It’s been part of the landscape for more than a century… but should the start of the 2025 Newcastle Show be declared a local public holiday?
That’s the question City of Newcastle (CN) is asking everyone.
Novocastrians are being invited to help determine that decision for the first day of next year’s extravaganza, slated for Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March.
A community survey will gather feedback from people who live, work and run businesses in Newcastle to gauge support for the proposal, with specific questions about the economic and social benefits as well as tourism industry promotion of the region.
Council’s executive director corporate services and chief financial officer David Clarke said people had traditionally backed the idea of a local public holiday.
“City of Newcastle conducted community consultation in 2023 and 84% of respondents supported a local public holiday for the Newcastle Show,” he explained.
“The Newcastle Show is an important historical, social and cultural event that dates back to 1901… and visitor numbers have continued to increase since the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As part of the community survey, CN will consult with chambers of commerce, banks, major employers and schools that would likely to be impacted, should the day be declared a local public holiday.”
If the proposal receives the green light, it would apply to all employees whose place of work is within the Newcastle Local Government Area (LGA).
Alternatively, a local event day may be declared, as has been the case in recent years.
“It’s not a public holiday,” Mr Clarke said.
“But, it can be considered as one, for those employees in the area who have agreed to observe the day in their relevant industrial agreement and any other employers who want to participate.”
The community survey is now open and will close at 5pm on 5 November.
Feedback will then be presented to council for consideration, prior to an application being made to the NSW Government.
Residents can have their say by completing the online survey at http://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Newcastle-regional-show-day-2025 before 5pm on 5 November.
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