Wollongong businesses encouraged to register for the NSW Government's Dine and Discover initiative

The initiative will result in NSW residents being eligible for vouchers to spend at eligible dining businesses, plus arts and tourism activities - like going to the theatre.

Sandy Srbinovski, head chef and manager of Nadia's Cafe in Wollongong said they hadn't registered for the initiative yet, but said they would most likely be interested in the program.

Read more: Wollongong man Jamie Flack helped by 'Rent Choice Youth' subsidy program

Ms Srbinovski said she believed the voucher program would help encourage the community to get out and about and spend money in cafes and restaurants, stimulating the economy.

"There's been a lot of money given out because of COVID, because it's hit the economy hard and a lot of people have lost their jobs," she said.

"Obviously we're not as busy as we were, because people haven't got the money to go and spend, and we've cut down on hours and staff ourselves.

"But ever since we've come back open... It's going well. It's not the same as it was, but it's picking up."

Local businesses must register with Services NSW to participate in the program and meet specific eligibility criteria, including being registered as a COVID-Safe business.

The voucher rollout begins in March with NSW residents over the age of 18 being eligible for 4 x $25 vouchers.

They will be able to use two of the $25 vouchers to spend at dining businesses, from Monday through to Thursday, and two of the $25 vouchers to spend on activities with arts and tourism businesses, seven days a week.

The voucher program is being put in place to encourage the community to get out and about, supporting dining, arts and tourism businesses and stimulating spending in the economy.

Jasmine Wu is manager of Wollongong's TaChun Chinese Restaurant, which opened about two months ago.

She said she didn't know much about the vouchers program, but was keen to find out more about registering.

Ms Wu said she believed the program could boost the Wollongong economy and help some COVID-affected businesses get back on their feet.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery urged all eligible local businesses to register for this initiative, so they are ready to go once the vouchers are made available to the community.

"Two vouchers can be used for dining out at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs, and two vouchers can be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues," he said.

"The take home message is for local businesses to engage early with Service NSW to learn about the program, and begin registering now to make the most of the opportunity."

Once a business is registered and approved for the scheme, they will be able to download shopfront badges, point of sale posters and digital tiles from their Service NSW My Business Profile to display in their business premises and on digital channels.

Business owners looking to learn more or register for the scheme can visit nsw.gov.au/dine-discover-register.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.