Date
Tuesday
Sep
16

September 16

Family and Community Day

Embrace togetherness this Family and Community Day – enjoy quality time with loved ones and engage with your local community in Australia.

Type
Day
Country
Australia

Introduction

Let's come together to celebrate Family and Community Day on the exciting date of September 16th! Originating in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), this thrilling holiday was introduced to encourage residents to spend quality time with family, friends, and the community in the midst of bustling school holidays. The day emphasizes the importance of togetherness and community spirit, providing an opportunity for everyone to step back from their daily routines and embrace the joy of connection in the places they call home. So join in, because it's time to revel in the joy of community and connection!

Family and Community Day Timeline

2007
Initiation of Family and Community Day
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) designs a new public holiday, the Family and Community Day, to encourage residents to spend quality time with their families and local community during the school holidays.
2009
Holiday Enactment Changes
ACT modifies the date of the Family and Community Day from first Monday of September/October school holidays to the first Tuesday of November to coincide with Melbourne Cup day.
2010
Community Participation Grows
Family and Community Day sees increased community involvement, with local events, activities, and festivities organized throughout ACT.
2017
Holiday Re-scheduling
ACT government revamps the holiday schedule by moving the Family and Community Day from November to September, allowing it to fall on the first Monday of the school holidays.
2021
COVID-19 Impact and Response
Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, communities found new ways to celebrate the holiday together while maintaining safety measures, showcasing resilience and the true spirit of community.

How to Celebrate Family and Community Day

1

Organize a neighborhood potluck

Sharing is caring, so gather your neighbors and host a community-wide potluck! Everyone can bring their favorite dish, offering a fun and delicious way to spend time together as a community.

2

Plan a family day out

In the spirit of family, organize a full day of fun activities that everyone in your family will enjoy. This could be a picnic in the park, a visit to a local museum or even a family bike ride through your town or city.

3

Volunteer in your community

What better way to celebrate community than by giving back? Volunteer at a local charity, participate in a neighborhood cleanup, or host a fundraiser to benefit a cause that’s important to your community.

4

Create a community art project

Encourage creativity and connection by organizing a community art project. This could be a mural in a local park, a community quilt, or even a collective sculpture. It's a great way to bring the community together and create a lasting reminder of the day.

5

Start a tradition

Make Family and Community Day memorable by starting a new tradition. This could be anything from an annual family photo to a neighborhood game tournament. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that brings everyone together and fosters a sense of community spirit.

Why We Love Family and Community Day

A

It Encourages Quality Time

Family and Community Day encourages us to pause from our daily routines and spend more time with those we love most, doing things that make us feel happy and fulfilled. It not only allows us to create lasting memories but also strengthens our bonds with our family and fellow community members.

B

It Fosters Community Spirit

The holiday emphasizes community engagement by hosting various activities like a neighborhood potluck, community art projects, or volunteering at a local charity. These activities allow interaction with community members, fostering unity and cooperation among them which eventually leads to strong community ties.

C

It's A Day of Fun

From picnics in the park, family bike rides, to art projects, this day brims with fun-filled activities that cater to different age groups and preferences. There's always something for everyone making it a day that's awaited with anticipation and celebrated with joy!