7 dates and festivals to celebrate August. From Hip Hop Appreciation Day to Obon Festival, discover cultural educational programs and workshops across Australia from Cultural Infusion.
8 Dates and Festivals to Celebrate in July: From NAIDOC Week to Bastille Day
July is Australia’s coldest month. In the middle of winter, it is a time for meditation and reflection. In the Northern Hemisphere however, July is their warmest month, and it signifies the height of summer. We’ve looked all over the globe for our best picks of July dates to celebrate and commemorate from our cultural calendar. Ranging from Japan’s Star Festival to NAIDOC Week and Bastille Day, get ready to discover global festivals and celebrations to enjoy in July. July Morning Festival 1st July In Bulgaria, July Morning is an annual festival celebrated the night before and on July 1st. Although the tradition is unique to Bulgaria, it is not universally celebrated by the entire country. On this day, people gather on the country’s Black Sea coast to welcome the sunrise of a new day, month and summer season. The festival originated in the 1970s as a symbol of freedom and rebellious youth, but now, participants light fires, play music and jump over the flames, embracing the spirit of renewal and new beginnings. It is this blend of cultural celebration, communal gathering and music festival that draws both locals and tourists to the picturesque coastal locations. Star Festival 7th July Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is a Japanese celebration that takes place on July 7th or August 7th, depending on the region. Originating from a Chinese legend, it celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, represented by the stars Vega and Altair, who are allowed to meet only once a year on this day. During Tanabata, people write wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches. Festivities include parades, traditional decorations and performances, making it a joyful and vibrant occasion symbolising love, wishes and the beauty of the night sky. Celebrate Japanese culture with our Japanese Infusion educational program (available face-to-face in New South Wales), bringing Japanese culture to life using songs, games and storytelling to teach children about the culture, traditions, seasons and celebrations of Japan. Our Japanese Calligraphy or Japanese Ink Painting educational programs, led by award-winning artist Junko, are also other ways to learn about Japanese culture. In these educational programs, student learn different types of brush techniques and touch on Japanese history and origins. Both programs are available in Victoria. We also offer Taiko Drumming in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, which is a traditional and original Japanese music program that combines spectacular performances with interactive workshops. This educational workshop allows students to be introduced to Japanese culture through music and language. NAIDOC Week 7th July – 14th July NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration in Australia that honors the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It stands for National Aborigines’ and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week typically features various events such as cultural performances, art exhibitions, workshops and community gatherings. The week provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and acknowledge the rich heritage and contributions of Aboriginal communities. It also serves as a platform to address issues faced by First Nations peoples and promote reconciliation and understanding among all Australians. This year in 2024, the theme of NAIDOC Week is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’. The term ‘blak’ is a reclaimed word used by Indigenous Australians to assert their cultural identity and solidarity, stripping away the pejorative undertones often associated with ‘black’. ‘Blak’ is not just a word, but a declaration of resilience, pride and ongoing resistance against colonisation and its lingering effects. The term serves as a reminder of the strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, as well as the significance of preserving heritage, language and identity for the future generations to come. As we observe NAIDOC Week, let us take the time to engage in the stories and cultures of our First Nations presenters in our Aboriginal Infusion educational program (available in Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales) and our Aboriginal Culture For A Day program (available in Victoria). Let us acknowledge the resilience and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and learn through dance, symbolic art, didgeridoo and a wide range of other engaging activities. Students can also learn traditional Aboriginal symbols from our First Nations presenters in our Aboriginal Storytelling Through Art educational program, available in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. This unique experience will give students the opportunity to create and share their own stories and is a perfect intercultural experience for any age! Aboriginal Storytelling and Artefacts available in New South Wales, Australia Capital Territory and Western Australia on the other hand, combines storytelling with an introduction to the history of Aboriginal tools and artefacts. Students will get to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture throughout this program by acting out stories and engaging with cultural artefacts. Nevertheless, it is vital to keep the fire burning, not just during NAIDOC Week, but in our everyday actions and interactions as it is important for us to continue