Published on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 at 10:36:05 AM
Extended Christmas Trading Hours Approved for Local Businesses
Local businesses across the Shire of Gnowangerup will have greater flexibility to extend their opening hours during the 2026 Christmas trading period, following approval by the Western Australian Government.
The Retail Trading Hours (Regional Christmas & Public Holiday) Variation Order 2026, made under the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987, allows general retail shops across 20 regional local government districts, including Gnowangerup, to open for extended hours throughout December.
The changes provide local retailers with an opportunity to accommodate increased Christmas shopping activity, offer greater convenience to customers and encourage residents to shop locally during the festive season.
Importantly, the extended hours are optional. Businesses can choose to operate within the approved trading hours according to their individual needs.
Approved Christmas Trading Hours – December 2026
5–13 December and 26–31 December 2026
14–24 December 2026
These extended trading hours apply to general retail shops, excluding motor vehicle shops.
Additional Public Holiday Trading in 2027
The Variation Order also permits general retail shops to open between 8.00am and 6.00pm on the following public holidays in 2027:
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Friday 1 January – New Year's Day
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Tuesday 26 January – Australia Day
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Monday 1 March – Labour Day
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Monday 29 March – Easter Monday
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Monday 26 April – ANZAC Day observed
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Monday 7 June – Western Australia Day
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Monday 27 September – King's Birthday
Supporting Local Businesses This Christmas
The Shire of Gnowangerup encourages residents to support local retailers wherever possible during the Christmas period.
Shopping locally helps support businesses, local employment and the ongoing strength of communities across Gnowangerup, Ongerup and Borden.
Local businesses considering extended trading hours are encouraged to review the Variation Order and determine whether the additional flexibility suits their operations.
Further Information
For full details, businesses can refer to the Retail Trading Hours (Regional Christmas & Public Holiday) Variation Order 2026 and information provided by the WA Government's Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety.
Please note that the Variation Order provides permission to trade during the specified hours but does not require businesses to open.
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