International Migrants Day occurs each year on the 18th of December. It is an opportunity to recognise the complexity and challenges of international migration and the important role cooperation and collective action among countries and regions play.

For more information, visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-day

For more information, visit:

• https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
• https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/your-mental-health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-mental

DineSmart is an initiative to raise awareness about the prominent issue of homelessness in Australia. Dine at participating restaurants and help out local grassroots community groups attempting to aid the homeless or at risk.

Since establishment in 2003, DineSmart has distributed $7,162,515 in funds, supported 700 organisations, donated 10,000 SleepSafe Kits, and provided 93,585 SmartMeals.

How DineSmart works:

• Street Smart partners with restaurants and local homeless charities
• Diners make a $2 donation at partner restaurants for dine-in or takeaway
• Money raised will provide meals for vulnerable people who may otherwise not have eaten

To get involved this December:

• Make a donation
• Dine out at participating restaurants
• Volunteer with the organisation
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information, visit: https://streetsmartaustralia.org/

The campaign runs every year from 25 November-10 December, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Human Rights Day. 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.

In 2020 the global theme is: “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” Make a difference during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by supporting women and girl survivors of violence to stay safe and free of violence.

• Globally, even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, 1 in 3 women experienced physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner.
• Emerging data shows an increase in calls to domestic violence helplines in many countries since the outbreak of COVID-19.
• In some countries, resources and efforts have been diverted from violence against women response to immediate COVID-19 relief.

Get involved this December by:

• Raising awareness on social media
• Donating
• Organising events in your local community
• Sharing photos, videos and messages on social media about how you are participating

For more information, visit:
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/16-days-of-activism

Decembeard is a hair-raising fundraiser held during the month of December. Men are encouraged to grow a beard in the final month of the year to raise awareness and much needed funds for bowel cancer. Bowel cancer is the third most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia.

15,253 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, including 1,531 (10%) people under the age of 50.

To get involved, grow a beard or some chin stubble and promote your facial hair to raise awareness and funds for Australia’s second biggest cancer killer – bowel cancer. Women and children are also encouraged to take part by making or faking a beard and encouraging the men in their lives to find out about bowel cancer and grow a beard for Decembeard!

Decembeard’s goal is to have a lasting impact on our health future – where no one dies of bowel cancer and all those diagnosed receive the support they need.

You can get involved by

• Volunteering
• Fundraising
• Participating in organised events

For more information, please visit:
https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/decembeard

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held on 3 December each year. IDPwD is a United Nations observed day celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

According to the WHO World Report on Disability, 15 per cent of the world’s population, or more than 1 billion people, are living with disability.

The 2020 theme ‘Not all Disabilities are Visible’ focuses on spreading awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, diabetes, brain injuries, neurological disorders, learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, among others.

Get involved this December by:

• Donating to the organisation
• Raising awareness on social media
• Educating friends and family

For more information, visit: https://www.idpwd.com.au/ or https://idpwd.org/

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year. It raises awareness across the world and in the community about the issues surrounding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is a day for people to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

“HIV continues to pose serious challenges around the globe.”

HIV still exists in Australia. There were 833 new HIV diagnoses in Australia in 2018.

HIV can affect anyone. There is no vaccine or cure for HIV, however there is highly effective treatment. People living with HIV take medications on a daily basis to maintain their HIV at an undetectable level and to keep themselves healthy. Today, HIV is considered a chronic but manageable condition, and people living with HIV can lead long and healthy lives, with a similar life expectancy to a person who does not have HIV.

Like other conditions, HIV can be prevented. By being informed about what HIV is and how it can be transmitted, we can take measures to look after ourselves and others.

So take the first step-inform yourself about HIV.

To get involved this December:

• Donate to the foundation
• Volunteer
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information, visit: http://www.worldaidsday.org.au/internet/wad/publishing.nsf/Content/Home

To make a booking, visit our website https://www.waitaramedical.com/ or contact reception on 8038 1070.

NICU Awareness Month in November is a time to recognise the importance of Neonatal Intensive Care Units and their amazing staff around Australia. They offer specialised care and help make a difference to over 48,000 babies who are born prematurely or sick every year.

“132 babies are born each day requiring specialised care.”

Get involved this November by:

• Making a donation
• Raise awareness on social media
• Host an event with friends or family

For more information, visit: https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/get-involved/events/november-nicu-awareness-month/

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is running from the 18-24 November this year and aims to increase awareness of and response to global antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A central goal is to avoid the increase of drug-resistant infections by encouraging best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers. The theme this year is “Antimicrobials” handle with care”.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites resist the effects of medications, making common infections more difficult to appropriately treat, which increase the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. One of the main objectives of WAAW is to increase awareness through appropriate communication, education and training.

To address antimicrobial resistance, the UN is currently:

• Supporting countries with national action plan implementation
• Raising education and awareness on antimicrobial resistance
• Optimising use of antimicrobial medicines
• Monitoring progress on antimicrobial resistance
• Fostering international cooperation on antimicrobial resistance
• Building capacity for infection prevention

Get involved this WAAW by raising awareness and educating friends and family on the importance of antimicrobial resistance.

For more information, visit: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-antimicrobial-awareness-week