Any Questions?
Looking Ahead: Your NSW Cultural Calendar for 2026
FOCUS Connect • 11 July 2025
At FOCUS Connect, we believe in the power of community, connection, and celebrating the incredible diversity that makes New South Wales such a vibrant place to live.
Planning events, programs, or simply wanting to connect with neighbours in meaningful ways? Our 2026 Cultural Calendar serves as your guide to the key dates, celebrations, and observances that will shape the year ahead.
Here’s what’s happening in 2026 across NSW!
NSW School Terms – 2026
Term 1: 27 Jan – 10 Apr
(First term of the school year)
Term 2: 27 Apr – 3 Jul
(Second term of the school year)
Term 3: 20 Jul – 25 Sep
(Third term of the school year)
Term 4: 12 Oct – 18 Dec
(Final term of the school year)
Public Holidays – NSW 2026
1 Jan – New Year’s Day
Celebration of the start of the new year.
26 Jan – Australia Day
National day marking the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788; also a day of reflection for many, particularly First Nations peoples.
3 Apr – Good Friday
Christian holiday marking Jesus’ crucifixion.
4 Apr – Easter Saturday
Part of the Easter long weekend.
5 Apr – Easter Sunday
Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
6 Apr – Easter Monday
Public holiday concluding the Easter long weekend.
25 Apr – ANZAC Day
Honours Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars and conflicts.
8 Jun – King’s Birthday
Celebrates the official birthday of the British monarch.
5 Oct – Labour Day
Recognises the contributions of workers and the labour movement.
25 Dec – Christmas Day
Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus; also widely celebrated as a cultural holiday.
26 Dec – Boxing Day
Traditionally a day of giving to those in need; now also a major shopping holiday.
Cultural & Significant Dates – 2026
February
13 Feb
Anniversary of the Apology to members of the Stolen Generations
Marks the day Australia commemorates the 2008 national apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the forced removal of children.
14 Feb
Valentine's Day
Celebration of the new year in Chinese and many Asian cultures.
17 Feb
Lunar New Year
Celebration of the new year in Chinese and many Asian cultures.
17 Feb
Ramadan (until 19 March)
Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
20 Feb
World Day of Social Justice
An international day that promotes efforts to address social inequality, poverty, and exclusion, and to create fair and just societies for all.
March
1 Mar
Clean Up Australia Day
Community action to clean local environments.
2 Mar
NSW Seniors Festival (until 15 March)
Celebrates the role and contributions of older adults to our local communities.
8 Mar
International Women’s Day
Celebrates women’s achievements and calls for gender equality.
16 Mar
Harmony Week
(until 22 March)
Celebrates cultural diversity and inclusiveness.
17 Mar
St Patrick’s Day
A cultural and religious celebration held to honour St. Patrick.
17 Mar
World Social Work Day
Highlights the role of social workers in enhancing community well-being.
19 Mar
National Close the Gap Day
Annual event that raises awareness and action toward achieving health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
19 Mar or 20 Mar
Eid-al-Fitr
A major Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan and a day of prayer, gratitude, and feasting with family and community.
20 Mar
International Day of Happiness
A global day that promotes happiness, wellbeing, and the importance of positive social connections for people around the world.
21 Mar
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Promotes equality and fights racism.
April
7 Apr
World Health Day
Promotes global health awareness.
16 Apr
NSW Youth Week (until 26 April)
Highlights young people’s contributions and offers events, activities, and opportunities for youth participation.
22 Apr
Earth Day
Focuses on environmental protection and sustainability.
May
11 May
Neighbourhood Centre Week (until 17 May)
Celebrates local community centres and their services.
17 May
IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism & Transphobia)
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism & Transphobia.
18 May
National Volunteer Week
(until 24 May)
Recognises the contributions of volunteers in the community.
26 May
National Sorry Day
Acknowledges the harm caused by the forced removal of Indigenous children (the Stolen Generations).