learning and engaging with Aboriginal culture and history on an ongoing basis. Bastille Day 14th July Bastille Day is a significant festival and holiday in France that marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a symbolic act that ignited the French Revolution. This event was a pivotal moment in French history, signaling the start of the struggle against the monarchy’s absolute power and the fight for freedom, equality and solidarity. Today, Bastille Day is celebrated with great fervor across France with festivities such as military parades, firework displays and communal gatherings. The iconic parade along the Champs-Élysées in Paris showcases France’s military might and cultural diversity, while smaller towns and villages hold their own festivities, featuring local traditions and cuisine. Cultural Infusion provides a variety of skilled French presenters to assist schools throughout Australia in celebrating Bastille Day. Our Man of a Million Faces and Mime Magnifique! educational programs by renowned international entertainer, Chris, offer students the chance to join interactive and engaging workshops exploring French history and culture. These two programs, available in Victoria, teach students about French theatre life, including magic, mime art and Commedia dell’arte. In terms of music, we also offer our Classic French Music educational program in New South Wales where our presenters play music from legendary French artists and contextualise the music to students by introducing the lyrics, instruments and cultural context. In Queensland, Les Chansons Françaises with Pauline gives students the opportunity to learn stories of her Parisienne childhood in an interactive vocal session with songs that explore intercultural understanding. Students will hear and speak French throughout the program and end the session learning to waltz! Eid Al-Adha 16th July – 20th July Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham in Christianity and Judaism) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God’s command. However, before he could carry out the act, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. During Eid Al-Adha, Muslims commemorate this story by sacrificing an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow or camel, and sharing the meat with family, friends as well as the less fortunate. The festival also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a time for prayer, reflection and spending time with loved ones, emphasising the values of sacrifice, charity and community solidarity in the Islamic faith. Nelson Mandela Day 18th July Nelson Mandela Day, celebrated annually on his birthday, is a date to raise awareness of the life and legacy of a man who shaped both the 20th and 21st centuries. It is a time for everyone to rediscover the principles that motivated Nelson Mandela, a deep commitment to justice, human rights and fundamental freedoms. Nelson Mandela was a fierce advocate for equality and the founding father of peace in South Africa. Nelson Mandela demonstrates to us the power of resisting oppression, of justice over inequality, of dignity over humiliation, and forgiveness over hatred. Let us keep in mind Nelson Mandela’s life lessons and the fundamental humanism that shaped him: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” As also said by Nelson Mandela during the Rivonia Trial in 1964, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” His beliefs are in line with Cultural Infusion’s goals in building cultural harmony and wellbeing. Racial Harmony Day 21st July In Singapore, Racial Harmony Day is observed annually on July 21st to commemorate the importance of racial and religious harmony in the country. It marks the anniversary of the 1964 racial riots, a dark period in Singapore’s history. The day is dedicated to promoting understanding, respect and unity among Singapore’s diverse ethnic and religious communities. Schools, workplaces and communities organise various activities such as cultural performances or sharing sessions to foster mutual respect and appreciation for Singapore’s multicultural fabric. Racial Harmony Day serves as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to building a harmonious and inclusive society, where people of different backgrounds can live and thrive together in peace. Explore our cultural education programs which celebrate and share appreciation of practices and traditions across diverse cultures! International Friendship Day 30th July International Friendship Day is a global observance dedicated to promoting friendship and camaraderie among people from all walks of life. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering friendships, both old and new, and cultivating understanding and goodwill across cultures and borders. It’s a time to appreciate the meaningful connections we have with others and to reach out to friends, near and far, to show gratitude and solidarity. International Friendship Day encourages acts of kindness, reconciliation and bridge-building, emphasising the universal value of friendship in creating a more peaceful and harmonious world. To celebrate this day, choosing to participate in our cultural education programs which use cultural and artistic expression as a means of promoting social cohesion will allow students to forge strong bonds with each other. This will further help them create friendships based on mutual understanding and respect. Book your July celebrations now! Enquire about our cultural education programs available Australia-wide to celebrate important dates for the month of July. Stay tuned for next month to learn the cultural dates to celebrate in August!
