And today is .......

I do love a good toastie, they are one of my comfort foods. Brings back memories of cold rainy winter afternoons & coming in from school to a dry set of clothes waiting & my dear mum making them to warm us up. It’s the littlest things that can make the years roll away. ❤️

Most importantly

TODAY IS GAME DAY!!!

Spartan117 said:

Most importantly

TODAY IS GAME DAY!!!

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Champion @Spartan117 - thanks for this.
There's nothing to beat the thrill of Game Day and the prospect of another Wests Tigers win.... 💯

Auslan Day is celebrated annually on 13 April to recognize Australian Sign Language, its history, and deaf culture, marking the 1989 publication of the first Auslan dictionary.

(The date commemorates the 13th of April 1989, when the first Auslan dictionary was published. This milestone officially gave the language its name (an acronym for Australian Sign Language) and led to its recognition as a community language in 1991.)

Auslan is a visual form of language that relies on hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. Auslan is a complex and nuanced language that has its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary - it is not simply a visual representation of spoken English or any other spoken language.

Auslan is uniquely Australian. Just like different languages are spoken around the world, people who are deaf use different sign languages depending on where they come from (it's estimated there are 130 sign languages around the world).

Auslan Day is an annual celebration of the history, culture, and language of the Australian Deaf community and recognises Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as the preferred language of many Deaf Australians and highlights its importance in communication, inclusion, and cultural identity.

Auslan Day also provides an opportunity for the wider community to learn more about the language and to appreciate the richness and diversity of Deaf culture in Australia.

In 2026, events include community gatherings by Deaf Connect, a campaign launching on April 13th, and special activities, with celebrations promoting inclusion and language awareness nationwide.

This year’s focus is to celebrate the history, culture, and language of the Australian Deaf community.

There is also a Digital Campaign - "My Auslan Story" video campaign launching 13 April 2026, on the Deaf Connect News page.

Organisations like Deaf Connect and Deaf Australia are hosting a variety of events across the country:

• Brisbane: A special Auslan-interpreted tour of the Cosmic Skydome shows at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium from 9:00 am – 10:30 am.
• Sydney: A Deaf-led art class in Parramatta guided by artist Angie Goto, from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.
• Perth: A guided tour exploring native flora at Kings Park & Botanic Garden, meeting at 10:15 am.
• Darwin: Auslan-interpreted tours of Territory life and contemporary art exhibitions at the Museum & Art Gallery of the NT from 11:00 am – 1:45 pm.

• Adelaide: An afternoon of "Auslan Bingo" and afternoon tea at the Mile End office of Deaf Connect from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm.
• Cairns: A morning on the Esplanade (opposite McKenzie St) to learn about Deaf dogs with Leone and "Hank the Deaf Dog" from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• Melbourne: An "Art, Auslan and Activism" workshop in South Melbourne at 11:00 am focusing on creative mediums like collage and zines.

Businesses can download a free Auslan Day Workplace Kit which includes posters, social media tiles, and tips for inclusive communication.

Educational Resources: Teachers can use themed resources from Twinkl to teach the Auslan alphabet or simple signs in the classroom. Many schools have introduced the Auslan alphabet and teach basic signs as part of an evolving awareness program exploring why inclusive communication matters.

Teachers teach the Auslan alphabet, encourage students to practise simple signs, and incorporate Auslan into everyday classroom routines such as greetings or weather discussions. Schools may also choose to hold an assembly highlighting Deaf culture or support an Australian Deaf charity, helping students develop respect, empathy, and appreciation for the Australian Deaf community.

Auslan Day is a celebration for all! Whether you are a member of the Deaf community or not, there are many ways to participate in and honour this special day, and information is readily available on the net.

Sometimes you just have to see the “signs.”



Fun Facts about Auslan:

• To sign "Hello, my name is" in Auslan, wave your hand for "hello," touch your chest for "my," tap your forehead with two fingers for "name," then fingerspell your name. It is a visual language using hand shapes and facial expressions.
• Australian Sign Language Interpreter' Association - national peak body representing Auslan/English Interpreters and Deaf Interpreters. Services cost from approximately $110 per hour for face-to-face Auslan Interpretation, however there is often a minimum booking of 2-hours.
• With 38 hand shapes, and 28 variants, Auslan is a visual symphony.

"Auslan is a language that needs to make sense, visually.

