Queen’s National Day of Mourning: What’s open on Thursday September 22
Thursday is Australia’s National Day of Mourning for the Queen. Here’s everything you need to know about trading hours for NSW’s retailers, pubs and public services.
NSW
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Australia will mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with a National Day of Mourning on Thursday.
The one-off public holiday on September 22 will give Australians the opportunity to commemorate the monarch and her 70 years of service.
NSW is expected to honour Her Majesty in unique ways.
While many public servants are expected to have the day off, there are many businesses, such as retailers and hospitality venues, that will continue trading throughout the day.
Here’s a list of places that will remain open, including those with modified trading hours.
How will the state honour the Queen?
There will be a minute’s silence at 11am AEST on Thursday, the Commonwealth Flag Officer has confirmed.
The Australian flag will also remain at half mast until the end of the day on all government buildings across the country, while vice-regal standards will remain at full mast.
Will major retailers be open?
Major retailers and department stores will be open on Thursday with some operating on modified trading hours.
Kmart shoppers can access all physical stores across NSW with tweaked trading hours. Stores are likely to open between 8am to 10am and close as early as 3pm or as late as 9pm, while 24-hour stores will trade as normal. Check store times here.
Bunnings will keep its doors open according to the usual trading hours of each store in NSW.
Same goes for all Big Wacross the state, with most stores open between 9am and 7pm.
All Best&Less stores will be open – with the exception of closures in Lismore and Broken Hill – from 10am with closing times varying between 4pm, 5pm and 6pm depending on the location.
Are supermarkets open?
Yes, supermarkets will remain open, but public holiday trading hours apply.
Coles will operate at standard public holiday hours between 8am to 6pm, but may change in your area.
Most Woolworths stores in NSW will be open between 7am and 9pm. Check your closest store for precise times.
All Aldi stores in NSW will be open and will close at 8pm. Opening times could vary.
Independent grocer IGA is expected to be open in most areas, however for accurate times, check your local store.
Will cafes and restaurants be open?
Yes. Rest assured you can still get your coffee fix. Make sure to check if your local cafe is open.
Can I go to the pub?
Yes. Like cafes, pubs will be open with trading hours decided by business owners.
Are bottle shops open?
The sale of alcohol is permitted and liquor stores will be open.
As part of the Coles Group, Liquorland will be open with standard public holidays trading hours.
Under Endeavour Group, BWS and Dan Murphy stores will also be open across the state with opening and closing times varying according to location.
Will essential services be open?
Despite concerns for business, most essential services, including hospitals and some emergency medical clinics, will remain open.
You can still catch a taxi or a rideshare, however surcharges might apply.
Pharmacies and chemist are allowed to trade, but will likely be open with shorter hours.
Petrol stations, including Caltex, BP, 7/11, Shell, and Ampol, will function with regular trading hours.
What will be closed?
Most government-run services, such as schools, libraries, and Australia Post offices, will be closed.
Centrelink customers may also be affected by the new public holiday with Services Australia warning that offices will be shut. Customers will need to report early and are likely to receive a delayed payment, however those not required to report will be paid earlier.
Bank branches including Commonwealth, NAB, ANZ and Westpac will shut for the day, but customers can still perform regular transactions using online services.
Meanwhile, some elective surgeries may be postponed.
Why are trading hours not restricted like some public holidays?
As the new public holiday was declared under section five of the Public Holidays Act 2010 in NSW, cafes, restaurants and retailers can trade as they would on other public holidays, such as Australia Day.
Business owners dictate their own trading hours for Thursday as it is not considered a “restricted” public holiday like ANZAC Day.
Will workers earn public holiday rates?
Yes. The provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 regarding working on public holidays, including penalty rates, apply.
Employers will have to pay employees, including hospitality workers, public holiday loadings according to their award.
Will services return to normal on Friday?
Yes. Services are expected to return to normal on Friday as it is not a public holiday, however hundreds of people are expected to ‘chuck a sickie’ costing the economy an eye-watering amount.
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