Community & Business
16 February, 2026
Premier announces new public holiday for ANZAC Day
The state government has announced that NSW residents will get an extra public holiday for the next two years as ANZAC Day falls on a weekend.
Under the Public Holidays Act 2010, ANZAC Day is fixed to April 25 each year regardless of the day on which it falls.
In 2026, ANZAC Day will fall on a Saturday, and in 2027 it will fall on a Sunday. This will not change however, there will be an additional public holiday this year and in 2027.
The government states that April 25 will always remain the day of national commemoration. Dawn Services, marches and community ceremonies held on that day will continue to be the central focus of remembrance across NSW.
The government is keen to stress that the additional public holiday on Monday does not replace ANZAC Day, rather “it reinforces its importance and significance as well as making it consistent with other major public holidays”.
Unlike New Year’s Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, there are currently no additional public holiday arrangements in place in NSW when ANZAC Day falls on a weekend, which occurs on average twice every seven years. NSW also has fewer public holidays than all other mainland states and territories. Prior to the addition of the ANZAC Day holiday, NSW had 11 public holidays in 2026, compared with 15 in South Australia and the Northern Territory and 14 in Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory and on par with Tasmania’s 11 public holidays this year.
The experience of the additional public holidays will form part of a NSW Government review of the state’s public holidays to commence in 2027, that will consider:
the current number of state-wide public holidays in NSW;
whether NSW should have an additional public holiday; and
whether there should be a permanent change to Anzac Day public holiday arrangements when ANZAC Day falls on a weekend.
The state government says the review will be informed by community, business, veteran groups, and other stakeholder feedback, as well as the economic and social impacts of the additional public holiday in 2026 and 2027.
NSW premier, Chris Minns said ANZAC Day is one of the most important and solemn days on our national calendar, and that will not change.
“We have a tremendous amount of reverence for ANZAC Day across our communities, especially among our veterans and their families.
“Each year, thousands of families rise before dawn, gather at local memorials, march alongside veterans and reflect on the service and sacrifice that shaped our nation.
“Adding a public holiday when ANZAC Day falls on a weekend will not diminish that tradition. If anything, it is a reminder of its importance and another reason for people to get up, attend a local service and ensure the spirit of remembrance continues to be passed on to the next generation.”
Minister for industrial relations, Sophie Cotsis, said ANZAC Day continues to hold important cultural significance across the state as we honour those who served our nation. “NSW has fewer public holidays than any other state or territory, and that’s something worth examining thoughtfully. This review will look at whether the balance is right for workers, families and businesses, and whether there is a case for change going forward.”
For Gilgandra this change will mean there is an extra day off following the 2026 Gilgandra Show.
The show committee already made the move of the main day of the show to be Sunday, April 26 to allow for the community to properly commemorate ANZAC Day. This means the Friday, April 24 will be day one of the local show, then ANZAC Day, then the main show day, then a public holiday on the Monday.
