World Bipolar Day Community Festival

Bipolar Australia is bringing the Bipolar Community Festival to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra on Sunday, 26th of March 2023 – to celebrate World Bipolar Day (30th of March each year) after a two-year pause due to Covid.

Bipolar Australia is a not-for-profit organization supporting, educating, and advocating for all people affected by bipolar to live well and fulfill their potential, free from social stigma. The core initiative for World Bipolar Day is 'Blow Bubbles for Bipolar', a metaphor for mania, bubbly and high, for depression, crushed and down. A range of event activations and activities will be available throughout this family-oriented festival. Free Bubbles Blowers until supply lasts.

World Bipolar Day is celebrated each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having bipolar disorder. We take this opportunity annually to reflect on connection, outreach, and advocacy. WBD provides a moment to join together in solidarity around the goals of increasing awareness, acceptance, and funding for this illness.

The vision of WBD is to bring world awareness to bipolar disorders and eliminate social stigma.

Key Facts

• About 600,000 people in Australia have bipolar.

• Bipolar has a huge impact on families and carers.

• It takes an average of 9 years to get a correct diagnosis of bipolar disorders.

• People impacted by bipolar need specialist services.

• Thousands of people affected by bipolar still lack basic support and self-management skills.

• Bipolar can be diagnosed, treated, and well-managed.

Who Is Bipolar Australia

Founded in 2014, Bipolar Australia is the only national not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families affected by bipolar disorders. "Peer support workers and volunteers are at the core of our work, supported by our passionate Board of Directors" – Susana Bluwol.

Bipolar Australia supports everyone affected by bipolar disorders, including people with the condition, their carers, families and friends, and mental health services and professionals.

Key Things Bipolar Australia Does

• Educational resources available online to read, download and print.

• Personal stories presentations and educational events like conferences and forums.

• World Bipolar Day, a yearly national campaign bringing awareness to bipolar disorders.

• Establishing Peer Support Groups for people affected by bipolar, their families, and carers.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a national peak organization with the capacity to set the agenda regarding the treatment and management of bipolar disorders across Australia, and to foster recovery for every Australian affected by the condition, regardless of their cultural heritage, educational attainment, or socio-economic status.