"Sign language: The only time it’s polite to talk with your hands”

"More than just hand movements, Auslan is a language of the heart and mind"

"Turn your volume down and your vision up"

On April 14, stop, smell the roses, and laugh a little (or a lot), because it is International Moment of Laughter Day.

Today is all about FUN and laughter to encourage people to set aside the stress of daily life and embrace the healing power of a good laugh as we try to shift perspectives from pessimistic to optimistic and motivate people to find positivity despite life's anxieties.

Laughter is ancient, primitive and instinctual, and a fundamental part of everyday life - something most of us indulge in naturally. There are comedy channels on TV, comedy festivals and our favourite funny friend who's sure to get our giggle on. And of course there’s even a thread here at WTF which deals in humour: “Things that make you laugh” - hint! hint!

While the phrase "laughter is the best medicine" is a popular old adage, modern science increasingly backs it up as a legitimate tool for improving physical and mental health. Originating from biblical proverbs, specifically Proverbs 17:22, which states "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine," the concept has evolved into a field of study called gelotology.

Laughter acts as a powerful, free, and accessible medicine by reducing stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. It increases endorphins (feel-good chemicals), stimulates organs, lowers blood pressure, and boosts immunity. While not a substitute for medical treatment, it enhances mood and helps manage difficult situations.

However, while the ability to laugh is innate, the decision to activate and use it to its full ability is a choice. When life gets stressful, illness creeps in, relationships are put to the test or we're struggling financially, there's rarely much to laugh about. So, we don't.

Yet tuning into the lighter, more humorous side of life and activating one's "laughter self" is critical to mental health. Rather than waiting for something funny to happen or for life to be a bed of roses, we can transform our emotional state by tapping into our laughter and humour resource. This helps create distance between us and our pain, and improve mood and resilience to stress.

And wait, there’s more (aka the healing power of laughter):

• Reduced Stress: Decreases cortisol and epinephrine while increasing endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers. Even a single session of laughter can reduce cortisol (the primary stress hormone) levels by approximately 32% to 37%.
• Physical Stimulation: Enhances intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates heart and lungs, and relaxes muscles.
• Improved Mood & Immune System: Enhances emotional well-being and can boost immunity. Laughter increases the production of infection-fighting antibodies and activates natural killer (NK) cells, which help the body defend against viruses and even cancer cells.
• Pain Relief: It triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which can increase pain tolerance and decrease overall intensity.
• Heart Health: A "mini-workout" for the heart, laughter increases blood flow and improves the function of blood vessels, which can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Weight Management: Intense laughter can burn up to 40 calories in 10 to 15 minutes, which researchers estimate could lead to a weight loss of about 1.8kg (4 lbs) per year.
• Mental Resilience: Humour doesn't deny negative experiences; rather, it reframes them, making challenges seem less threatening and easier to endure.
• Longevity: Studies have suggested that people with a strong sense of humour may live up to 7 years longer than those who laugh less frequently.
• Therapeutic Laughter: Clown Doctors Australia work in hospitals, using laughter and humour to help patients.
• Enhanced Social Bonding: Shared laughter releases endorphins that support the formation and maintenance of strong social bonds.

This topic of laughing, some would say, is no laughing matter.

Actually, the healing power of humour and laughter assists personal and professional resilience, performance and wellbeing.
No joke.


Fun Facts about Laughter:

• The brain cannot always distinguish between fake and real laughter; "forcing" a laugh can still trigger the same beneficial hormone releases.
• The Laughing Kookaburra, a native Australian bird, is famous for its call that sounds like human, raucous laughter, often heard at dawn and dusk.
• Human babies usually start to laugh when they are only 3 to 4 months old, often before they can even talk.
• You are much more likely to laugh when you are with other people than when you are alone. When you hear someone else laugh, your brain gets ready to join in.
• Laughing 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn up to 40 calories! It works out your stomach muscles and increases your heart rate.
• Children laugh hundreds of times a day, but adults only laugh about 15 to 20 times a day – let’s all find our “inner child.”

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people"

“We don’t laugh because we’re happy. We are happy because we laugh”

“He who laughs at himself, never runs out of things to laugh at”

“Laugh often. Live longer”

On April 15, 1955, visionary innovator Ray Kroc opened his first McDonald’s Restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, marking the birth of what would become the modern McDonald's Corporation.

He began to build the business by granting franchises to local entrepreneurs. By 1960, he'd opened 200 restaurants throughout the USA. In 1961 he bought the McDonald brothers' share of the business for $3 million and in 1965 the company became the McDonald's Corporation.

