Eligible Illawarra businesses are being urged to register for the Dine & Discover Program, before the initiative is rolled out across the state in March.
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As part of Dine & Discover, all NSW residents over 18 years old are eligible for four $25 vouchers: two for spending at restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries, pubs and clubs between Monday to Thursday; and two to spend on entertainment and recreation, including live music and arts venues, any day of the week (except public holidays).
The NSW Government announced that the second phase of the pilot for the program began in the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley from Monday, after testing in the Rocks and Broken Hill.
The program is designed to support business recovery from the COVID-19 downturn in the hardest-hit sectors, by encouraging people to visit COVID-Safe hospitality, arts and tourism venues.
Illawarra Business Chamber executive director Adam Zarth said while the region's economy shows strong signs of recovery, the region was also hit hard by bushfires, and there remained pockets of stress, particularly in the hospitality, arts and tourism sectors.
"Illawarra residents are entitled to up to $100 each in vouchers and our local economy needs this boost, so I strongly encourage residents to spend their vouchers locally," Mr Zarth said.
"What's most important at this stage is for hospitality, arts and tourism operators across the Illawarra to immediately register with Service NSW so that they can fully benefit from the program."
Eligible business must have an active ABN and be registered for GST, be operating in NSW in one of the eligible industries listed on the Service NSW registration page and also be registered as a COVID-Safe Business.
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