27 May
National Reconciliation Week (until 3 June)
Promotes reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
June
5 Jun
World Environment Day
Encourages worldwide action for the environment.
8 Jun
Men’s Health Week (until 14 June)
Focuses on improving men’s health and well-being.
14 Jun
Refugee Week (until 20 June)
Celebrates the contributions of refugees and promotes understanding.
15 Jun
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Raises awareness of the abuse of older people.
20 Jun
World Refugee Day
Recognises the resilience and contributions of refugees worldwide.
July
5 Jul
NAIDOC Week (until 12 Jul)
Celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
August
3 Aug
Loneliness Awareness Week (until 9 August)
Raises awareness about social isolation and mental health.
4 Aug
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
Celebrates First Nations children and their culture.
4 Aug
Homelessness Week (until 10 Aug)
Raises awareness about people experiencing homelessness and advocates for action to address housing insecurity.
12 Aug
International Youth Day
Highlights issues affecting young people.
19 Aug
World Humanitarian Day
Recognising humanitarian workers and raising awareness about people affected by crises worldwide.
28 Aug
Wear it Purple Day
Supports LGBTIQA+ young people and promotes inclusivity.
September
10 Sep
R U OK? Day
Encourages people to check in on others’ mental health and well-being.
October
1 Oct
Mental Health Month (entire month)
Promotes mental health awareness and wellbeing.
1 Oct
International Day of Older Persons
Recognises the contributions and challenges of older people.
10 Oct
World Mental Health Day
Raises global mental health awareness.
11 Oct
National Carers Week (until 17 October)
Celebrates people who provide unpaid care and support.
11 Oct
Anti-Poverty Week
(until 17 October)
Focuses on understanding and tackling poverty in Australia.
31 Oct
Halloween
A celebration featuring costumes, trick-or-treating, and community events.
November
8 Nov
Diwali
Hindu festival of lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
9 Nov
National Recycling Week (until 15 November)
Encourages recycling and waste reduction.
11 Nov
Remembrance Day
Honours Australians who have died in wars and conflicts.
19 Nov
International Men’s Day
Promotes men’s health and positive male role models.
25 Nov
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Start of 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence.
December
3 Dec
International Day of People with Disability
Promotes inclusion and rights for people with disabilities.
4 Dec
Hanukkah (until 12 December)
Jewish festival of lights celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple.
5 Dec
International Volunteer Day
Recognises volunteer contributions.
10 Dec
Human Rights Day
Marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
While many dates listed above are fixed (such as Australia Day and Christmas), some events, including school terms, religious holidays (e.g., Ramadan, Eid, Diwali, Hanukkah), and week-long observances, can shift slightly each year due to official announcements or lunar calendars. We recommend checking closer to the date for final confirmations.
2026 is filled with opportunities to come together, celebrate diversity, and strengthen our communities. Whether you’re planning neighbourhood events, school programs, or simply want to be more connected with those around you, this calendar is here to help.
At FOCUS Connect, we’re proud to support the diverse multicultural communities of Western Sydney and are looking forward to another year of building inclusion, understanding, and support together.
Let’s make 2026 a year of connection and celebration!
Related Articles
Many care-leavers face unique barriers to aged care. Learn why trauma-aware, culturally safe support is essential as they age.
Learn how assistive tech and home mods help older Australians live safely at home. Funding, eligibility, and support, all explained.
International Men’s Day raises awareness of men's challenges and contributions. Learn why it matters and what we can all do. Read more.
FOCUS Connect, a registered not-for-profit charity, provides practical assistance and support services to disadvantaged and marginalised individuals. As a My Aged Care provider, we offer Support at Home and Commonwealth Home Support Programme services across South West and Northern Sydney. Additionally, we are a leading provider of community services to multicultural and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations across South West Sydney.
Need Support or Know Someone Who Does?
If you need support, call us at 02 4627 1188 or contact us via our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you shortly to discuss your needs and how we can assist you. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, refer them to FOCUS Connect to help them receive the support they need and deserve.
