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NSW residents are set for a long weekend in 2026 and 2027, with Premier Minns confirming the Monday after Anzac Day as a public holiday.
The plan, first floated last month, was officially greenlit on Sunday, aiming to give locals more time to reflect and relax after Saturday’s commemorations.
Currently, only Western Australia and the ACT observe a holiday the following Monday.
“We expect big participation, major crowds, full public, civic participation in Anzac Day on the 25th of April and then following that on the Monday, we’ll have an additional public holiday,” said the NSW Premier.
He also acknowledged that not everyone is on board, particularly small businesses.
“We’ve also spoken with business. Not all business groups are supportive of this change [and] I think it’s important that we recognise that,” he said. “We know that it’s somewhat of an additional burden, but this is, we believe, an important thing to do for the state. ”
The new Monday holiday will run as a two-year trial before a government review in 2032, when Anzac day next falls on a weekend.
Minns confirmed that traditional Anzac Day services will continue uninterrupted, and two-up gambling will remain legal only on 25 April and Remembrance Day on 11 November.
Vince Williams, Acting President of RSL NSW, welcomed the added holiday, noting it could help local branches connect with members they often miss on the busy weekend.
“I’ve already had feedback, from some smaller RSL organisations that have said, that it may give them an opportunity to get together on the Monday,” Mr Williams said.
“Whereas on Anzac Day, they get spread right across the state with all visiting associations or their former unit, but not necessarily with their local colleagues or vice versa.”
As per the ABC, Veterans Minister David Harris added that it also gives servicemen and women working on Anzac Day time for personal reflections with their loved ones.
“We know Anzac Day is still the most important day and we encourage people to get out to marches and events right across NSW by having the Monday as well,” Mr Harris said.
The move also addresses NSW’s relatively short public holiday calendar. With just 11 official days off, the state has the fewest in Australia, trailing South Australia and others.
Minns frames the holiday as an opportunity to extend Anzac Day, giving people time to attend ceremonies, pause, and reflect on the significance of service without rushing, rather than just another extra day off.
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