The public holiday formerly known as Union Picnic Day is on Monday 26 September. Unions are hosting a free family event at Westside Acton Park near Floriade.

Details: 10am – 3pm at Westside Acton Park, 3 Barrine Drive, Acton. Google map & directions

You can expect free live music, balloons, face-painting and colouring in for kids, fairy-floss and popcorn.

And of course, unions will be raising awareness about the importance of well-funded public services, affordable health care, and protecting penalty rates. (Contact Jeremy Kirkwood at weareunion@unionsact.org.au for more information.)
Some history

This ACT public holiday originated in 1932 when a number of unions ran a picnic for members, and was originally called Union Picnic Day. Over the years, it was incorporated into awards and industrial agreements, and eventually became a popular public holiday celebrated by the entire community.

In 1977, 1997 and 2000, various employer organisations unsuccessfully tried to have it abolished, and in 2005 the Howard Government used WorkChoices laws to finally remove Union Picnic Day.

After a strong campaign by unions, in 2007 the ACT Government agreed to re-instate Union Picnic Day, re-named as Family and Community Day.

(Thanks to Jeremy Kirkwood and the WeAreUnion website.)