Mudgee Region Tourism has launched a petition for an additional public holiday, named Mudgee Monday, in a bid to boost regional tourism and support mental health and wellbeing.

The campaign follows research revealing 72 per cent of Australians support more public holidays and 57 per cent believe an additional long weekend would help reduce stress.

“This is more than a tourism campaign,” says Beau Kassas, chief marketing officer, Mudgee Region Tourism.

“Australians are crying out for more balance and better mental health outcomes so we’re calling on the Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, to even the stakes and give us a break.”

In NSW, workers currently have 11 public holidays a year, compared to the 13 that residents of ACT and Victoria enjoy.

Clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis supports the Mudgee Monday plan, saying an additional long weekend would benefit people across the state.

“It’s remarkable how travel, especially to regional locations, can provide a powerful emotional and psychological reset,” she says.

“We need a policy that reflects this growing need.”

Kassas believes regional towns are particularly well suited to people seeking to recharge their batteries.

“Towns such as Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos and Rylstone remind people of how travel should be – slow, unhurried and deeply personal,” he says.

“We encourage visitors to stop rushing and consider the true benefits of creating their own long weekend anytime by simply taking a Mudgee Monday.”