We all love a public holiday but what exactly is the October long weekend all about? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There is significance to Labour Day in New South Wales and we’ve put together a handy guide to answer all your FAQs.

Labour Day is a public holiday which is celebrated in NSW on the first Monday of October each year, meaning this will give you a long weekend in October. It’s the first public holiday from the King’s Birthday in June – we know – we’ve all been stinging for that extra day off for the last few months. This year in 2024, Labour Day falls on Monday, October 7.

What is the significance of the October long weekend and Labour Day?

Labour Day in NSW is a day dedicated to commemorating the Labour movement’s fight, and eventual victory to get the eight-hour working day over the line.

You think we might have it tough now, but once upon a time in the 1800s, Australians had no choice but to work 14 hours a day, six days a week. There were no employee entitlements as well as no annual leave, sick leave and your boss could fire you at any time without reason.

So when did this all end? On April 21, 1856, the stonemasons in Melbourne were the first to unionise and all agree to strike in protest to get a work/life balance. The movement resonated around the world, so much so that it inspired American workers to have their first stoppage.

It wasn’t until 1914 that the Eight Hours Act was passed in Victoria and NSW. And finally, in 1948, the Commonwealth Arbitration Court approved a 40-hour, five day working week for all Australians.

Now, different states and countries have their own Labour Day, thanks to the movement of the Victorian stonemasons.

What is the philosophy behind the eight-hour workday?

The idea behind the eight-hour workday is that gives workers the ability to split the day into three eight-hour periods:

8 hours for sleeping
8 hours for working
8 hours of play and spending time with friends and family

Is daylight savings happening this Labour Day in NSW?

Remember, this weekend is when we have to wind our clocks forward. It means during the warmer months, the evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. This is when you’ll need to turn your clocks forward:

Date: Sunday 6 October 2024
Time: 2am Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
What happens?: Clocks are moved forward by 1 hour to 3am, giving you more daylight in the evening.

And here are some tips to adjust to the time change:

Gradual bedtime changes: Adjust your bedtime by 15 minutes each night before the change to help your body transition smoothly.
Maximise morning light: Get outside in the morning to help reset your body clock.
Stay consistent: Keep your sleep schedule consistent to avoid disruption.

But more importantly, what’s open on Labour Day?

Never fear, the October long weekend is not like the Easter Long Weekend where there are restrictions on liquor shops, opening times of supermarkets as well as pubs and clubs. Here is a rundown of trading hours for all the major retailers:

Coles stores in NSW and the ACT will have their standard trading hours on Labour Day. Aldi’s opening hours will be different from store to store, so shoppers were advised to check here for their local store’s opening hours. Most Woolworths store will be open. Shoppers were advised to check online here for their local store’s hours.

Liquorland, Vintage Cellars, and First Choice Liquor Market

Stores will trade with reduced trading hours.

Westfield

Westfield shopping centres will open at 10am, but close at different times.
Westfield Kotara will close at 4pm.
Westfield Tuggerah, Eastgardens, Hornsby, Liverpool, Mt Druitt, Penrith and Warringah Mall will close at 5pm.
Westfield Bondi Junction, Burwood, Chatswood, Hurstville, Miranda and Parramatta will close at 6pm.
Westfield Sydney and Sydney Central Plaza will close at 7pm.

Kmart

All stores will be open, with the majority having reduced hours.

Dan Murphy’s and BWS

Dan Murphy’s stores nationwide will mostly open from 10am to 7pm.

BWS stores will mostly open from 9am and close between 7pm and 9pm.

Target

All stores will be open, with the majority having reduced hours.

Bunnings

All Bunnings stores will be open on the October Long Weekend.

Trade Centres and Distribution centres will be closed.

Shoppers were advised to use the Bunnings website or app to check their local store’s trading hours as opening times will vary.

Things to do over the long weekend in Sydney

Labour Day coincides when the weather starts to warm up. Remember, it’s the NRL Grand Final on Sunday between the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm. Check out the best places where you can watch the game.

If you’re looking for some salt and sun, check our guide to the best ocean pools around Sydney. Or if you’re looking for some free things to do around the city, there’s an array of exhibitions, walks, film festivals and street parties.

But if you’ve got the kids, we’ve got a handy school holiday guide to keep the little ones entertained.