Safety, Respect Urged for Australia Day Weekend
NSW Police are encouraging the community to come together during Australia Day in a safe and respectful way.
There will be a high-visibility policing presence as part of Operation Australia Day 2026, which will commence on Friday 23 January 2026 and conclude on Monday 26 January 2026.
The statewide land, water and air operation includes general duties officers, supported by specialist units including the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Public Order and Riot Squad, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir.
The public are urged to take part in Australia Day activities responsibly and look out for one another.
The carrying of long-arm weapons by specialist police during Australia Day events in Sydney has been authorised following the Bondi Beach terror attack in December 2025, to provide a sense of security to the community, not because of an increased threat risk.
Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Paul Scully, said Australia Day was a time for people to come together, and the message was simple. Celebrate safely, respectfully and look out for one another.
“NSW Police will have a strong, highly visible presence across the state as part of Operation Australia Day to help keep communities safe,” Minister Scully said.
“Following the Bondi Beach terror attack, specialist police will be authorised to carry long-arm weapons at certain events in Sydney. This is about reassurance and protection, not because of any specific threat.
“These are operational decisions made by police based on intelligence and risk assessments, and the NSW Government fully supports them.
“We’re asking everyone to respect police directions, follow the law and play their part so Australia Day is safe and enjoyable for all.”
Operation Australia Day Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden encouraged the community to be respectful of each other this Australia Day.
“Police will have a visible presence across the state, and we ask the public to look out for one another, make responsible choices and treat others with courtesy,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
“Those who plan to join in on Australia Day events are asked to be responsible and respectful because anti-social or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Whether you are attending an event, spending time outdoors, on the water or travelling on our roads, we want everyone to get home safely; so look after your mates, know your alcohol limit and follow the law.”
Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Joseph McNulty, said Australia Day was typically a popular time for people to head out on the water across the state.
“We will have a strong police presence on our waterways, and we urge skippers to ensure their vessel is in good working order and they have all required safety equipment on board,” Superintendent McNulty said.
“Lifejackets should be worn by anyone on a boat, jet ski, kayak; or those fishing and always while rock fishing.
“Skippers, passengers and swimmers are also reminded that alcohol and the water do not mix and Water Police will be conducting random breath tests.”
NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said our world-class waterways would be packed right across the state on Australia Day, so NSW Maritime was reminding people to take extra caution, make a plan before heading out and wear a lifejacket.
“As always, make sure you follow NSW boating rules and local waterway restrictions, such as speed limits and adherence to exclusion zones. Maritime authorities will be out in force to ensure recreational and commercial vessels are compliant with maritime laws,” Mr Hutchings said.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers will be out in force during the operation targeting dangerous and risky driving behaviour.
A double demerit period is in place from Friday 23 January 2026 to Monday 26 January 2026 for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.
Transport for NSW Acting Secretary Howard Collins said there would be major road closures in place on Australia Day and delays were expected.
“Extra public transport services will run, and people are encouraged to plan their journey,” Mr Collins said.
“Public transport is the easiest way to travel to Australia Day events, as many roads around Circular Quay and The Rocks will be closed. With major transport hubs located within short walking distance, avoid the parking hassle and plan your trip by transport to make sure you get the most out of your day.”
There will be major road closures in place on Australia Day and delays are expected. Extra public transport services will run, and people are encouraged to plan their journey.
NSW Ambulance Acting Assistant Commissioner Simmone Locke said large parts of NSW would be impacted by heatwave conditions over the weekend and it was important people understood that heat could be dangerous for your health.
“The real danger isn’t just one hot day, it’s the relentless heat over consecutive days, which means your body needs time to recover. Make cooling down and hydration a priority,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Locke said.
The community is reminded a Public Assembly Restriction Declaration is currently in place in the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command and in most parts of Sydney’s CBD, excluding Hyde Park.
For details about what’s happening in your area and further event-related information, visit the official Australia Day website: http://www.australiaday.com.au/.
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