Anti Poverty Week

Anti Poverty Week is aimed at raising awareness and understanding of the prevalence of poverty in Australia and across the globe. The observance seeks to increase the collective commitment to overcoming poverty through education and advocacy. It further intends to foster collaboration among various sectors, such as government bodies, community organizations, and individuals, to enact transformative changes that can lead to a more inclusive and equitable society.

The concept of Anti Poverty Week originated in the United Kingdom in 1972 when a campaign titled Mobilise Against Poverty was launched. In Australia, the initiative began in 2002 with the support of several major national organizations, who recognized the importance of addressing issues that over 3 million Australians face due to poverty. The observance highlights the fact that socio-economic disadvantage can be tackled through policy intervention, job creation, and investments in healthcare and education, as well as by addressing the rising income inequality.

In Australia, the observance of Anti Poverty Week is marked by various events, conferences, and workshops that provide information on the underlying factors that perpetuate poverty and the steps that can be taken to mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations. These activities are organized by a wide range of stakeholders, from non-profit organizations to educational institutions and government agencies. Anti Poverty Week typically takes place in the third week of October.

Date shown for 2024 is estimated as the official date has not been finalized.