National Sorry Day was first observed on 26 May, 1998, exactly one year after the Bringing them Home report was released by the Federal Government. This significant day encourages Australian society to acknowledge the impact of the forced removal by government of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families between the late1800s to the early 1970s through a range of controversial assimilation and 'protection policies'.  ...read more

Global Day of Parents was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly to be observed annually on June 1 to honour parents throughout the world. The Children’s Protection Society recognises the important role played by parents in raising happy, healthy kids and has a range of programs to help them provide a safe, nurturing environment.  ...read more

The World Day Against Child Labour on June 12 was launched by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2002 to highlight the plight of children in forced labour, campaign against their inhumane treatment and advocate for change. Millions of children throughout the world are deprived of fundamental human rights and denied liberty, education, health, leisure and security.  ...read more

National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day (NAICD) on August 4 was established by Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) in 1988 to acknowledge the importance and value of these children within their families, communities and society in general. Each year, SNAICC selects a theme for this observance day (to be announced) that highlights a significant issue, concern or focus for the future for children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.  ...read more

International Youth Day on August 12 was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to highlight the important contribution young people can make to society. The UN acknowledged that young people worldwide faced many challenges including high levels of unemployment, vulnerable working conditions and marginalisation from decision-making processes.  ...read more

A time to acknowledge the valuable contribution of fathers and father figures, Father’s Day in Australia is traditionally observed on the first Sunday in September. In 2013, it falls on September 1.  ...read more

National Child Protection Week (September 1-7) is an annual campaign that highlights the importance of child abuse prevention (theme to be announced). It is coordinated nationally by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) and supported by individuals and organisations such as the Children’s Protection Society.  ...read more

Children’s Week (October 19-27) was established by the United Nations in 1996 and has evolved into an annual event that encourages and celebrates the rights of children. This week of child-based activities originated from articles expressed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, highlighting the importance of play, wellbeing and protection. ...read more

In 1954, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed November 20 as Universal Children’s Day. In November 20, 1959, the UN adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and in November 20, 1989, adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.  ...read more

White Ribbon, an organisation that works to prevent male violence against women, began in Australia in 2003 as part of UNIFEM (now UN Women). It formally became a Foundation in 2007 and now coordinates Australia's only national, male-led, violence prevention campaign. Its observance day had its origins in Canada on December 6, 1989, when a young man walked into the École Polytechnique University in Montreal and massacred 14 of his female classmates.  ...read more