As a busy clinician, we know you have a lot to keep track of, so we've pulled together some key dates you won't want to miss in 2026. We have included national awareness weeks and observances, including a new date in our very own wound care calendar so you can plan ahead.

National Beat the Swell Day | 19 February

Beat the Swell is Wounds Australia's new national day to raise awareness of lower limb swelling (oedema): its causes and treatments, and sources of support. Explore our event in Melbourne or stay tuned for more professional learning opportunities nationwide.

Lymphoedema Awareness Week | 2-8 March

Lymphoedema Awareness Week is led by our affiliate Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA), which hosts professional learning events throughout the week to raise awareness of lymphoedema and the most updated management strategies. Watch their website or stay tuned to The Gauzette, the Wounds Australia fortnightly newsletter, for more details. (It's free to subscribe at the top of our news page.)

A World Without Skin Tears Day | 9 April

Established by our affiliate the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP), A World Without Skin Tears Day aims to educate professionals on ways to prevent skin tears, and best practice in management and healing. Register for ISTAP's free World Without Skin Tears Day webinar to learn from experts from all continents who will present the latest research.

National Diabetes Week | 12-18 July

Wounds Australia 2026 Conference | 23-26 August

Our biennial Wounds Australia 2026 Conference is the highlight of the Australian wound care calendar and we have some incredible international keynotes lined up for Adelaide: Spain's Prof. Dr. José Luis Lázaro-Martínez, Prof. Zena Moore, who joined us for the Pressure Injury Guideline launch in March, President of our affiliate the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care Kara Couch, and Prof. Dr Dimitri Beeckman. And we've just announced our Australian headliners too... explore the full line-up. Registrations open 9 January! 

Wound Awareness Week | 28 September-4 October

Wound Awareness Week is our chance to advocate for the 450,000 Australians who live with a chronic wound. Clinicians around the country get together to upskill and raise awareness of wound prevention and treatment, and we celebrate our flagship event with a series of events and webinars – all brought to you completely free, as part of our commitment to improving Australian wound care. Read about Wound Awareness Week in 2025.

International Infection Prevention Week | 18-24 October

This week highlights the critical role of infection prevention in improving patient safety and health outcomes. Each year, organisations across the sector host education events and webinars to support clinicians with up-to-date knowledge and best practice insights. Explore the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control website for resources and learning opportunities or stay tuned to our fortnightly newsletter The Gauzette for highlighted events.

Diabetes Feet Day | 12 November

In Australia, an estimated 510,000 people live with diabetes-related foot disease. Diabetes Feet Day is an initiative by our affiliate Diabetes Feet Australia that aims to make feet the focus for the day. You'll find a range of free resources including updated guidelines, a diabetes feet health passport and a checklist on their website. 

STOP PI Day | 16 November

STOP PI Day is held on the third Thursday of November each year and raises awareness of pressure injury prevention and treatment best practice. This global initiative encourages healthcare professionals and organisations to champion prevention strategies that support safer care and improved patient outcomes. You'll find a range of free events and resources – including from Wounds Australia! - so stay tuned to The Gauzette for details as the time approaches.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week | 18-24 November

World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November) aims to increase awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance and promote best practice to limit the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. Free resources are available on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website.