By Council on the Ageing Queensland with Grandparent Advocate, Slawka Bell
Queensland Seniors Month runs from 1 – 31 October, bringing people of all ages, cultures and abilities together to connect, share experiences and celebrate the communities we call home. Now in its 66th year, Seniors Month encourages Queenslanders to discover new interests, explore local activities and connect with programs, supports and services.
Grandparents Day, celebrated on the last Sunday of October, is an important part of this month-long celebration. It recognises the valuable contribution grandparents make to families, communities and the economy, and provides an opportunity to thank them for their love, care, wisdom and support.
Grandparents share more than family memories. They pass on knowledge, traditions, languages and life experiences that help younger generations understand their history and heritage. Their stories are a valuable part of our collective identity and deserve to be celebrated.
This Grandparents Day, Sunday 25 October 2026, we’re celebrating the many names Queenslanders use for grandparents, grandparent carers and caregivers, and the special connections these names represent.
Dad, Mum, Nan, Pop, Nonna, Nonno, Yiayia, Opa, Oma. Ask a room full of Queenslanders what they called their grandparents, and you’ll discover a map of the world, filled with stories of migration, regions and villages, and the languages that travelled here with suitcases, memories and generations of family history.
Why the words we use matter
At Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland, we know that words have power. They can help people feel valued and included or unintentionally leave them feeling overlooked. Our work promoting respectful language, including our Words Matter Language Guide, encourages us to think about how we speak about and to older people, choosing language that recognises their dignity, individuality and worth.
The affectionate names grandchildren use for their grandparents are a beautiful example of how language can express belonging, love and connection. These words often carry generations of family history and cultural identity, reminding us that the way we speak can help keep traditions alive.
Grandparents who are carers
For many grandparents, caring extends well beyond cuddles, family visits and occasional babysitting. Across Queensland, grandparents are also taking on the significant responsibility of raising their grandchildren, often stepping in during challenging family circumstances. One recent Australian survey of 4,266 grandparents found that 32.5% regularly care for their grandchildren, and a further 40% do so irregularly.
For grandparents raising grandchildren, the commitment can be substantial. Many kinship care arrangements are informal, meaning families may not appear in official child protection figures. The number of children being raised by relatives outside formal care arrangements is therefore believed to be considerably higher than the number recorded in formal out-of-home care statistics.
Grandparent carers can face financial pressure, changes to retirement plans, social isolation and difficulties accessing appropriate support. Some take on these responsibilities without a court order or financial assistance, often putting the needs of their grandchildren ahead of their own.
Recognising grandparents on this special day also means acknowledging the important role of grandparent carers and ensuring they know where to turn for information, practical assistance and support.
Connecting the generations
Grandparents Day is an opportunity to slow down, share stories and strengthen the connections between generations.
Why not start a conversation with the grandparents or older people in your life?
- What did you call your grandparents, and is there a story behind the name?
- What songs, sayings, recipes or traditions have been passed down through your family?
- Is there a word in your family’s language that has a special meaning or cannot be easily translated into English?
- What is one family story you would love younger generations to remember?
These conversations help children discover where they come from while reminding older people that their experiences, stories and cultural knowledge continue to matter.
Whether it’s sharing a treasured family recipe, teaching a traditional song, looking through old photographs or simply spending time together, small moments can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds across generations.
Know a grandparent who is raising a grandchild?
This Grandparents Day, take a moment to check in on a grandparent in your life, particularly someone who is raising grandchildren full-time. A phone call, a shared meal, help with everyday tasks or an offer to give them a few hours of respite can make a meaningful difference.
Grandparents enrich our lives through their love, wisdom, traditions and unwavering support. This Grandparents Day, let’s celebrate the special people behind the names, honour the grandparents who care for the next generation, and recognise the lasting contribution they make to Queensland families and communities.
Happy Grandparents Day – Sunday 25 October 2026.
Connect and Celebrate this Queensland Seniors Month.