Today, McDonald’s has more than 36, 000 restaurants in over 119 countries.

In 1971, as part of its overseas expansion, McDonald’s opened their first restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Yagoona. Today there are over 970 McDonald's restaurants across Australia and they employ more than 100,000 people across their restaurants and management offices.

These days, close to two million customers come through their restaurants every day.

McDonald's marketing mix is built around its product, price, place, and promotion strategies. Each element works together to strengthen its global presence. The main factors are adapting menus to local tastes and offering flexible pricing.

Here’s their commercial milestones in Oz:

• 1981. Australia's first Ronald McDonald House opens at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, Camperdown NSW.
• 1993. The world’s first McCafé opens in Melbourne, Victoria.
• 1999. McDonald’s Australia’s flagship burger 'The McOz™' arrives on the menu.
• 2000. McDonald's is the Official Restaurant of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, serving more than 1.2 million meals to athletes, officials and spectators.
• 2001. McDonald's celebrates its 30th Birthday Down Under, and the 20th birthday of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Australia. The McFamily rallies to support those affected by the 11th September events through donations of food, services and money. RMHC is named one of the top 100 charities by Worth Magazine.
• 2004. The Happy Meal celebrates 25 years (1979 - 2004). Nutrition labelling is introduced to packaging on McDonald’s core menu items - a Quick Service Restaurant Industry First.
• 2005. McDonald's celebrates its 50th Anniversary on 15 April. McDonald's Australia raised more than $715,000 for CARE Australia through its restaurants to provide immediate and long-term assistance to those affected by the Tsunami.
• 2015. McDonald’s Australia introduced All-Day Breakfast as well as online platform Our Food Your Questions to answer customers’ questions about Macca’s.
• 2021. Transitioned our signature cheese to natural flavours, natural colours and no added preservatives.

We Aussies have a deep-seated affection for McDonald’s—famously nicknamed "Macca's" - due to a unique combination of high-quality local ingredients, a world-leading coffee culture, and a brand identity that has successfully "spoken Australian" for decades.

Why Aussies Are "Lovin' It" - Local Ingredient Obsession: More than 90% of ingredients used in Australian stores are sourced locally. This includes 100% Aussie beef, RSPCA-Approved chicken, and produce like lettuce and tomatoes grown in Australian "backyards".

However, the “biggie” is the nickname "Macca's" which is so ingrained in the culture that the company officially changed the signage on several stores to reflect it.

For many, the "Macca's run" is considered a rite of passage for teenagers.
For me, I’ve come to love their brekky on the run.
What about you?


Fun Facts about Maccas:

• It took nearly 10 years for McDonald's to become profitable in Australia, as Aussies were slow to adopt the American fast-food model in the 1970s.
• The soft serve with a Cadbury Flake is one of the most popular late-night desserts in Australia.
• In 2023, the Hash Brown was crowned the most ordered item in Australia.
• In 2021, to celebrate 50 years, the Yagoona store was reopened with a 1970s retro theme.

"I didn't invent the hamburger. I just took it more seriously than anyone else."

“Some people meditate. I McFlurry”

“I’m McDone with diets.”

"Because life is too short to skip the fries."

World Semicolon Day will be observed on Thursday, 16 April 2026. This annual global movement focuses on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and supporting those who struggle with depression, self-injury, and addiction.

The semicolon symbolises a moment where an author could have ended a sentence but chose to continue. In the context of mental health, it represents the choice to continue one's life story despite facing immense challenges.

This day especially recognizes suicide survivors and aims to raise awareness and offer support for all those who are experiencing mental health challenges. The semicolon is a representation of choosing not to die by suicide, since it indicates a separation of two clauses rather than the end of a clause. In this way, though there are different beliefs about the symbol on an individual basis, the semicolon has come to represent perseverance and hope in the face of challenging mental illness symptoms.

Today aims to raise awareness for mental health, promote anti-suicide efforts, and support people struggling with depression, addiction, and self-injury.

Inspired by Project Semicolon, the semicolon indicates a sentence a writer could have ended but chose not to, representing the survival and perseverance of individuals facing mental health challenges.

Founded by Amy Bleuel in 2013 to honour her father who died by suicide, the initiative serves as a tribute to those lost to suicide and a beacon of hope for survivors.

World Semicolon Day is an opportunity to reach out and spread hope to anyone who might feel like they don’t have an alternative way out of what they’re going through. See what you can do on this day to help.

