The City of Newcastle (CN) is seeking public opinion on whether the first day of the 2025 Newcastle Show should be designated a local public holiday. This inquiry comes as the show, a significant local event with a history spanning over a century, is set to take place from Friday, February 28, to Sunday, March 2.
Residents, businesses, and employees in Newcastle are invited to participate in a community survey aimed at assessing support for this initiative. The survey will focus on the potential economic and social advantages of declaring a public holiday, as well as its impact on promoting local tourism.
David Clarke, CN’s executive director of corporate services and chief financial officer, emphasized the community’s previous support for this idea. “In 2023, a consultation revealed that 84% of respondents favored establishing a local public holiday for the Newcastle Show,” he noted.
Clarke highlighted the significance of the Newcastle Show, which dates back to 1901, as a vital historical, social, and cultural event. He pointed out that attendance has been steadily rising since the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the survey process, CN will also engage with local chambers of commerce, banks, major employers, and schools that might be affected by the proposed public holiday. If approved, the holiday would extend to all employees working within the Newcastle Local Government Area (LGA).
Alternatively, the council may opt for a local event day designation, a practice that has been in place in recent years. “While this would not constitute a public holiday, it could be treated as one for employees who choose to observe it in accordance with their industrial agreements, as well as for any employers willing to participate,” Clarke explained.
The community survey is currently open and will remain available until 5 PM on November 5. The collected feedback will be reviewed by the council before a formal application is submitted to the NSW Government.
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