Dine & Discover initiative on its way

The initiative has been designed to help NSW recover, from what has arguably been a confronting period of drought and bushfires, followed by covid, by encouraging the community to get out and about and support local businesses.

From this month residents aged 18 years and over will receive four, $25 vouchers to spend at a range of outlets from Monday to Thursday. Public holidays are excluded.

Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber has crunched the numbers, using 2016 census data, and estimates the project could lead to an additional $1.5 million spend in the region.

At the same time the package could lead to increased business sustainability, more job,s economic stability and stimulus during the off-peak season.

Time and time again over the last 12 months, business owners have shared with me how supportive our local community has been, president, Megan Lewis said.

"The Dine & Discover initiative by the NSW Government will mean locals can continue to support local businesses including owners and staff who work in cafes, restaurants, pubs, wineries, cinema, performing arts operations, amusement parks, recreational activities, outdoor adventures and travel tours.

"We encourage every eligible business owner to sign up and if they have any questions they can contact the chamber at info@ftchamber.com.au.

Local member, Stephen Bromhead also is recommending business operators take up the offer.

"I'm encouraging all eligible businesses from cafes to museums, cinemas and more across Myall Lakes to complete registration now so when vouchers are rolled out they can hit the ground running," Mr Bromhead said.

"We've heard loud and clear just how tough it has been for businesses in our community.

"This program will help reinvigorate the local economy and provide customers with hip pocket relief."

Great Lakes Cinema, Tuncurry owner, Peter Howard said he was looking forward to the program and at the same time welcoming people to his movie theatre.

Mr Howard described the project as something positive for all local businesses which had impacted by the bushfires and pandemic.

"We're really excited about the Dine & Discover program," Mr Howard said.

"Our business has been acutely impacted by Covid-19, and we haven't as yet bounced back with the vengeance the dining sector has.

"Fortunately, covid is now starting to be better managed in the United States, which means more big releases are flowing to cinemas.

"That's perfect timing for audiences to redeem their vouchers at the movies".

Travelwise Pacific Palms owner, Steve Gatland welcomed the idea, which he said would provide locals with more incentive to book a trip or get out and about and enjoy what was on offer.

"While the $100 won't pay for a trip it will reduce the price; It is a helping hand for some of our trips," Mr Gatland said.

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"There is a new confidence in the area as seniors began to book more 'big' trips.

"During the pandemic they were too afraid to travel in groups, and that is my core business."

"No one needs extra encouragement to have a meal out or enjoy some downtime after the past year we have all endured, so I encourage businesses to do the right thing and register so they can reap the rewards," Business NSW regional manager, Kellon Beard.

"It's important business owners understand that vouchers can only be used at premises that have a COVID Safety plan and are registered as COVID safe.

"Of course, businesses know customers are likely to spend much more than the $25 the voucher provides, and they have the opportunity of opening their business up to a whole new potential client base and encourage repeat visitation.

"There will be two distinct categories of voucher, ensuring as many businesses as possible can benefit from the program.

"Two vouchers can be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs from Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays.

"The remaining two vouchers are to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues and are available 7 days a week, excluding public holidays.

"This is welcome government support for those industries on the Mid North Coast who have borne the brunt of the pandemic, and the business community in NSW is right behind it," Mr. Beard said.

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