National Reconciliation Week and IDAHOBIT are just a few causes that Surf Coast Shire Council will support over the next four years.
Council adopted the 2026-2029 awareness-raising calendar during its 28 October meeting to provide clarity and support on matters of significance to the community.
Councillor Libby Stapleton said the events listed in the calendar would provide meaningful occasions for the community to come together in reflection or celebration.
“Publishing this calendar does not diminish the importance of other causes or events that are not included,” she said.
“It provides clarity with council and the community around what awareness-raising events will be supported in the coming years.
“The reality is that council may be approached to support many worthy causes in our community, and it is necessary to set some limits and provide a balanced approach.”
The calendar will feature 12 awareness-raising events, but will not be a full listing of events held across the Surf Coast Shire.
It will include First Nations-led Acknowledgement of 26 January, International Women’s Day, IDAHOBIT Day, World Environment Day, and International Day of People with a Disability.
National Volunteer Week, National Reconciliation Week, National Youth Week, Seniors’ Festival, Mental Health Week and Children’s Week will also be included on the calendar.
International Men’s Day on 19 November will also be added to the calendar after a proposed amendment put forward by Cr Adrian Schonfelder was passed by council.
“One thing I am very concerned about is the suicide rates of men, particularly young men, and the fact that men are reluctant to speak out about issues,” he said.
“I’m not downplaying the fact that International Women’s Day is important, and I know, in the past, women weren’t allowed to vote and were considered property.
“But I do think that we should seriously consider having an International Men’s Day, and I would be very happy to attend both the Women’s Day and the Men’s Day.”
