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			National Events Events 2008-2009

February

Australian Disasters Conference 2009
Date: 10-13 February 2009 (postponed until later this year due to the Victorian bushfires).
Location: National Convention Centre, Canberra ACT

The Australian Disasters Conference 2009, Surviving Future Risks, is a major national conference endorsed by Government to explore the future disaster risk environment for Australia.

more about the Australian Disasters Conference 2009

Launch of Year of the Blood Donor
Date: 25 February
Location: Federation Square, Melbourne
The Federal Government has declared 2009 the Year of the Blood Donor. This special year will honour and acknowledge the generosity of blood donors as well as encourage more Australians to regularly give blood and raise awareness of the ongoing need for blood. 2009 also marks the 80th anniversary of blood services in Australia.

more about the Year of the Blood Donor


	March


	Red Cross Calling Because of the unprecedented requirements of supporting Australia's largest natural disaster we are suspending our major fundraising appeal, Red Cross Calling this March. More about Red Cross Calling International Women's Day - 8 March 2009 As armed conflict is waged around the world this International Women's Day, we stop to consider the terrible impact of war on women and the courage they show in conflict and its aftermath. More about International Women's Day World Water Day - 22 March On World Water Day 2009 we are reminded yet again how access to clean water and basic sanitation, a fundamental right for every human, remains a dream for much of the world's population. More about World Water Day


	April


	International Day for Mine Awareness - 4 April 2008 4 April was declared International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action by the UN in 2006 to raise awareness about landmines and to continue the progress towards their eradication. Events are held around the world to spread information about the dangers of landmines and the importance of demining activity.

More about International Day for Mine Awareness


	May


	World Red Cross Red Crescent Day 8th May is World Red Cross Red Crescent Day -- our annual celebration of the birthday of the founder of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Henry Dunant (1828-1910). Henry was the joint recipient of the first Nobel Prize for Peace in 1901 for his visionary decision to establish the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863, following his experience of the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in 1859. World Red Cross Red Crescent Day 2009 International Humanitarian Law Women and War Photographic Exhibition Launching on 12th May 2009 in Melbourne, this collection of images represents women from countries such as Timor-Leste, Afghanistan and Sudan, and portrays the many ways women experience war. Melbourne launch of the Women and War Photographic Exhibition 2009 National Volunteer Week, 11-17 May During National Volunteer Week we say a resounding 'thank you' to all of our volunteers. National Volunteer Week 2009 Red Cross Power of Humanity Gala Ball, 30 May 2009 A magical evening of entertainment with all funds raised supporting the work of Red Cross. The Ball takes place simultaneously in Melbourne and Sydney. Book tickets now


	June


	World Blood Donor Day, 14 June Held on 14 June throughout the world, World Blood Donor Day pays tribute to the millions of people who selflessly donate the life-saving gift of blood. In 2009 Australia will officially host World Blood Donor Day. more about World Blood Donor Day Refugee Week, 14-20 June Every year, millions of people are forced to flee their home country because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or their political opinions. While they may escape from harm, the journey they then embark on as a refugee is often one wrought with many new challenges. more about Refugee Week 2009 Youth on the Move, 23-28 June 2009 Youth delegates from around the world including four delegates from Australia, are gathering in Solferino to share ideas for working with vulnerable people. more about Youth on the Move 2009


	August


	Missing Person's Week 3-9 August is National Missing Persons Week. This year, the International Tracing Service of Australian Red Cross is joining non-government tracing organisations, community groups associated with families and friends of missing people and police services around Australia to raise awareness of people who have lost contact with family friends and loved ones.


	Australian Red Cross Tracing Service and National Missing Persons Week



	The Sun-Herald City2Surf - 9 August 2009 Register for one of the world's largest fun-runs and raise money to help Red Cross improve the lives of vulnerable people. More about the City2Surf



	International Youth Day 12 August 2008 The theme for International Youth Day 2008 is 'youth and climate change: time for action'.

International Youth Day


	September


	National Blood Donor Week, 7-13 September National Blood Donor Week recognises and celebrates the significant contribution which Australia's voluntary donors make to the Australian community. In 2009, National Blood Donor Week will be held from 7-13 September. more about National Blood Donor Week World First Aid Day World First Aid Day is about celebrating ordinary people and volunteers who mobilise to provide that initial help and make the difference, on a day-to-day basis and at the scene of crisis. more about World First Aid Day Blackmores Sydney Running Festival Register for an event in the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival and raise funds to support Red Cross. more about the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival

October

International Day of Older Persons - 1 October 2008
International Day of Older Persons is a timely opportunity to recognise the contributions made by elderly people to the community and the valuable role they continue to play in shaping our society.

More about International Day of Older Persons

International Day for Disaster Reduction - 8 October 2008
More needs to be done to save lives, livelihoods and the economic development of regions affected by disasters.

More about International Day for Disaster Reduction

World Mental Health Day - 10 October 2008
Opportunities for social inclusion and equality are important to everyone in the community, especially for people living with mental illness.

More about World Mental Health Day

November

World Toilet Day - 19 November 2008
Unsafe water and poor sanitation have claimed more lives over the past century than any other cause, and in many developing countries they still do.

World Toilet Day in 2008

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
On 25 November, we draw attention to issues affecting women during and after armed conflict, and promote awareness of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Red Cross National Conference 2008
The humanitarian challenge in a changing world is the theme for this year's National Conference, with a focus on the changing nature of vulnerability, climate change and disasters and humanitarian response.

Speeches and plenary forums from the conference

December

World AIDS Day
1st December is World AIDS Day - an international day of remembrance and support for those people who have lost their lives to, and for those people living with, HIV/AIDS. For almost ten years Australian Red Cross HIV/AIDS prevention and education programs in the Asia Pacific region have been breaking down barriers and helping to save lives. With your financial support we can continue to reach out to the most vulnerable. You can make a secure online donation here.

More about World Aids Day



	International Volunteer Day - 5 December 2008 On International Volunteer Day we celebrate all of our volunteers, who come from all walks of life and diverse communities.

International Volunteer Day



	Red Cross Murray Marathon (Victoria) This year we celebrate the 40th and final Red Cross Murray Marathon. The Red Cross Murray Marathon, one of world's longest annual canoe races, covers a distance of 404km in five days, taking paddlers from Yarrawonga through to Swan Hill in Victoria, Australia.