This circular advises Chief Executives of the need for a renewed focus in public sector workplaces on valuing cultural diversity, particularly in regard to accommodating religious beliefs. The Premier is committed to ensuring that public sector managers and supervisors are sensitive to, and accommodating of the needs of public sector employees in accessing leave entitlements and flexible work hours arrangements (where they exist) for the purpose of observing religious duties.

Chief Executives are therefore advised to distribute this Circular and the (attached) 1997 List of Days of Religious Significance for Multicultural NSW to all managers and supervisors.

The List should not be interpreted as absolutely inclusive, nor is to be used as a reference for decision-making regarding applications for leave. Rather, the List is provided to acknowledge that many NSW public sector employees have religious obligations that may fall on days outside the conventional Christian-based working year calendar. The List should be used to raise awareness of the differing needs of employees in accessing leave entitlements and/or flexible work practices.

Guidelines for management practice in supporting employees who wish to observe religious duties will be provided in the revised Personnel Handbook, to be distributed later in 1997. Any enquiries regarding this matter may be directed to Susan Hayes on telephone 9228 3129.

C. Gellatly
Director-General

1997 DAYS OF RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE FOR
MULTICULTURAL NEW SOUTH WALES

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

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7 Xin Nian (Chinese) or Tet (Vietnamese)
This festival marks the beginning of New Year and a new outlook in the Chinese and Vietnamese calender. Festivities are held over a three day period.

9 Eid-ul-Fitr (Islamic)
This festival marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan.

15 Death of Buddha (Mahayana Buddhism)
Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese Buddhists commemorate the death or the attainment of the final Nirvana of the Buddha.

MARCH

5 Purim (Jewish)
The Festival commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from the threat of extermination in Persia in the 5th Century B.C. Purim is celebrated with the exchange of gifts and the enactment of the story of Esther.

21 Naw-Ruz (Baha'i, Iranian, Parsee)
Naw-Ruz literally means New Year. The day is celebrated by the Baha'i, Parsee, Iranian and the Kurdish community.

28 Good Friday (Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Protestant)
Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Christ, is one of the most solemn observances in the Christian year.

30 Easter (Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Protestant)
Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Christ.

APRIL

5 Qing Ming (Chinese)
Qing Ming is a day on which Chinese families visit the tombs of their ancestors.

21 First Day of Ridvan (Baha'i)
On the first, ninth and twelth day of Ridvan, work and school is suspended.

22-29 Pesach or Passover (Jewish)
This eight day festival celebrates the escape of the Jewish people from Egypt.

25 Good Friday (Eastern Orthodox)

27 Easter (Eastern Orthodox)
The celebration of Easter to commemorate the Resurrection of Christ by the Eastern Orthodox Churches.

28 Eid Al Adha or Feast of Sacrifice (Islamic)
The Feast of Sacrifice recalls Abraham's test of obedience when God ordered him to sacrifice his son, Ismail.

MAY

14 Birth of Buddha (Mahayana Buddhist)
The celebration of the birth of Buddha is referred to as Fo Dan by the Chinese or Phat Dan by the Vietnamese.

20 Vesak (Buddhist)
Theravadan Buddhists from Cambodian, Thai, Sri Lankan, Burmese and Laotian communities commemorate the Birth, Death and Enlightenment of Buddha on Vesak day.

23 Declaration of the Bab (Baha'i)
Commemorates the declaration of the mission of the Bab who was sent to prepare the way for the 'Baha Ullah', the founder of the Baha'i faith.

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

17 Vu Lan (Chinese/Vietnamese Buddhist)
Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists offer prayers for the souls of their ancestors and the souls of those who died without living descendants to care for them.

24 Krishna-Janmastami or Birthday of the Lord Krishna (Hindu)

SEPTEMBER

6 Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)
Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten day period of worship dedicated to Ganesha.

OCTOBER

2 Eve of Rosh Hashanah or New Year (Jewish)
Rosh Hashanah is considered to be the day on which the world was created according to the Jewish religion. Rosh Hashanah festivities last for two days.

11 Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement (Jewish)
This is the holiest day of the year of the Jewish religion. On this day Jewish people forgive and ask for forgiveness for their sins.

11 Dussera/Durga Puja (Hindu)
Dussera means the tenth day and marks the end of Navatri, the Nine Nights ceremony.

16 Succoth or The Festival of Tabernacles (Jewish)
Commemorates the Jewish people's forty years in the desert following the Exodus from Egypt.

24 Simchat Torah or Rejoicing of the Law (Jewish)
Marks the annual cycle of readings of the Torah (Pentateuch) in the synagogue.

30 Deepavali or Festival of Lights (Hindu)
Celebrates the triumph of good over evil - Hindus throughout the world celebrate this festival by decorating their homes with lights.

NOVEMBER

12 The Birth of Baha Ullah (Baha'i)

DECEMBER

24 Chanukah or Dedication (Jewish)
A festival lasting eight days, celebrating the rededication of the holy temple of Jerusalem after its desecration by the Syrians in 164 BC.

25 Christmas (Western Churches and Greek Orthodox Church)
Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ - the main Christmas celebration occurs on Christmas Eve with a midnight mass or singing of Christmas carols.