This circular reiterates the Government's commitment to valuing the culturally diverse nature of the public sector workforce, particularly in regard to accommodating religious beliefs.

Chief Executives are asked to draw to the attention of all managers and supervisors the existence of the policy Observance of Religious Duties, published in the December 1997 edition of the New South Wales Personnel Handbook (Chapter 6, Section 13).

This policy outlines procedures for accommodating employees in accessing leave entitlements and flexible work hours arrangements (where they exist) to meet religious obligations. It also provides guidelines for assessing the need to establish retreat spaces (for prayer, contemplation etc) in public sector workplaces.

Chief Executives are also asked to distribute the attached 1998 List of Days of Religious Significance for Multicultural NSW to all managers and supervisors to raise awareness of the differing needs of employees in regard to their religious obligations. The list should not be interpreted as being absolutely inclusive.

Any enquiries regarding this matter may be directed to Caroline Davidson on telephone (02) 9228 3563.

1998 DAYS OF RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE FOR
MULTICULTURAL NEW SOUTH WALES

JANUARY

6 Christmas (Armenian Apostolic)

7 Christmas (Eastern and Oriental Orthodox)

28 Buddha's Enlightenment (Mahayana Buddhism)
Mahayana Buddhism or the Great Vehicle tradition is practiced by Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese Buddhists.

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

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

FEBRUARY

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

12 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, Turkish, Azerbaijani and the Kurdish community.

APRIL

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

7 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.

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

11-18 Pesach or Passover (Jewish)
This eight day festival celebrates the escape of the Jewish people from Egypt.

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

17 Good Friday (Eastern Orthodox)

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

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

MAY

10 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

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

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.

26 Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)
Ganesh Chaturthiis a ten day period of worship dedicated to Ganesha.

SEPTEMBER

21 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.

30 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.

OCTOBER

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

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

19 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.

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

NOVEMBER

12 The Birth of Baha Ullah (Baha'i)

DECEMBER

14 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.