The United Nations has designated 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives Year highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development,

This festival features Tasmanian food, beverages and local produce with an arts, culture, community and sports program.

St Basil was one of the greatest leaders and thinkers of the Orthodox Christian church. In many Greek homes, a special cake is baked on the eve of St Basil's Day with a gold or silver coin hidden inside.

On this day people of Sikh faith honour the birth of the founder of the Khalsa who lived from 1469 -1539 (Khalsa refers to the collective body of all baptised Sikhs).

The Armenian Church celebrates Christmas on this day.

The Coptic Church celebrates Christmas on this day.

Eastern Orthodox Churches that use the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on this day.

Each year the Sydney Festival offers a rich and diverse program spanning cultures and art forms including dance, theatre, music, visual arts, film, forums and large scale free outdoor events.

Schutzenfest is a festival celebrating German culture and featuring competitive shooting, music, dancing, food and drink. Australia's first Schutzenfest was held in Adelaide in 1865.

Observed in over 80 countries, the aim of World Religion Day is to foster interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasising the common elements underlying all religions.

Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of God in human form as Jesus Christ.

Vietnamese people celebrate Tet with family reunions, special foods and gifts. This festival is also an opportunity for Vietnamese Australians to share their cultural heritage with the wider Australian community.

The Year of the Dragon represents honesty, sensitivity and bravery. Chinese New Year festivals feature traditional cultural activities, food stalls, arts and crafts, fire crackers, lion dances and dragon parades.

The Australia Day Live concert on the lawn of Parliament House, Canberra features Australia's top musical talent. Young, Senior, Local Hero and Australian of the Year awards are announced.

On this night, Scots everywhere honour Robert Burns, poet, balladeer and for many, Scotland's favourite son. Burns Night is a night for all Scots to celebrate their heritage.

On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. Australia Day celebrations are held in communities across the country. Order of Australia awards are announced on Australia Day and the Queen's Birthday each year.

This date marks the birthday of Muhammad, regarded by Muslims as a messenger and prophet of God.

The National Multicultural Festival features local, national and international music, dance, food and creative arts.

This festival is Australia's oldest international arts festival and Western Australia's premier cultural event. It includes drama, theatre, music, film, visual arts, street arts, literature, comedy and free community events.

This festival is an opportunity for South Australia's Italian communities to share their traditions with other Australians.

This festival on St Kilda's foreshore celebrates Australia's musical talents.

This day is an observance of the death of the Buddha (Mahayana tradition).

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent. Pancakes are traditionally eaten on this day.

Losar is an occasion to dispel the obstacles and negativities of the old year and is marked with activities that symbolise purification.

Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar, traditionally a time of fasting and reflection. It begins with Ash Wednesday.

This is an annual arts festival that takes place over three weeks across Adelaide.

The Antipodes Festival takes over Lonsdale Street to celebrate all things Greek (dates TBC). Outside of Greece, Melbourne is the largest Greek-speaking city in the world.

The Greek Festival of Sydney, one of Australia's largest and longest running annual cultural events, is a celebration of Greek-Australian lifestyle, culture and heritage.

Pako Festa is a celebration of cultural diversity and attracts thousands of people to enjoy food, folk dancing, art exhibitions, films, craft, activities for children and the Pako Parade.

St David's Day, which commemorates the patron saint of Wales, has been a national day of celebration for Welsh people since the 18th century, featuring parades, festivities and singing.

This event showcases the best of Victoria's culinary culture.

Also known as Sangha Day, this day celebrates the community of followers of the teachings of Buddha (Theravada tradition).

Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther.

Holi is a boisterous festival with people smearing each other with coloured water and bright powders. Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi also commemorates some key figures in Hindu mythology.

This festival features a three-day music, arts and dance festival held in Adelaide's Botanic Park.

This festival's highlights include Dragon Boat races, the 'Birdman Rally', fireworks display, the Moomba Parade and Waterfest Carnival.

Over the past fifteen years Estia has provided a forum for showcasing and sharing the rich Hellenic-Australian culture, heritage and tradition with the broader community.

The Sikh calendar is called the Nanakshahi Calendar and takes its name from Guru Nanak, who founded the Sikh religion more than 500 years ago.

This large multicultural gathering is an all-ages day, celebrating peace, understanding and cultural diversity.

