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National Close the Gap Day

An awareness observance on the third Thursday in March promoting health equity and closing the gap in life expectancy and health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

Thursday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThird Thursday in March

OBSERVED INAustralia

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee

FIRST OBSERVED

2007

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee, formed in response to Professor Tom Calma's 2005 Social Justice Report, launched the campaign in April 2007 with patrons Catherine Freeman and Ian Thorpe. National Close the Gap Day began in 2007 to rally public support for Indigenous health equity.

Institutional Recordvia closethegap.org.au

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to join the movement on March 21 for National Close the Gap Day! This special day was inaugurated in Australia in 2007 in order to boost awareness about the health and life expectancy disparity between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. It serves as a reminder to us all that we should strive for a more equal world, where everybody's rights to good health are respected. National Close the Gap Day gives us the chance to come together, learn more about these challenges, and actively participate in creating solutions. Join in, because together, we can create a fairer, more inclusive society where everyone's treated equally!

TIMELINE

National Close the Gap Day Timeline

Close the Gap Campaign Launch

The Close the Gap campaign started in response to a call by Indigenous health leaders to address health inequalities faced by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

Inauguration of National Close the Gap Day

Australia recognized the first National Close the Gap Day to raise awareness about the health and life expectancy disparity between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

Government's Formal Response

The Australian government made a signed commitment to achieving health equality within a generation, largely owing to the Close the Gap campaign.

National Congress Established

The establishment of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples provided a national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Progress Report

The Close the Gap Campaign released a 10-year review outlining progress and emphasizing the need to keep health equality as national priority.

Agreement on New Targets

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap was established, setting 16 measurable targets focused on improving outcomes in areas like education, employment, health, and justice for indigenous Australians.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Close the Gap Day

Participate in Educational Workshops

Join or form educational workshops to learn more about the Indigenous cultures of Australia. Understanding and acknowledging the rich history and traditions of these people is key in closing the gap.

SUPPORT

Support Indigenous Businesses

Make a concerted effort to support businesses owned by Indigenous people not just on this day, but throughout the year. This can create a significant economic impact and further promote their increased participation in society.

ENGAGE

Engage in Conversations

Open up a dialogue with your friends, family, and colleagues about the health and life expectancy disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Raising awareness is a significant part of understanding and solving this issue.

DONATE

Donate to Indigenous Health Programs

Donate money or resources to organizations that direct their efforts towards improved healthcare for Indigenous communities. Your financial help can go a long way towards bridging this gap.

PROMOTE

Promote Indigenous Culture

Share art, literature, music, and other cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples on your social media. This can help celebrate their cultural heritage and raise awareness about the need for greater equality.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Close the Gap Day is Important

Emphasizes Community Participation

National Close the Gap Day is not only for promoting awareness but for encouraging everyone's participation in achieving equity. Whether it is through supporting Indigenous businesses, participating in educational workshops, or donating to Indigenous health programs, everyone has a role to play.

Promotes Equality and Justice

National Close the Gap Day is a good reminder about the importance of equal health opportunities and health outcomes for everyone. It initiates conversations about how we can bridge the gap between the health and life expectancy of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.

Encourages Learning and Understanding

The day provides a great opportunity to learn more about Indigenous cultures, traditions, and history. By understanding their experiences, we can better appreciate their value to our diversity and recognize the need to protect their rights.

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