From left: Cobargo Hotel owner Dave Allen; NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello: Member for Bega Andrew Constance; and Bega Valley Shire Councillor Tony Allen. Photo: Supplied.
Remember those $100 worth of vouchers to boost businesses affected by COVID-19 shutdowns? The program is set to be rolled out from March 2021, but registrations are now open to eligible businesses to take part in the NSW Government’s economic stimulus program, Dine & Discover NSW.
Under the program, every NSW resident aged 18 and above will receive four $25 vouchers to spend at participating dining, arts and tourism businesses to support economic recovery from COVID-19.
Bega Valley Shire will be among the first regions in NSW to use the scheme as a pilot program begins in late February. The pilot will provide feedback to the NSW Government.
The Oyster Shed on Wray Street in Batemans Bay. Photo: Alex Rea.
NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the pilot will deliver a boost to local businesses and encourage customers to get out and about safely.
“This regional community represents a diverse range of businesses and customers, and their feedback will help us ensure the technology is right before the statewide rollout,” he said.
“We’ve heard loud and clear just how tough it has been for local businesses, and this pilot will give them a needed investment boost with school holidays ending.
“All eligible businesses will receive an email from Service NSW with details on how to register. I also urge residents to do yourself a favour and download the Service NSW app now in anticipation of the pilot starting.”
To participate in Dine & Discover NSW you must have a business that operates in one of the following industries: cafes and restaurants, pubs, taverns, bars and clubs, scenic and sightseeing transport, cinemas, museums, galleries and historic sites, zoos, botanic gardens, wildlife parks and nature reserves, performing arts operations, theatres and entertainment centres, amusement, theme and water parks, recreational activities such as go-karting, indoor climbing, mini-golf, billiards, bowling or ice-rinks, outdoor adventures, travel agencies and tours.
Outdoor activities and tour businesses can register for Dine & Discover NSW. Photo: Alex Rea.
Eligible businesses can register online to take part in the program, and track their application through the MyServiceNSW Business Profile. Business owners will also receive a step-by-step process on how to get ready for the program.
A specialised app from Service NSW will help businesses scan, track and manage the program’s voucher usage.
Once activated, businesses will automatically get paid, typically within five business days for the value of vouchers redeemed.
To be eligible, businesses must:
- Have an active ABN and be registered for GST.
- Operate in NSW in one of the eligible industries.
- Be registered as COVID-19-Safe and have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place.
NSW residents aged 18 and above will receive four $25 digital vouchers for Dine & Discover NSW.
The vouchers can be used at participating eligible businesses and venues which are registered as COVID-19 Safe. The scheme will be divided into two categories:
- Dining out: Two vouchers can be used to purchase food at venues such as restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.
- Going out: Two vouchers can be used for activities, such as visiting cultural institutions, performing arts, cinemas and amusement parks.
The vouchers will be available via the Service NSW app.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the pilot program is great news for the local community, which endured the worst bushfire season in living memory last year, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Local businesses have been brought to their knees, and these vouchers will provide them with much needed stimulus and hip pocket relief to households,” he said.
“To have the Bega Valley included is fantastic news and I encourage residents to utilise the vouchers and to provide feedback on the pilot.
A non-digital solution will be made available to customers who don’t have a smartphone. All residents and eligible businesses within the pilot area will be able to participate. Those who don’t spend their voucher during the pilot will be able to do so when the scheme is rolled out statewide.
Further information on the Dine & Discover program is available here.
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