Date
Friday
Mar
21

March 21

National Close the Gap Day

Join the movement this National Close the Gap Day - Let's work together for a fairer, more inclusive society where everyone's treated equally.

Type
Day
Category
Health
Country
Australia

Introduction

Get ready to join the movement on March 21 for National Close the Gap Day! This special day was inaugurated in Australia in 2007 in order to boost awareness about the health and life expectancy disparity between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. It serves as a reminder to us all that we should strive for a more equal world, where everybody's rights to good health are respected. National Close the Gap Day gives us the chance to come together, learn more about these challenges, and actively participate in creating solutions. Join in, because together, we can create a fairer, more inclusive society where everyone's treated equally!

National Close the Gap Day Timeline

2005
Close the Gap Campaign Launch
The Close the Gap campaign started in response to a call by Indigenous health leaders to address health inequalities faced by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
2007
Inauguration of National Close the Gap Day
Australia recognized the first National Close the Gap Day to raise awareness about the health and life expectancy disparity between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
2008
Government's Formal Response
The Australian government made a signed commitment to achieving health equality within a generation, largely owing to the Close the Gap campaign.
2010
National Congress Established
The establishment of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples provided a national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
2015
Progress Report
The Close the Gap Campaign released a 10-year review outlining progress and emphasizing the need to keep health equality as national priority.
2020
Agreement on New Targets
The National Agreement on Closing the Gap was established, setting 16 measurable targets focused on improving outcomes in areas like education, employment, health, and justice for indigenous Australians.

How to Celebrate National Close the Gap Day

1

Participate in Educational Workshops

Join or form educational workshops to learn more about the Indigenous cultures of Australia. Understanding and acknowledging the rich history and traditions of these people is key in closing the gap.

2

Support Indigenous Businesses

Make a concerted effort to support businesses owned by Indigenous people not just on this day, but throughout the year. This can create a significant economic impact and further promote their increased participation in society.

3

Engage in Conversations

Open up a dialogue with your friends, family, and colleagues about the health and life expectancy disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Raising awareness is a significant part of understanding and solving this issue.

4

Donate to Indigenous Health Programs

Donate money or resources to organizations that direct their efforts towards improved healthcare for Indigenous communities. Your financial help can go a long way towards bridging this gap.

5

Promote Indigenous Culture

Share art, literature, music, and other cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples on your social media. This can help celebrate their cultural heritage and raise awareness about the need for greater equality.

Why National Close the Gap Day is Important

A

Promotes Equality and Justice

National Close the Gap Day is a good reminder about the importance of equal health opportunities and health outcomes for everyone. It initiates conversations about how we can bridge the gap between the health and life expectancy of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.

B

Encourages Learning and Understanding

The day provides a great opportunity to learn more about Indigenous cultures, traditions, and history. By understanding their experiences, we can better appreciate their value to our diversity and recognize the need to protect their rights.

C

Emphasizes Community Participation

National Close the Gap Day is not only for promoting awareness but for encouraging everyone's participation in achieving equity. Whether it is through supporting Indigenous businesses, participating in educational workshops, or donating to Indigenous health programs, everyone has a role to play.