Celebrating NAIDOC Week Outside of NAIDOC Week
We at Cultural Infusion are writing this blog from Collingwood on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, who have cared for this land for more than 40,000 years. Living and benefiting from this land every day, we pay our utmost respect to Elders past, present and future. We further acknowledge that sovereignty of this land was never ceded and that this was and always will be Aboriginal land. In the following blog post, we discuss the important history of NAIDOC week and what it is all about today and going forward. Importantly, we also discuss our role and influence as Australians on NAIDOC week in best supporting and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. We further discuss through the shared knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders how this celebration of culture and people is not exclusive to NAIDOC week but encouraged in everyday life. Some Important History NAIDOC, which stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day of Observance Committee, has a strong history extending before 1920 when Aboriginal rights groups started the first boycotts of Australia Day held every January 26th. Several Aboriginal organisations emerged to continue this effort of protest and raise awareness of the unjust history and treatment of First Peoples. However, many societal barriers made progress challenging, with reports of frequent police harassment. These adversities resulted in organisations like the Australian Aborigines Progressive Association (AAPA) abandoning their work in 1927. Australia Day in 1938 would become a significant day for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. On this day, protesters gathered and marched the streets of Sydney, followed by a congress with over a thousand attendees. This was one of the first civil rights gatherings in the world and was known as the first Day of Mourning. After this Day of Mourning, many believed the day warranted being a regular event. Therefore, in 1939 Yorta Yorta man and Aboriginal rights activist William Cooper wrote a letter to the National Missionary Council of Australia seeking their support to promote the annual event. The outcome of this letter was successful. Between 1940 and 1955 Australia’s Day of Mourning was held annually on the Sunday that falls before Australia Day and was known as ‘National Aborigines Day’. In 1955, Aborigines Day was changed to the first Sunday in July after people came to consensus that the day should be regarded as more than a day of protest but a celebration of Aboriginal culture. 1956 saw the formation of the ‘National Aborigines Day Observance Committee’ or NADOC. The second Sunday of July became a Remembrance Day for Aboriginal people and their heritage. This further propelled the formation of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in 1972 as an outcome of the 1967 referendum. In 1974, the NADOC committee, composing entirely of Aboriginal members for the first time, decided to combine both days to run for a full week from the first to the second Sunday of July. In 1984, NADOC asked that ‘National Aborigines Day’ be made a national public holiday to further spread awareness on the rich history of Aboriginal culture that makes Australia unique, which to this day has yet to happen. From 1991, for the first time, NADOC week became NAIDOC week to include the distinct and unique cultural histories of Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hence, the new name became the ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. NAIDOC Week Today Today, NAIDOC Week continues to be a dedicated period focused on celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and achievements. The aim is to continually spread awareness and educate all Australians on the importance of respecting and embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. This serves as an opportunity for the broader public to get involved in cultural celebrations, events, and activities across the country with some of the longest established Indigenous cultures in the world. Each year, NAIDOC week has a unique theme representing a core message. For 2024, the theme is “KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD”. The upcoming theme this year represents a celebration of the unshakable spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is an invitation for all to stand up in solidarity to amplify the voices of those who have long been silenced. The theme of fire represents the surviving strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures passed down through generations despite facing high adversity. The theme serves as a symbol of continued connection to land, waters and sky, to the beings that share these spaces and to the abundant traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through the honouring of flame lies a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Australia. “Blak, Loud and Proud” encapsulates the passionate and wholehearted celebration of Indigenous identity and hence empowering knowledge keepers to stand strong in their heritage and assert their place in the current world. The core goals of this year’s theme, strive for a reclamation of narratives along with