National Close The Gap Day

A diverse group of people wearing brightly colored clothes, engaging in activities that promote unity and equality, against a backdrop of a vibrant and diverse community. — National close the gap day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we unravel the internet history of national days! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of National Close the Gap Day. Get ready for some enlightening and entertaining information!

When is Close The Gap Day?

It's national close the gap day on the 19th March.

The Origins of National Close the Gap Day

National Close the Gap Day is an Australian initiative that aims to raise awareness about the vast health and life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It was first observed on March 19, 2007, and has since become an annual event.

The day serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and advocate for policies and programs that address the social and economic disparities faced by Indigenous Australians.

By promoting access to quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, National Close the Gap Day strives to create equal opportunities and improve the overall well-being of Indigenous communities.

History behind the term 'Close The Gap'

1977

First Use of the Term

The term 'close the gap' was first used in 1977 during a speech by Michael Dodson, an Indigenous Australian lawyer and activist. Dodson used the term to highlight the significant disparity in health, education, and economic outcomes between Indigenous Australians and the non-Indigenous population.

1981

Official Policy

In 1981, the Australian government introduced the National Aboriginal Health Strategy, which aimed to 'close the gap' in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. This marked the formal adoption of the term as part of government policy and the commitment to address the existing inequalities.

2008

Closing the Gap Campaign

In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) launched the 'Closing the Gap' campaign, which specifically focused on achieving equality in health, education, and employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians. This campaign further popularized the term 'close the gap' and created a nationwide awareness for the need to address the disparities.

2018

10-Year Anniversary of the Campaign

In 2018, the 'Closing the Gap' campaign celebrated its 10-year anniversary. While progress had been made in some areas, including improvements in early childhood education and higher school completion rates, there were still significant challenges remaining in closing the gap completely. The anniversary served as a reminder that sustained efforts are required to achieve equitable outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Present

Ongoing Advocacy and Awareness

The term 'close the gap' continues to be used in ongoing advocacy and policy discussions related to Indigenous rights and health. Numerous organizations, including the Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee, work tirelessly to ensure that the focus on addressing the disparities faced by Indigenous Australians remains a priority in both government policies and public discourse.

Did you know?

Did you know that the National Close the Gap Campaign was launched in 2006 by Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations working together? It was a landmark collaboration to address the inequalities faced by Indigenous Australians. Talk about making a difference!