Diversity and Inclusion

Upcoming Significant Dates

• July 7-14 | NAIDOC Week
  National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.
  
  Further Information and resources can be found at www.naidoc.org.au

• July 14 | International Non-Binary People’s Day
  We celebrate those who are non-binary, the rich diversity of gender and celebrate people who do not fit into a binary gender. In really simple terms, a non-binary person is someone who does not identify as exclusively a man or a woman. Someone who is non-binary might feel like a mix of genders, or like they have no gender at all. Using correct pronouns is important. Many non-binary people prefer the pronouns they/them/their.

• August 4 | Aboriginal Children’s Day
  National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (Children’s day) is a National Day dedicated to celebrating our children and celebrates the strengths and culture of our children.  The 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme 'Strong in Culture, Stronger Together' elevates the intention of Children’s Day, focusing on the strength of our children that comes from their connection to culture and mob. 
  
  Further information and resources can be found here.

• August 9 | International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
  Violations of the rights of the world's Indigenous Peoples have become a persistent problem, sometimes because of a historical burden from their colonisation backgrounds and others because of the contrast with a constantly changing society. In response to this problem, let’s remember every August 9 that Indigenous Peoples have the right to make their own decisions and carry them out meaningfully and culturally appropriate to them.
  
  For further information visit www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day

• August 12-16 | Bullying No Way: National week of Action
  Bullying No Way Week, August 12 - 16, is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative and connects schools and communities to find workable solutions to prevent bullying. The theme for 2024 is 'Everyone belongs'. When we all feel like we belong, bullying struggles to find a place. It's about embracing who we are, respecting everyone's differences and standing up together against unkindness.
  
  Belonging means we all have a role in preventing bullying. We're encouraged to speak up and create a safe place where everyone feels supported and respected, and our voices are heard and valued. For further information click here.

• August 30 | Wear it Purple Day
  Wear It Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. On August 30, ‘Wear It Purple Day’ will unite LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to shine a glorious light on the thousands of schools, community organisations, universities, and workplaces that are coming together to create a more inclusive future for all Australians. This year’s theme is "Your Passion, Your Pride", in celebration of LGBTQIA+ people openly and visibly achieving their dreams in sport, art, science and more! Further information and resources can be found at www.wearitpurple.org/

• September 10 | World Suicide Prevention Day
  World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. Click here for more information.

• September 12 | RUOK
  We can all make a difference in the lives of those who might be struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life's ups and downs. If you feel like something’s not quite the same with someone you know – trust that gut instinct and take the time to ask them “Are you OK?”
  
  You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

  • Ask R U OK?
  • Listen
  • Encourage action
  • Check in

  If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 (for 5-25 year olds)  — both operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

  or

  Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25. Call.

  Further information about the day and resources can be found at www.ruok.org.au

• September 17 | Citizenship Day
  The day is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and the responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens. Whether we are citizens through birth or by active choice, it is a chance for all Australians to take pride in our citizenship, celebrate our democratic values and think about what unites us as Australians. Click here for more information.

• September 24 | Bisexual Visibility Day
  Bisexual Visibility Day (also known as Celebrate Bisexuality Day) is a day to recognise the bisexual community and to acknowledge and increase the visibility and inclusion of bisexual people. This is not only important in achieving diversity and inclusivity everywhere, but necessary for the overall health and wellbeing of the bisexual community. Biphobia, bi-erasure and not being ‘out’ is associated with poor mental health including higher rates of psychological distress than experienced by heterosexual and homosexual people.

• September 23-29 | International Week of Deaf People

• September 23 | International Day of Sign Languages
  The International Day of Sign Languages is an opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users. Deaf people can celebrate their communities, language, culture and history; make the public aware of their local, state and national Deaf communities and recognise their achievements. It is also an opportunity for organisations involved with or wishing to be involved with the Deaf Community to build and maintain relationships with Deaf people and be recognised as an ally to the Deaf community. For more information click here.

  Contact

  State Commissioner - Diversity & Inclusion

  Christine Almaraz, sc.diversity@scoutsvictoria.com.au