an amplification of First Peoples voices, and ultimately an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. This year’s theme is an invitation for all Australians to learn, listen and actively engage in meaningful dialogue and foster a society where the deep knowledge, wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are valued and respected. NAIDOC Week Going Forward Voices From First Peoples We asked Cultural Infusion’s First Peoples presenters Aunty Monica and Uncle Paul for their thoughts on the following two questions. Aunty Monica is a Murri Elder who shares her valuable insights and thoughts on NAIDOC week along with advice to educators on how to best celebrate this week. Uncle Paul is a Wakka Wakka Elder and passionate teacher of the didgeridoo. He shares his thoughts on the meaning and purpose behind NAIDOC week along with advice to educators on how to best celebrate this period. From Aunty Monica: What does NAIDOC week mean to you? Below, Aunty Monica shares the importance of community during NAIDOC week and how this time provides feelings of community as well as safety. “When we get together there’s a sense of comfort and solidarity.” “The spotlight is shined on Indigenous issues and some of the inequities.” “To be visual and seen is so important.” “For non-Indigenous people it’s certainly a great time to learn more.” What is your advice to Educators celebrating NAIDOC week? Aunty Monica discusses NAIDOC week as an important reminder to celebrate First Nations culture. However, she also stresses that celebrating First Peoples culture is not and shouldn’t be exclusive to one week per year. “We would love NAIDOC week to be every week.” “I would encourage teachers to go forward themselves in acknowledging that week.” “There’s many things you can do.” “All it takes is their own initiative really.” From Uncle Paul: What does NAIDOC week mean to you? Below, Uncle Paul shares that NAIDOC week is about celebration and not reconciliation. He stresses the importance of approaching NAIDOC week with positivity and optimism for the future. “It’s about sharing the culture” “It’s about Aboriginal people coming together.” “It’s about the achievements of Aboriginal people.” “It’s about having fun.” “NAIDOC is just bringing everybody together.” What is your advice to Educators celebrating NAIDOC week? Uncle Paul emphasises the importance of schools embracing Aboriginal cultures “all year round” regardless of First Peoples children enrolment. How You Can Engage With Ongoing NAIDOC Celebrations Our blog has discussed many things NAIDOC week, First Peoples culture and more. NAIDOC week is a special period and an opportunity to both celebrate and learn about First Peoples culture all while fostering community and connection. Aunty Monica and Uncle Paul have provided valuable First Peoples perspectives on NAIDOC Week. Through their lived experience, they both express the true meaning of NAIDOC and how this meaning extends way beyond one week but in the everyday. It is important to continue to learn and engage with First Peoples and their cultures well beyond NAIDOC Week as they continue to exist and skilfully adapt every day to new arising conditions as the longest surviving cultures on earth. At Cultural Infusion, we offer a diverse range of cultural programs for schools, childcare centres and more. These include engaging Aboriginal programs which can be explored HERE. When booking a program with us, you will receive 3 months of complimentary premium access to award-winning resources found on our online educational platform Learning Lands. This learning platform can help enrich the intercultural learning experience in the classroom. To find out more about our programs please call us on 03 9412 6666 or email us at [email protected]
January: A Guide to Celebrating Cultural Dates
As the year comes to a close and the new year begins, January and is full of important days that celebrate various aspects of culture, religion, and history. Featuring dates from Cultural Infusion’s expertly designed Cultural Calendar, we take a look at some of January’s culturally and globally significant dates; focusing on new beginnings, health and wellbeing, and education. Some notable January days that have global relevance include World Braille Day, and International Day of Education. These days foster discourse about important topics, honour achievements, and commemorate the history of countries across the world. The first month of the year marks a period of exploration and new beginnings, filled with possibilities and opportunities. Recognised as International Creativity Month and Self-Love Month, it encourages individuals to explore new hobbies, interests, skills, and passions. In the spirit of exploration, our Multicultural All-Day or Half-Day program offers a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity and multiculturalism through a wide variety of engaging and interactive experiences. Participants actively take part in a range of activities and artistic expressions, exploring themes such as language, culture, and history, showcasing a diverse array of cultural programs that contribute to a rich and enlightening experience. Each month of the year has days that hold special significance, making them