Mother's Day

Mother's Day in Australia is celebrated on the second Sunday of May to honour mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures across the country. It is a widely cherished observance marked by family gatherings, thoughtful gift-giving, and floral tributes.

While modern Mother's Day originated in the United States in the early 20th century through the campaigning of Anna Jarvis, Australia established its own distinct gift-giving custom in 1924. Sydney resident Janet Heyden launched a public appeal after visiting elderly, destitute women at Newington State Hospital, many of whom were mothers left isolated or grieving sons lost in World War I.

Heyden appealed to local newspapers, businesses, and school children to donate small items like toiletries, confectioneries, and cards to cheer up the forgotten hospital residents. Her initiative captured the hearts of the public, rapidly expanding into a nationwide tradition of honoring mothers every May.

Australians typically observe Mother's Day with family breakfasts in bed, brunch outings, or traditional Sunday lunches. A uniquely Australian custom is gifting chrysanthemums—affectionately known as 'mums'—because they are in full bloom during the southern hemisphere's autumn in May. White chrysanthemums are often worn or presented in memory of mothers who have passed away. Tens of thousands of participants also take part in the annual Mother's Day Classic, a nationwide fun run and walk that raises funds for breast and ovarian cancer research.