Australia Day on Norfolk Island
Australia Day is a public holiday on Norfolk Island on 26 January, with a weekend date observed on the following Monday. The island’s annual observance includes the announcement of Australia Day Awards at Government House in Kingston.[1][2]
Date and public holiday status
Norfolk Island observes Australia Day on 26 January. If that date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday moves to the next Monday.[1]
A 2016 Australian Government release says the Norfolk Island Continued Laws (Public Holidays) Ordinance combined public holidays under the Commonwealth Fair Work Act with holidays previously listed in the Norfolk Island Employment Act. The ordinance also clarified how holidays are observed when they fall on a weekend.[3]
For employees, a public holiday generally permits a day off, though an employer may ask them to work. Full-time and part-time employees who do not work are paid for the ordinary hours they would usually work that day; applicable awards or agreements may affect the details.[4]
Meaning and local observance
Australia Day is observed nationally on 26 January. The National Archives of Australia describes the date in the context of the First Fleet’s arrival at Sydney Cove in 1788, while also recording that the day is contested and that many Indigenous people refer to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day.[5]
On Norfolk Island, the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area identifies Australia Day as one of the island’s significant commemorations. Its annual event celebrates Australia’s culture and includes the announcement of Australia Day Awards at Government House in Kingston.[2]
This local programme is distinct from the island’s own Foundation Day, which marks the arrival of Lieutenant Philip Gidley King and a party of first settlers in March 1788. The site lists that event separately from Australia Day.[2]
Planning around the holiday
Australia Day’s public holiday status affects employee entitlements, but it does not by itself establish that every workplace or service will close. Check opening hours with Norfolk Island offices, banks, shops, transport providers and visitor businesses before you go.[1][4]
Government House in Kingston is the listed location for the annual awards announcement. Check current local information before making plans to attend.[2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Australia Day a public holiday on Norfolk Island?
Yes. Norfolk Island lists Australia Day as a public holiday on 26 January.[1]
When is the holiday observed if 26 January falls on a weekend?
It is observed on the next Monday if 26 January falls on a Saturday or Sunday.[1]
Do employees automatically have the day off?
Employees may take a day off on a public holiday, but an employer can ask them to work. Pay and other conditions can depend on the employee’s usual hours and applicable award or agreement.[4]
What happens on Norfolk Island for Australia Day?
The annual island event includes the announcement of Australia Day Awards at Government House in Kingston.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Australia Day in Norfolk Island:
- Norfolk Island travel information- Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
- Key events and dates- Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area
- Public holidays on Norfolk Island confirmed- Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
- Public holidays- Fair Work Ombudsman
- Protest against bicentennial celebrations- National Archives of Australia