worth remembering and celebrating. Here, we have shared the details about some commonly celebrated dates in January. Feast of St Basil 1st January St Basil the Great was a leader and a saint of the Orthodox Christian Church, who lived in Cappadocia and served the community with generosity and compassion. He is remembered on the Feast of St Basil, when people bake a special cake called Vasilopita, which has a coin hidden inside. This tradition comes from the bishop’s practice of giving money to the poor. On this day, people also visit their friends and relatives, and celebrate their culture and history together. Our founder and CEO Peter Mousaferiadis is proud of his Greek Orthodox background and heritage. He has received recognition from the Greek community for his work and achievements. He shares the same vision as St Basil the Great, which is to promote intercultural harmony around the world. Cultural Infusion is inspired by the diversity and uniqueness of each human being, and aims to create a better understanding of our society. International Mind-Body Wellness Day 3rd January January 3rd is celebrated as International Mind-Body Wellness Day and is an opportunity to celebrate how a healthy mind means a healthy body as the connection between them plays an integral role in our overall health and well-being. This day highlights the ways that we can elevate our mind-body wellness and promote physical and mental health. Everything from mindfulness, meditation, and spirituality, is encouraged! Our Yoga and Mindfulness program, available in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, helps students recalibrate for the new school year. Incorporating breath work, flexibility, and strength exercises, the program promotes mental and physical well-being. Students learn flowing yoga postures, classical hand gestures, meditation and breath techniques. Didgeridoo Mindfulness Journey is another fantastic program in Victoria this is a perfect way to re-calibrate the mind and body. Through this engaging program, participants delve into three stories depicting children’s global discovery of the didgeridoo. The session concludes with a didgeridoo meditation, providing a holistic experience for all involved. World Braille Day 4th January World Braille Day, on January 4th, celebrates Louis Braille’s birthday, the inventor of the Braille system empowering millions with visual impairments. This tactile writing system fosters accessibility, education, and social inclusion, highlighting the importance of equal opportunities. The day honours Louis Braille’s enduring legacy, enriching countless lives globally. Australia celebrates January as National Braille Literacy Month. World Hindi Day 10th January Also known as Vishwa Hindi Diwas, World Hindi Day is celebrated on January 10th each year to promote and honour the Hindi language as one of the most widely spoken languages globally. This day marks the anniversary of the first World Hindi Conference held in 1975. Hindi plays a crucial role in fostering cultural understanding and connecting people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Our Bollywood Infusion program (available Australia-wide) and Classical Indian Dance program (available in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia), provide a vibrant cultural experience to engage students in the joy of movement, rhythm, and diversity. These are excellent programs to celebrate World Hindi Day, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indian artforms, traditions and culture. International Kite Day 14th January International Kite Day is a global celebration of the joy and art of flying kites. The day symbolises freedom and joy, turning the sky into a canvas adorned with creative designs in a range of colours. It’s a day of shared experiences and community, celebrating the beauty of flight and the simple pleasure of seeing kites dance in the wind. Our Chinese Kite Making workshop in Victoria offers students a hands-on cultural experience, crafting traditional Chinese kites and learning the cultural significance of the traditional art of Chinese Kite Making, perfect for International Kite Day. World Religion Day 15th January World Religion Day is a global event that recognises the significant role religion plays in fostering connections among humanity. Rooted in Baha’i principles, the day advocates for universal equality and promotes a deeper interfaith understanding, strengthening bonds across all communities. Over time, World Religion Day has evolved beyond exclusive celebrations by Baha’i followers, embracing interfaith dialogue that welcomes and shares perspectives from various faiths. Our CEO, Peter Mousaferiadis, has been a dedicated member of the United Religions Initiative (URI), actively involved in promoting interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution. The URI’s continuous initiatives have brought together esteemed individuals from across the globe to engage in discussions on peace-building and conflict transformation at both local and global scales. At Cultural Infusion, we firmly believe that fostering intercultural understanding and solidarity is a crucial step towards creating a more harmonious world. National Handwriting Day 23rd January National