Millions of New South Welshman just scored themselves an extra-long weekend, with Premier Chris Minns announcing that the Monday after Anzac Day will officially be a public holiday in 2026 and 2027.
The decision means 27th April next year will now be a day off for workers across the state, giving Sydneysiders a rare three-day weekend in April—and the chance to truly slow down after one of Australia’s most significant commemorations.
“We expect big participation: major crowds, full public, civic participation on Anaz Day on the 25th of April and then following on that Monday, we’ll have an additional public holiday,” Mr. Minns said on Sunday.
Extra Time To Rest & Reflect
Anzac Day will fall on Saturday this year, and until now, only Western Australia and the ACT have recognised the following Monday as a public holiday. The move brings NSW in line with those states—at least temporarily—while giving locals more time to gather and honour Australia’s servicemen and women.
NSW Miniter for Veterans David Harris said the government wants to give people extra breathing room around a day that remains deeply meaningful to many.
“It particularly gives time for servicemen and women who work on Anzac Day to spend time with their families and join in their own, personal remembrance,” Mr Harris said.
Acting President of RSL NSW, Vince Williams, also welcomed the change, noting that some smaller RSL branches see it as a chance to reconnect after a busy day of commemorations.
“It may give them an opportunity to get together on Monday,” he said. “Whereas on Anaz Day, they get spread right across the state with all visiting their association or their former unit, but not necessarily with their local colleagues.
New Holiday Divides Opinion
Unsurprisingly, not everyone is thrilled by the news. Minns acknowledged that not all business groups support the change, saying that employers—particularly small businesses—are carefully considering the additional costs.
“We know that it’s somewhat of an additional burden for small businesses in particular, but this is, we believe, an important thing to do for the state,” he said.
The two-year trial will run through 2026 and 2027, before the government reviews whether to make the extra day permanent when Anzac Day falls on a weekend in 2032.
A rare win for NSW workers
NSW currently has the fewest public holidays in Australia—just 11 compared to up to 15 in other states and territories. For context, that’s fewer than Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT. So, it’s no surprise that people are greeting this announcement with a collective sigh of relief—and maybe even quickly checking flight prices.
Two-up will still remain legal only on Anzac Day itself and Remembrance Day, but the Monday off gives locals another reason to stretch out the weekend or simply take a moment to meditate on what the day means—without rushing back to the office the next morning.