HISTORY OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DAY
Family and Community Day is a public holiday celebrated in parts of Australia in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) region. The holiday falls on the first Monday of the September/October school holidays, except when the first Monday of the school holidays falls on the Labour Day public holiday, in which case the holiday is moved to the following Monday of the school holidays.
Unlike many public holidays, Family and Community Day doesn’t celebrate the memorial of any historical figure or religious event. Rather, it’s simply a day for people to take a break from their hectic working lives and spend some quality time with their family or friends as spring begins. Most businesses are closed on this holiday.
The first Family and Community Day was celebrated in 2007. For two years until 2009, the public holiday was held on the first Tuesday of November, on the same day as the Melbourne Cup, a horse racing event. However, there were challenges with the Tuesday holiday as many people took a four-day weekend and took the Monday off as well. This resulted in revenue losses for many businesses, especially caterers and confectioners.
Since 2010, the holiday has been moved to the first Monday in the September/October school holidays except when it coincided with the Labour Day holiday, in which case it is shifted to the following Monday. For Australians in the ACT, Family and Community Day is a day to relax and spend time together at home playing indoor games or just watching TV. For some, it’s just the perfect day for outdoor activities or whatever fun activity spring allows.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DAY TIMELINE
1990
Family Day in Alberta
Canadians in Alberta observe Family Day for the first time.
2007
First Family and Community Day
ACT government declares the first Tuesday in November as a holiday.
2010
The Government Reschedules the Holiday
Family and Community Day is moved to the first Monday in the September/October school holidays except when it coincides with the Labour Day holiday.
2018
Replacing the Holiday
The government proposes that Family and Community Day will no longer be a public holiday, and replaces it with Reconciliation Day.
RECOMMEND STORIES
- Remembering Ratan Tata: A Visionary Leader and Compassionate Humanitarian
- National College Colors Day – September 2, 2024: history
- Bison-ten Yell Day – September 2, 2024: history, FAQs
- National Lazy Mom’s Day – September 6, 2024
- World Coconut Day – September 2, 2024: A Nutty Celebration!
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DAY ACTIVITIES
Host fun outdoor activities
Throw a BBQ party or picnic with your friends and family. Play chess, soccer, poker, and any other outdoor games that allow you to enjoy the day with your loved ones.
Go sightseeing
Visit some great outdoor sights like the museums, and notable cultural sights in the ACT. You may also consider a hot-air balloon ride or go paddling on the lake.
Reach out
How about spending some time with those who don’t have families to share this day with? You could visit an orphanage or a nursing home with your family or donate to such organizations.
5 TRENDING FACTS ABOUT FAMILY
Declining family size
In Australia, the average family size decreased from 3.6 in 1961 to 2.6 people per household in 2016.
Divorcing dancers
Dancers and choreographers are said to have the highest divorce rate in the U.S. with 43.05%.
Longest-running family show
“The Simpsons,” America’s longest-running cartoon show, debuted in 1989 and has won 32 Emmys.
From a Latin word
The word ‘family’ is derived from the Latin ‘famulus’, meaning ‘a servant’.
Intermarriage is increasingly common
In 1980, just 7% of all marriages in the U.S. were between spouses of a different race or ethnicity, while in 2010, that share doubled by 15% of all new marriages in the U.S. Hispanics (26%) and Asians (28%) were most likely to “marry out,” compared with 9% of white and 17% of black people.
WHY WE LOVE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DAY
It strengthens the family bond
For parents with hectic work schedules, this day offers a great opportunity to hang out with your kids, spouse, parents, and other relatives. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ve missed spending time with your family.
It’s a time to rest
A great opportunity to do away with work for 24 hours. Shut down your laptop and get some good rest without feeling guilty about it.
It’s always fun
Everyone loves a day off, and even better, a day off to spend with the ones who matter to you. There’s no limit to the fun games and other recreational activities you can play today!