Cultural Diversity Week features a program of festivals and events highlighting Victoria's cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.

The Mandaeans are an ancient religious community from southern Iraq and Iran.

This day is Ireland's National Day. St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and brought Christianity to Ireland in the early days of the faith.

Features massed pipe bands, Scottish culture, livestock, merchandise, music, dancing and haggis hurling.

Harmony Day celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of our nation and promotes the benefits of cultural diversity. Schools, community groups and organisations across Australia host Harmony Day events. http://www.harmony.gov.au/harmony-day/

Norouz means 'new day' in Persian and is a traditional festival of spring that has been celebrated for more than 3000 years by people from Iran and surrounding countries.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that 'all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights'. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting this ideal.

This festival features Latin American dance parties, workshops and performances.

The Fraser Coast Cultural Festival, north of Brisbane, is a celebration of cultures with entertainment, street theatre, a parade, international food, craft and display stalls.

This is a celebration of Thai culture in Federation Square, Melbourne, with food stalls, dancing, arts and crafts.

NYW aims to encourage all young people to share ideas, attend live events, have their voices heard on issues of concern to them, showcase their talents, celebrate their contribution to the community, take part in competitions, and have fun.

Assyrians celebrate this day as their national festival.

This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, hero of the religious epic poem, 'The Ramayana'. The day involves the telling of stories and attending temples.

The Easter Show is an iconic showcase of Australian culture, heritage and excellence. It combines innovation, heritage, education and entertainment. Every year The Sydney Royal Easter Show attracts around 900,000 visitors.

Held over the Easter weekend in Canberra every year, the National Folk Festival draws together people from all around Australia and the world.

Easter commemorates the resurrection (return to life) of Jesus Christ following his death by crucifixion. It is the most significant event of the Christian calendar.

This is a solemn Christian remembrance of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.

This day is a Hindu celebration of Hanuman who was an embodiment of Lord Rama. Devotion and selfless work are encouraged.

This festival, held in Griffith, NSW celebrates Griffith's multicultural character and premium wine and food industry.

The Coptic Church has a major feast on this day.

Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals. It commemorates the liberation by Moses of the Jewish people from slavery.

In addition to its religious significance, Easter in Australia is enjoyed as a four-day holiday weekend starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday. This long weekend is an opportunity to take a holiday or get together with family and friends.

Songkran, the Thai New Year and Water Festival, is one of Thailand's oldest and favourite festivals. Thai communities across Australia celebrate this festival with food, crafts and performers.

The two main Sri Lankan ethnic groups, the Sinhalese and the Tamils, celebrate a common traditional New Year on this day.

Baisakhi – or Vaisakhi – is an ancient harvest festival which marks the beginning of a new solar year and harvest season. Baisakhi also marks the founding of the Khalsa in the 17th century, which is the collective body of all baptised Sikhs.

This New Year Buddhist festival is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April.

On this day in 2005, German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th Pope and took the name Benedict XVI.

This day remembers the six million Jews killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. It is observed by many people of Jewish and other faiths.

This festival is held in Apollo Bay, Victoria and features national and international performers.

This Baha'i commemoration is of the 12 day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

The annual Sikh Games provide an opportunity for Australia's Sikh communities to unite through sporting and social activities.

St George is the patron saint of England. St George, a prominent military saint, is one of the most venerated saints in the Christian church.

Anzac Day is one of Australia's most important dates of national commemoration. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War (1914-18), at Gallipoli. Dawn services at war memorials honour the sacrifice of those who died in war. Marches and reunions are held during the day.

The Woolgoolga Curryfest celebrates the cultural diversity of this seaside village near Coffs Harbour with curries from around the world, music and dance. Woolgoolga has the largest regional Sikh/Punjabi population in Australia.

This Baha'i commemoration is of the 12 day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

This Baha'i commemoration is of the 12 day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

This festival is a celebration of Celtic culture including dancing, music, singing, massed pipe bands, strongman events, Celtic foods and children's programs.

This festival showcases the diversity of Australia's society with cultural displays, music, dance performances and vegetarian food.

Vesak is the major Buddhist festival of the year and celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.

Local copper mines in the Yorke Peninsula once employed hundreds of Cornish immigrants and this biennial festival revives traditions of Cornish heritage.

