National Families Week 2009

Each year, tens of thousands of people and hundreds of organisations celebrate National Families Week - Australia's annual celebration of families.

National Families Week is timed to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Families on 15 May. This day is observed by the United Nations to mark the importance that the international community places on families as the most fundamental units of society, as well as to draw attention to the plight of families in many parts of the world.

Planning for National Families Week 2009 is underway and we expect to be able to confirm dates and the theme in the near future. If you wish to be sent email information on the Week as soon as it is available, please email us.

All Australians, including community organisations, schools, councils, companies and individuals are invited to participate in National Families Week each year.

The 6th National Families Week was held between 11 and 17 May 2008. The theme was “Work and Family: getting the balance right”. New records were set in terms of number of participants. More than 120,000 people participated in events across Australia. Over 800 events were organised by 600 community, business, government and other service organisations.

Each National Families Week you’re encouraged to invest some time to celebrate the vital role of your family and to do things that will improve the all-round physical and emotional wellbeing of your family unit.  Take the time to go for a family picnic, have that game of backyard cricket you planned all summer, catch up with friends/relatives for a walk in a local beauty spot, spend some time talking and listening to all members of your family.

The Australian Government, through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, sponsorsNational Families Week with Families Australia. Centrelink also promotes National Families Week and provides support through its national network.

Previous National Families Weeks

National Families Week 2008

National Families Week 2007

National Families Week 2006