Today gives suicide survivors a platform through which to stand with one another in solidarity. This is one of the ways we can combat the problem.

World Semicolon Day helps bring about awareness regarding mental health issues and suicide. It also offers ways to manage and prevent these.

While it is a global movement, in Australia, the day is marked by:

• Many choose to share their experiences of overcoming mental health challenges on social media, often using hashtags like #WorldSemicolonDay and #SemicolonProject
• Individuals often get semicolon tattoos, or draw them on their wrists, as a permanent reminder of perseverance and hope.
• People are encouraged to donate to or volunteer with mental health charities that support suicide prevention.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• SANE: 1800 187 266

Today, World Semicolon Day 2026, serves as a reminder that "Your Story is Never Over" and encourages open conversations to fight the stigma surrounding mental illness.

This is a day for them.
And for all of us – Mental Health Matters.

There are NO Fun Facts about this day – but there is always hope, there’s always the knowing that action can help, and just knowing that there’s a tomorrow coming……



"Sometimes even to live is an act of courage."

"The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die”

"Your story isn't over yet."

"I am very glad I lived through some hard days so that I could have this one."

Every year on 17 April, World Haemophilia Day is recognised globally to raise awareness of haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders. This is a critical effort since with increased awareness comes better diagnosis and access to care for the millions who remain without treatment.

The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) vision of Treatment for All is for a world where all people with inherited bleeding disorders have access to care, regardless of their type of bleeding disorder, gender, age, or where they live.

The theme for World Haemophilia Day this year is "Diagnosis: First Step to Care," announced by the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH). This theme emphasizes the critical need to identify the vast, undiagnosed population—estimated at over 75%—to enable early, effective, and prophylactic treatment, preventing long-term complications. Knowing you have a bleeding disorder and having an accurate diagnosis is essential as a first step in getting the right treatment, care and support. Haemophilia can cause more than just bleeding. It leads to a variety of unusual symptoms. These symptoms can be hard to diagnose and manage.

In Australia, the Haemophilia Foundation Australia (HFA) is leading the campaign to highlight the critical importance of accurate diagnosis as the foundation for accessing life-saving treatment and support.

In 2026 the global theme of Diagnosis: first step to care underlines the critical importance of diagnosis.

The WFH estimates that more than three-quarters of people with haemophilia worldwide have not been diagnosed. Even more people with other bleeding disorders are also undiagnosed. This means hundreds of thousands of people globally are still missing out on basic care and support.

This year, World Haemophilia Day is an opportunity for us to shine a light on the many people with bleeding disorders – including women and girls – who are still undiagnosed.

Women and girls with bleeding disorders still face many challenges to receiving a diagnosis, delaying their access to diagnosis, specialised treatment and care. The greatest challenge is a lack of awareness – among health professionals, the women themselves and the public.

Around Australia, and the world, landmarks and buildings are lighting up red in support of World Haemophilia Day.

It’s estimated that over 836,000 people live with haemophilia worldwide. In Australia, there are more than 3,400 people diagnosed with haemophilia, with over 7,000 people recorded for all types of inherited bleeding disorders. Of those, roughly 30% have severe haemophilia, while over half have mild haemophilia. Specialised treatment is needed to help blood clot normally. With appropriate treatment haemophilia can be managed effectively.

In Australia, our community is fortunate to have access to a range of treatments, care and services. During recent times, some new haemophilia therapies available in Australia have led to fewer or no bleeds and greatly improved the quality of life of those who have been able to use them.

As part of this day going forward, the HFA has its own wish-list:

• To increase global diagnosis rates and reduce delays in clinical evaluation.
• Encourages governments and healthcare systems to improve access to diagnostic testing and comprehensive care.
• A major priority in Australia is addressing the challenges faced by women and girls, who often experience significant delays in receiving a diagnosis.
• The HFA emphasizes that knowing one has a bleeding disorder is the essential first step toward accessing the right care and support.

Other Facts about Haemophilia:

• Haemophilia is named from the Greek words hemo (blood) and philia (affection or tendency), literally meaning a "tendency to [lose] blood". Coined in the 19th century, the term describes the body's impaired ability to clot blood, resulting in a tendency for excessive, prolonged bleeding.
• Haemophilia B is often called "Christmas Disease," named after Stephen Christmas, the first patient diagnosed with this specific deficiency in 1952.
• People with haemophilia do not bleed faster; they bleed longer. They rarely have major issues with small cuts, but internal bleeding (especially in joints) is the primary concern.
• Since it is X-linked, males almost exclusively show symptoms, while females are usually carriers. However, women can also have low factor levels and experience symptoms.
• Around 33% of new cases have no family history at all, caused by a sudden, spontaneous genetic mutation.

