaven. Originating in the Benedictine monastery of Cluny under Saint Odilo in the 11th century, the observance spread throughout Western Christianity. In Australia, Catholic and Anglican communities hold special services and cemetery blessings to honour the deceased.

  • Melbourne Cup

    3 November 2026

    The Melbourne Cup is a renowned two-mile handicap horse race held annually at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. First run in November 1861 with 17 horses competing, it has grown to become Australia’s most valuable race with a prize pool of AUD 8.4 million. The event attracts up to 100,000 spectators and is known for its fashion traditions, including the importance of hats. Notable records include Makybe Diva’s three consecutive wins and the fastest race time set by Kingston Rule in 1990. The Melbourne Cup is a key feature of Melbourne’s spring carnival and is a public holiday in Victoria.

  • International Pathology Day

    4 November

    International Pathology Day is observed annually in November to raise awareness about pathology and its critical role in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Established in 2014 by the Royal College of Pathologists, the day highlights pathology as the bridge between medicine and science. Pathology encompasses general and systemic branches, including anatomical, clinical, and molecular pathology. The event features conferences, seminars, and webinars organised globally, including by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, with support from sponsors such as Sonic Healthcare.

  • Guy Fawkes Night

    5 November

    Guy Fawkes Night, observed on the night of 5 November, marks the foiling of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot in the United Kingdom. The plot involved a group of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, who planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The event is commemorated with bonfires, effigy burnings, and fireworks. While not a public holiday in the UK, the tradition has been carried to some former British colonies, including parts of Australia. In Australia, celebrations have declined due to fire safety regulations and restrictions on fireworks.

  • International Animal Remembrance Day

    6 November

    International Animal Remembrance Day, observed on 6 November, commemorates animals that have died as a result of human activities. The day recognises the service animals have provided to humans, including in agriculture, warfare, and scientific research. It highlights the impact of human actions such as habitat destruction, hunting, and illegal trade on wildlife populations. In Australia, conservation groups use this day to raise awareness about endangered species and promote responsible treatment of domestic and wild animals. The observance encourages reflection on human responsibility towards the natural world.

  • Paintball Day

    7 November

    Paintball Day is celebrated every year on 7 November, recognising the sport of paintball, which originated in the early 1960s. Initially used for forestry marking, paintball evolved into a popular extreme sport by the 1980s. Players use markers that shoot non-toxic paintballs, aiming to eliminate opponents by marking them with paint. In Australia, the sport is governed by Paintball Sports Australia, which enforces strict safety regulations and organises national tournaments through the Australian Paintball League.

  • Remembrance Sunday

    8 November 2026

    Remembrance Sunday is observed on the second Sunday of November in the United Kingdom to honour those who served in the armed forces and participated in wars. The tradition began in 1919 following the First World War, with King George V leading the first national ceremony and calling for two minutes of silence. Ceremonies take place at military memorials across the UK, featuring wreath laying and the wearing of red poppies, a symbol linked to the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. The main event is held at the Cenotaph in London, attended by the royal family and other dignitaries.

  • World Adoption Day

    9 November

    World Adoption Day is observed annually on 9 November to raise awareness about the importance of adoption and to celebrate families formed through this process. Established in 2014 by Hank Fortener and his team via the AdoptTogether platform, the day aims to reduce the number of orphans and provide loving homes for children in need. Adoption involves legally becoming a parent to another person, usually a child, with various mechanisms including open, closed, private, international, and embryo adoption. Events worldwide highlight the joy adoption brings and support families on their adoption journey.

  • International Embroidery Day

    10 November

    International Embroidery Day, observed annually on 10 November, recognises the art of embroidery and its cultural significance across the world. Embroidery, an ancient craft involving needle and thread to create patterns on fabric, has been integral to clothing and interior decoration in many cultures. This day highlights the preservation of embroidery traditions passed down through generations and honours the dedication of artisans. In Australia, embroidery is celebrated within craft communities, reflecting local nature and Indigenous artistic influences.

  • Remembrance Day

    11 November

    Remembrance Day in Australia, also known as Poppy Day and Armistice Day, is observed on 11 November to honour those who died in the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts. The day marks the armistice signed on 11 November 1918, ending the First World War. Ceremonies include two minutes of silence at 11:00 am and the playing of the Last Post bugle call. Red poppies, inspired by the poem ‘In Flanders Fields,’ are worn as a symbol of respect. Although less prominent than ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day remains a significant day of reflection across Australia.

  • World Pneumonia Awareness Day

    12 November

    World Pneumonia Awareness Day is observed annually on 12 November to raise awareness about pneumonia, a leading cause of death among children under five and vulnerable populations. Established in 2009 by the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia, the day focuses on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and access to healthcare. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that requires medical attention and causes around two million deaths worldwide each year. In Australia, vaccination programs and public health campaigns support pneumonia prevention, especially among high-risk groups.

  • Canterbury Province Day

    13 November

    Canterbury Province Day marks the establishment and early settlement of Canterbury, one of New Zealand’s six original provinces founded in 1853. The holiday is observed on different dates within the region: South Canterbury celebrates on the fourth Monday of September, while the rest of Canterbury observes the day during the agricultural show in Christchurch in November. The province’s history began with the Canterbury Association’s founding in 1848 and the arrival of the ‘First Four Ships’ in December 1850, which brought nearly 800 settlers. The provincial system was abolished in 1876, but the day remains a significant regional holiday.

  • World Kindness Day

    13 November

    World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on 13 November and was established by the World Kindness Movement (WKM), a non-profit organisation founded in Japan. The day aims to unite diverse kindness movements worldwide and inspire acts of goodwill across cultures. WKM, officially registered in Geneva, includes representatives from over 27 countries and promotes understanding while respecting cultural uniqueness. Various nations, including Australia, participate through educational programs, charity campaigns, and public events.