City of Newcastle (CN) is being urged to vote for the declaration of a Local Event Day for the Newcastle Show in 2026 and 2027.
Councillors will consider a recommendation on Tuesday 23 September to make an application to the Minister for Industrial Relations, seeking the proclamation of a Friday public holiday on the weekend of the annual extravaganza for the next two years.
The show has been declared a Local Event Day in Newcastle since 2012.
And, Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said reintroducing a mandated public holiday would have an adverse impact on the business community.
“That decision comes at significant cost and inconvenience to businesses, staff and their customers, through payments, lost trading opportunities and interruptions to operations and productivity,” he explained.
“It also penalises casual employees, who miss the opportunity for a day’s paid work if their place of employment is closed.
“Customers of businesses that do open will often be hit with surcharges, too, to offset their additional costs.”
Mr Hawes said Business Hunter supported the declaration of a Local Event Day, which gives employers the flexibility to liaise with staff on any special leave arrangements for the day.
“We acknowledge the Newcastle Show contributes to the region’s visitor economy and has historical and social significance for the community,” he added.
“We believe a Local Event Day strikes the right balance between marking this significant event on the calendar without imposing unnecessary additional pressure on businesses.
“We maintain the three-day duration of the show, which spans the weekend and night sessions, provides ample opportunity for people to attend without the need for a public holiday to be declared.
“Also, we note the event has been reported in the media in recent years as having attracted strong crowds, according to organisers, which indicates that patrons are accommodating visits within the existing arrangements.”
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