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.
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.
Anzac Day is not simply a date on the calendar it is a living tradition observed in towns, suburbs and cities right across our state.
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.
The additional 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 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.
• Whether there should be a permanent change to Anzac Day public holiday arrangements when Anzac Day falls on a weekend.
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.
Premier said Anzac Day on 25 April 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,” he said.
“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.”
