National Families Week
15-21 May 2010
“The best start: supporting happy, healthy childhoods”.
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.
National Families Week 2010 was held between 15-21 May 2010. The central aim of National Families Week 2010 was to celebrate the vital role that families play and particularly to highlight the importance of giving every child a happy and healthy childhood. This year’s theme was: “The best start: supporting happy, healthy childhoods”.
All Australians, including community organisations, schools, councils, companies and individuals were invited to participate in National Families Week this year.
This National Families Week, people were encouraged to explore ways in which they can provide the best start for children. They could take time just to be with the children and give them lots of smiles and hugs; do things such as: join a local play or parents group; seek assistance if you need it; involve grandparents and other family members; and celebrate the small achievements in kids’ lives.
The Australian Government, through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, sponsors National Families Week with Families Australia. Centrelink also promotes National Families Week and provides support through its national network.
Media Releases
Families Australia Media release for National Families Week 2010
Leading Australians speak up for families in National Families Week 2010, 13 May 2010
Previous National Families Weeks