This festival commemorates the birth of the Buddha and promotes cooperation, community understanding and harmony in a culturally diverse community.

This day observes the departure of Jesus from earth after his resurrection. It is perhaps the earliest observed celebration in Christianity.

This festival features three days of music, wine, celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations.

Paniyiri is Brisbane's well known celebration of Greek culture and heritage, held annually at Musgrave Park (dates TBC). Visitors enjoy delicacies from the different islands and regions of Greece, together with music and dance.

The Mandaeans are an ancient religious community from southern Iraq and Iran.

This date marks the anniversary of the Báb's announcement of his mission in 1844. The Báb is a prophet and forerunner of the Baha'i faith. Work is suspended on this day.

Shavuot is a Jewish celebration of Moses's descent from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments.

National Reconciliation Week celebrates the rich culture and history of the First Australians.

This day marks the death of the founder of the Baha'i faith, Baha'u'llah, in 1892. Work is suspended on this day.

The Coptic Church has a major feast on this day.

Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and is regarded by some Christians as the birthday of the Christian church.

This annual festival celebrates Celtic music and culture. Each of the Celtic lands is represented – Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man.

The Greek Glenti Festival has developed into the largest ethnic celebration in the Northern Territory.

Celebrating the King or Queen of Australia's birthday in Australia dates back to 1788, when Governor Phillip declared a public holiday. Order of Australia award recipients are announced on Australia Day and the Queen's Birthday.

On this day Sikhs remember those who have suffered for the faith. The day is observed by reading the Guru Granth Sahib.

Since early 1945, seven million people have come to Australia as new settlers, including more than 700 000 people under humanitarian programs, initially as displaced persons and more recently as refugees.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This Buddhist date commemorates the first sermon delivered by the Buddha after his enlightenment.

Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage that commemorates the repeal of an English law in 1782 that had banned the wearing of tartan.

The Báb was executed in 1850. He was a prophet and forerunner of the Baha'i faith. Work is suspended on this day.

The Mandaeans are an ancient religious community from southern Iraq and Iran.

The Mandaeans are an ancient religious community from southern Iraq and Iran.

Ramadan is the most auspicious month on the Islamic calendar, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset.

This festival highlights Ingham's Italian heritage through Italian food, entertainment and cultural displays. 'Mangiamo, Beviamo é Cantiamo!' (eat, drink and celebrate!).

This festival features arts, crafts, food and a variety of events including medieval re-enactments, concerts and dancing (date TBC).

Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection. This Hindu festival honours the love between brothers and sisters and is marked by the tying of a rakhi thread by the sister on the wrist of her brother.

An Indigenous cultural exchange event of clan groups from north east Arnhem Land, the Garma Festival is a celebration of Indigenous cultures (dates TBC).

A community fair including market stalls with fresh produce, arts & crafts and entertainment provided by community groups.

This festival showcases the distinctive culture and stories of the Northern Territory.

This festival is one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar. It celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, a Hindu deity, more than 5000 years ago.

This day commemorates the death and burial of the Virgin Mary.

Cultural Fest brings the Townsville region to life with dance, food, music, arts, workshops and sports (dates TBC).

Teams of 'rowers' race their boats on the dry sandy bed of the Todd River. This unique and long running sporting spectacle attracts many participants, with proceeds going to charity.

The Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, ends with the festival of Eid al Fitr. A celebratory meal breaks the fast and at this time charity and good deeds have special significance. Eid is also a time of forgiveness and making amends.

A festival day for the entire family, with multicultural performances and artistic displays (date TBC).

This event celebrates the region`s cultural diversity with dances, costumes, entertainment and traditional foods.

A white thread is tied around the wrists of community members and friends. Many Karen refugees from Burma and Thailand have resettled in Australia and ceremonies such as this contribute to the continuation of Karen culture.

Wattle is Australia's national floral emblem. With nearly 1000 Australian species, wattles symbolise diversity and resilience.

The Aadh Granth (Original Scripture) was installed at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) Amritsar in India. The first reading ceremony was on 1st September 1604.

Held annually after Ramadan, Muslims and non-Muslims from all backgrounds can enjoy a variety of food and cultural programs in a friendly family atmosphere (date TBC).

The festival program includes dance, opera, theatre, visual arts, symphony, contemporary music, circus, sideshow and many free events.