“Raise your voice for those who bleed in silence”

“It takes 15 mins to save a life. Donate blood”

“Strength does not come from winning but from the struggles you face to build your strength”

“When we spread awareness, we save lives”

International Day of Monuments & Sites, aka World Heritage Day is celebrated on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
This day aims to raise global awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage and the vulnerability of historic sites.

World Heritage Sites are special places around the world that are recognized for their amazing cultural, historical, or natural importance. They are protected by a group called UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. There are more than 1,100 of these sites, including ancient ruins, magnificent buildings, and beautiful natural parks.

To be a World Heritage Site, places must be unique and represent the diversity of human history and nature. These sites help us learn about our planet's rich past and protect it for future generations!

In Australia we proudly look after 20 properties on the World Heritage List. These include vast national parks, historic buildings, and ancient cultural landscapes. Including (among others) Port Arthur, Kakadu National Park, Uluru, Sydney Opera House and more.

State and territory governments manage most of these locations. They often work in partnership with Traditional Owners to ensure cultural protocols are respected and maintained.

Many natural sites require a park pass or entry fee to fund conservation efforts. Some urban sites, like the outside of the Sydney Opera House, are free to explore. It’s always best to check the specific location’s website before planning your visit so you know exactly what to expect.

The goal of the day is straightforward. The day raises awareness about preserving vital cultural monuments and natural landscapes. Every year features a specific theme that highlights different aspects of global heritage. Communities worldwide organize events, tours, and educational programs to support this mission.

The 2026 theme is "Emergency Response for Living Heritage in contexts of Conflicts and Disasters," highlighting the need for disaster risk management to protect vulnerable cultural sites and communities.

In Australia, this date marks the official launch of the month-long 2026 Australian Heritage Festival, which runs from 18 April to 18 May 2026. The national theme for the festival is "Change", inviting Australians to explore how history has evolved and continues to shape the present. This theme invites communities to explore the stories that have influenced our communities, consider how each generation reinterprets Australia’s diverse cultural heritage - breathing new life into places, objects, and traditions of the past - and imagine where it can take us next.

Australian Heritage Festival (National): Coordinated by the National Trust of Australia, this is the country's largest community-driven heritage celebration. It features over 150 events, including historical tours, exhibitions, and walks across every state.

Some Aussie heritage sites are:

Parramatta North: Here we have family-friendly co-ordination with guided tours of sensitively restored heritage-listed buildings, historical talks, live music, great food, market stalls and children’s activities.

The Greater Blue Mountains Area: reveals unique plants and animals that live there and are part of an extraordinary story of the evolution of Australia's unique eucalypt vegetation and its associated communities of plants and animals. It is an area of breathtaking views, rugged tablelands, sheer cliffs, deep inaccessible valleys and swamps.

Victoria Connections to the Birrarung: Special cultural event at Polly Woodside in Melbourne.18 April 2026

ACT Canberra and Region Heritage Festival: Over 150 events including mid-century architecture tours and First Nations cultural walks.11 Apr – 10 May 2026

Western Australia Southern Forests & Valleys Heritage Festival: Regional walks and historic tours spanning Donnybrook to Walpole.18 – 26 April 2026

South Australia History Festival: While the state-wide festival peaks in May, early events like the Market-to-Market tours and Old Treasury & Tunnels tours begin in mid-April.

This time of year, we can also become part of the celebrations by visiting one of Australia's 20 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. Popular options with guided experiences include:

• Port Arthur Historic Site (TAS): Full-day tours are available including introductory walks and harbor cruises.
• Budj Bim National Park (VIC): Cultural tours led by Gunditjmara eyes showcasing ancient aquaculture networks.
• Kakadu National Park (NT): Various cultural day trips and scenic flights are available to view ancient rock art at Ubirr.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (NT): Guided base walks to sacred waterholes and ancient rock art.

So wherever you are, today is all about the heritage of “Our Lucky Country.”

Just get amongst it!

Fun Fact about World Heritage Day:

1. There are currently 1,092 world heritage sites with consideration for more sites being inscribed annually to preserve specific historical and cultural locations.

“Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations”

"Protect our past, preserve our future."

“Save monuments, save memories, save history.”

“Heritage is our identity.”