National Families Week 2026

Today marks the start of National Families Week.

Families Week is about celebrating families in all their diversity. It is also about acknowledging the many different experiences people have of family life.

This year, we come together to celebrate all families. We encourage you to stay connected and seek support within your communities, particularly during challenging times.

We are recognising the week by sharing stories and helpful resources that reflect the everyday experiences of families across Australia.

Mimi’s story

Earlier this year in Katherine, the Smile-a-Mile Toy Library opened its second branch.

For Mimi, this has meant her 3 young children now have access to an affordable, fun and safe space. There they can come together with other families, build relationships and stay connected.

Experiences like Mimi’s reflect the 2026 theme, Every Family, Everywhere. It highlights how access to local support can make a meaningful difference. This is particularly true for families navigating different challenges. This includes distance, isolation, or limited services.

During the Katherine floods in March, Mimi and her children were stuck at home, trying to make the best out of a bad situation.

Mimi shared how the toys provided a silver lining during the floods.

‘The girls whizzing around the house on the ride on ladybird… that toy cat and dog had all sorts of adventures around the house.’

Families with young children are central to Australian life. Research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows that family wellbeing is improved by connection and support. This is particularly true in the early years of parenting.

More than 1.37 million families in Australia are raising under 5 years, representing 40% of all families with children. Making up around three-quarters in major cities, and more than a quarter in regional, rural and remote areas.

Families also come in many forms, and every family’s experience is different. Around one in 7 families with young children are single-parent families. Others include same-sex couples, extended families and multi-family households, and First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse homes. Nearly 3 in 10 children are living in households where English is not the main language.

Social connection and access to support services improves wellbeing outcomes. Supporting families early helps build resilience. It can also strengthen parents’ confidence and improve outcomes for children and communities.

Read the AIFS research(Opens in a new tab/window).

Amanda’s story

For some families, connecting with a local service provider can make all the difference.

Amanda was a new arrival to Bendigo. She approached her local Playgroups Australia with an idea. They supported her to facilitate her own program for families and children. It focused on connection to nature and community and taught the kids about bush safety.

Amanda’s new program is a supportive arts space for children to learn new skills and embrace creativity. With support from the community, she secured funding to bring this vision to life.

She shared her gratitude to the Playgroups staff that helped her set up the programs.

’I could do this because you believed in me,’ Amanda said.

Today, she is preparing for her own art exhibition and displaying designs from the Create Together Art Classes.

We work closely with community organisations, researchers and service providers. Together we aim to better understand what helps families thrive. This is invaluable, especially during times of change or uncertainty.

How to get involved in National Families Week

A wide range of events and activities take place during Families Week, including:

• community and cultural celebrations 
• playgroup sessions and early childhood activities 
• parenting workshops and information sessions. 

Attend an event with your family or organise one for your community. Check in with others, share information, or create opportunities for connection. These small actions can make a huge difference. You can also visit the national peak body for families, children, and young people, Families Australia(Opens in a new tab/window).

To get involved, visit National Families Week(Opens in a new tab/window).