A petition calling for NSW to have an extra public holiday in line with other states and territories is gaining momentum.
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NSW has 11 public holidays and only one between June and December.
The petition by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) calls on NSW to adopt a 'Family & Community Day' to be observed in September each year.
The day would "promote the wellbeing and cohesion of our community", the petition said.
Victoria and ACT lead the way with 13 public holidays. Most other states and territories have 12, with the exception of WA, which also has 11 public holidays.
The WA government is currently reviewing its public holiday schedule.
Tasmania lags behind with only 10 public holidays.
SDA NSW branch secretary Bernie Smith told ACM it was "good for everybody".
Mr Smith said an additional public holiday would be particularly beneficial for regional areas because people often take advantage of a long weekend to travel within the state.
Just over 6000 people have signed the petition since it was launched a month ago.
It's good for the workers because they need that time with family and friends. If you work, you get penalty rates. It is good for the community because it is shared time and leads to social cohesion, and it is good for the economy with hospitality and retailers likely to see a spike in economic activity.
- Bernie Smith
The move is supported by Mudgee Regional Tourism, which launched a campaign calling for a new day off in NSW dubbed 'Mudgee Monday', designed to promote regional travel while tackling burnout and mental fatigue.
On August 15, the Premier gave cautious support to the Mudgee proposal when he was asked about it at a press conference while visiting Lithgow.
"Look, I'm going to be really honest with you and say I'm not sure about that request, and I wasn't aware of this campaign, but I'm sure everybody's after a new public holiday," Premier Minns told Lithgow Mercury journalist Reidun Berntsen.
Liberal leader Mark Speakman and Mr Minns were approached for comment for this story.
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is a journalist with Explore Travel and The Senior. She specialises in deep issues affecting Gen X and beyond, and the latest in travel news. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