Handwriting Day, celebrated on January 23rd, encourages the appreciation of the art of handwriting. Commemorating the birthday of John Hancock, known for his distinctive signature on the Declaration of Independence, the day emphasises the personal touch of handwritten communication and has since been celebrated internationally. In a digital age, it reminds us of the uniqueness and cognitive benefits of handwriting, encouraging people to take a moment engage in the act of penmanship. Our Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo) program provides an opportunity for students to develop their writing skills and appreciate the beauty of Japanese characters. Available in Victoria for both schools and early childhood, students of all ages will get to explore the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy. Similarly, primary and secondary school students in New South Wales can practice their Chinese calligraphy in our Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Ink Painting program, engaging in a meaningful and culturally enriching practice. International Day of Education 24th January The International Day of Education, highlights the crucial role of education in promoting peace, development, and human rights globally. Established by the United Nations, the day emphasises the importance of inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all. The International Day of Education is a call to collaborate and address global education challenges and reaffirms the belief that education is a fundamental human right, essential for building a sustainable and just future. Cultural Infusion provides a variety of educational programs dedicated to fostering creativity. In addition to our diverse range of in-person and virtual programs, we offer a comprehensive musical digital platform, Sound Infusion which is designed for students to discover the richness of global music. Sound Infusion, guides students on a global auditory exploration with music samples from various regions, including Latin America and South East Asia. We emphasise transformative education, encouraging students to perceive the social world through a creative and ethical lens. Australia Day / Invasion Day 26th January Known by many people as Australia Day, January 26 is the anniversary of Captain Arthur Phillip’s landing in Sydney Cove in 1788. Representing pride, patriotism, and achievement, Australia Day is a day of celebration and festivities for some. However, for First Nations Peoples, it’s known as Invasion Day. A day of trauma, Invasion Day marks the impact of dispossession, loss of culture, and the profound consequences of British colonisation and the Stolen Generation on their communities. While it’s important to acknowledge Australia’s national achievements and celebrate national pride, it’s equally vital to empathise with and comprehend the ongoing postcolonial trauma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, along with the negative associations linked to this day. As a nation, it’s important to strive for greater harmony, necessitating reflection and amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Cultural Infusion places significance on personal reflection on January 26 and every day of the year, advocating for enhanced intercultural understanding and confronting previously held beliefs of national pride and heritage. We believe First Nations perspectives need to be heard and valued. Our Aboriginal programs at Cultural Infusion are available in many states across Australia, and are open learning environments for promoting interculturalism and connection between modern and traditional Australia. Aboriginal Infusion is a perfect interactive and engaging introduction to the rich, continuing traditions and cultural aspects of Australia’s first people. Available in Queensland and Victoria, this program features dance and Didgeridoo. Aboriginal Storytelling and Artefacts combines storytelling, artefacts and interactive activities, to introduce students to the history of Aboriginal tools, creating an engaging session for your students in New South Wales, Western Australia and Australian Capital Territory. International Environmental Education Day 26th January International Environmental Education Day, observed on January 26th, promotes environmental awareness and the pivotal role of education in sustainable development. This day encourages learning about environmental challenges, conservation, and sustainable practices, aiming to inspire positive actions for the planet. It serves as a reminder that informed individuals are crucial for building a more environmentally conscious global community. Our Caring for Country program in Queensland provides students with the opportunity to connect with the environment and foster an understanding of Indigenous sustainability practices. Through engaging activities and educational content, students develop an appreciation for nature and gain valuable insights into the importance of environmental conservation. Book your January celebrations now! Explore our cultural programs available Australia-wide to celebrate important dates for the beginning of the new year! We will join you again next month to bring you cultural dates to celebrate in February.