National Families Week 15-21 May 2011

The central aim of National Families Week 2011 is to celebrate the vital role that families play. This year’s theme is:  ‘Sticking together: families in good and tough times.’

This National Families Week 2011 everyone is encouraged to think about the things that make their family strong in both good and tough times, whatever their circumstances. Let's all take time to explore ways we can support each other - in our families and communities - through all the ups and downs of daily life.  You could take time just to be with your family and have some fun together. Other ideas are: encouraging each other, catching up with family and friends you haven’t seen for a while, doing something with your family that helps others, connecting with your local community and remembering to ask for help when you need it.  See the National Families Week website for more ideas - www.familiesaustralia.org.au

National Families Week is timed to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Families on 15 May. This day is observed by the United Nations to mark the importance that the international community places on families as the most fundamental units of society, as well as to show concern about their situation in many parts of the world.  The UN theme for the 2011 International Day of Families is 'Confronting Family Poverty’.

National Families Week is funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Centrelink is also promoting National Families Week and providing support through its national network.

Families Australia is happy to answer your questions and talk to you about how you can celebrate National Families Week. Contact us by phone on 02 6273 4885, fax on 02 6273 4886 or email to admin@familiesaustralia.org.au.