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Let's come together to celebrate Family and Community Day on the exciting date of September 16th! Originating in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), this thrilling holiday was introduced to encourage residents to spend quality time with family, friends, and the community in the midst of bustling school holidays. The day emphasizes the importance of togetherness and community spirit, providing an opportunity for everyone to step back from their daily routines and embrace the joy of connection in the places they call home. So join in, because it's time to revel in the joy of community and connection!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Initiation of Family and Community Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) designs a new public holiday, the Family and Community Day, to encourage residents to spend quality time with their families and local community during the school holidays.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Holiday Enactment Changes</div><div class='timeline-text'>ACT modifies the date of the Family and Community Day from first Monday of September/October school holidays to the first Tuesday of November to coincide with Melbourne Cup day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Community Participation Grows</div><div class='timeline-text'>Family and Community Day sees increased community involvement, with local events, activities, and festivities organized throughout ACT.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Holiday Re-scheduling</div><div class='timeline-text'>ACT government revamps the holiday schedule by moving the Family and Community Day from November to September, allowing it to fall on the first Monday of the school holidays.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 Impact and Response</div><div class='timeline-text'>Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, communities found new ways to celebrate the holiday together while maintaining safety measures, showcasing resilience and the true spirit of community.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a neighborhood potluck</h3><p class='facts-text'>Sharing is caring, so gather your neighbors and host a community-wide potluck! Everyone can bring their favorite dish, offering a fun and delicious way to spend time together as a community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plan a family day out</h3><p class='facts-text'>In the spirit of family, organize a full day of fun activities that everyone in your family will enjoy. This could be a picnic in the park, a visit to a local museum or even a family bike ride through your town or city.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteer in your community</h3><p class='facts-text'>What better way to celebrate community than by giving back? Volunteer at a local charity, participate in a neighborhood cleanup, or host a fundraiser to benefit a cause that’s important to your community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a community art project</h3><p class='facts-text'>Encourage creativity and connection by organizing a community art project. This could be a mural in a local park, a community quilt, or even a collective sculpture. It's a great way to bring the community together and create a lasting reminder of the day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Start a tradition</h3><p class='facts-text'>Make Family and Community Day memorable by starting a new tradition. This could be anything from an annual family photo to a neighborhood game tournament. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that brings everyone together and fosters a sense of community spirit.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Encourages Quality Time</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Family and Community Day encourages us to pause from our daily routines and spend more time with those we love most, doing things that make us feel happy and fulfilled. It not only allows us to create lasting memories but also strengthens our bonds with our family and fellow community members.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Fosters Community Spirit</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The holiday emphasizes community engagement by hosting various activities like a neighborhood potluck, community art projects, or volunteering at a local charity. These activities allow interaction with community members, fostering unity and cooperation among them which eventually leads to strong community ties.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's A Day of Fun</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From picnics in the park, family bike rides, to art projects, this day brims with fun-filled activities that cater to different age groups and preferences. There's always something for everyone making it a day that's awaited with anticipation and celebrated with joy!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-list'><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number'><p>1</p></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Family and Community Day is unique to ACT</h3><p>This day of togetherness is a unique public holiday only celebrated in the Australian Capital Territory as a day for families and communities to come together during school holidays.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number'><p>2</p></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Substitute for a replaced holiday</h3><p>The Family and Community Day was introduced to compensate for Canberra Day, which was shifted to be celebrated on the 2nd Monday in March, leaving ACT without a public holiday during the school holidays.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number'><p>3</p></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Greater participation each year</h3><p>Every year, participation in Family and Community Day activities continues to grow, illustrating the community's commitment to cherishing their families and community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number'><p>4</p></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Numerous local events are organized</h3><p>Every year, several local events are organized by community clubs, neighborhood groups, and local authorities to promote community spirit on this day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number'><p>5</p></div><div class='facts-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Public Holiday status promotes high engagement</h3><p>Being recognized as a public holiday, the Family and Community Day is highly anticipated and sees a high level of active engagement from residents from all walks of life across ACT.</p></div></div></div>
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