Battle for Australia Day commemorates the service and sacrifice of all those who served in defence of Australia in 1942 and 1943 when we faced the gravest threats to our nation.

The Copts have been celebrating New Year for over 1700 years and the Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.

A celebration of Irish and Australian music and the related arts.

The OzAsia festival celebrates the richness and diversity of Australian and Asian culture through theatre, dance, music, film, food and visual arts.

Citizenship ceremonies are held across Australia to welcome people into the Australian community. Citizenship is the bond which unites all Australians and becoming an Australian citizen is a step that shows commitment and loyalty to this country. www.citizenship.gov.au/

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year festival, commemorates the creation of the world. A synagogue ritual is the blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn trumpet. Apples are dipped in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year that lies ahead.

This popular festival culminates with a clay statue of the Hindu elephant god Ganesh being immersed in water to remove the misfortunes of mankind as the statue dissolves.

Oktoberfest is a German festival celebrated by communities worldwide. It is celebrated with folk dancing, singing, food and drink.

This festival is for children and their families to share experiences from different cultural backgrounds (date TBC).

This holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with fasting and repentance. Many Jews will refrain from work and attend synagogue services.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular East Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness, dating back over 3000 years. The traditional food of this festival is the moon cake.

The Queen's Birthday holiday in Western Australia is based on the dates of the Term three school holidays and the Royal Show. The other Australian States have the Queen's Birthday holiday in June.

Sukkot commemorates the 40 year period during which the Jewish people were wandering in the desert. Sukkot were the huts in which they lived during this time.

This festival features cultures showcasing their traditions with dance, music, performances and workshops (date TBC).

Baha'i followers celebrate the birth of the Báb on this day, a prophet and forerunner of their faith. Work is suspended on this day.

This day commemorates the eternal installation of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib.

This Hindu festival marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival of Dasera concludes the festival of Navaratri, which extends over a number of days.

The Feast of Sacrifice commemorates the ordeal of Abraham who was asked to sacrifice his only son to prove his faith to Allah (God).

Halloween has its origins in ancient pagan, Celtic harvest and Christian festivals. Children dress up as witches, devils, ghosts and skeletons and seek small treats from neighbours.

This Christian day honours saints, known and unknown. Saints are men and women recognised for lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith.

The Mandaeans are an ancient religious community from southern Iraq and Iran.

The Melbourne Cup is Australia's premier horse racing event that 'stops the nation'. It is always held on the first Tuesday in November.

This day marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18). We observe one minute's silence at 11am in memory of the millions who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

On this day people of Baha'i faith refrain from work and celebrate the birth of their faith's founder.

Australians of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths celebrate Deepavali (Diwali), or the Festival of Lights. This is a very popular festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Muharram is the first month of the year on the Islamic Calendar and marks the New Year for Muslims.

'Tolerance does not mean indifference or a grudging acceptance of others. It is a way of life based on mutual understanding and respect for others, and on the belief that global diversity is to be embraced, not feared.' UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Ashura marks Noah's departure from the ark, the exodus of Moses from Egypt and the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson.

Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Guru, sacrificed his life to defend the religious freedom of another faith.

This day is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Everyone can show their commitment to ending violence against women by wearing a white ribbon.

Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of the Sikh faith and way of life. Sikhism stresses the importance of doing good deeds rather than merely carrying out rituals.

St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. His feast day, 30 November, is the national day of Scotland.

Advent is observed with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths and special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ.

This Catholic feast day commemorates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life.

Chanukah (Hanukkah) commemorates the recapture and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It lasts for eight days and nights, and each night an additional candle is lit.

Carols By Candlelight is a community event especially for children. Pack a picnic dinner, bring a rug, light a candle and join in singing Christmas carols in the season of peace and goodwill.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, peace on earth and good will. Christmas lights and trees are displayed, carols sung and children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus and gifts.

Two important sporting events are held - the start of the Sydney to Hobart bluewater classic yacht race and the Boxing Day test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The festival appeals to a diverse audience with all ages and many nationalities attracted each year to its music, street theatre, talks, art, food, craft and stalls.

New Year's Eve is a time for communities, families and friends to celebrate the year past and the year to come. Fireworks light up cities and harbours around Australia.