By Amy ChengTuesday 13 Apr 2021EntertainmentReading Time: 4 minutes
Residents in NSW have been given four vouchers from the State Government to spend on dining and entertainment in a bid to give the economy a boost.
The $500 million Dine & Discover program was launched in March to help businesses grow and thrive after a turbulent pandemic year, and has been rolling out progressively across the NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the rollout of the program follows successful testing and pilots in Sydney CBD, The Rocks, Northern Beaches, Broken Hill and Bega Valley.
“This stimulus will give businesses the boost they need after an incredibly tough 12 months and will encourage customers to get out and about safely,” she said in a statement.
“These vouchers will help businesses keep their doors open and grow, while providing customers with much needed hip pocket relief.”
What are the vouchers?
NSW residents aged 18 and over can apply to receive four $25 vouchers, which consists of two $25 Dine NSW Vouchers and two $25 Discover NSW Vouchers.
The vouchers can be used seven days a week (it was previously Monday to Thursday), including public holidays, at participating NSW businesses registered as COVID Safe. But they are only valid until 30 June 2021.
- Dine NSW Vouchers can be used for dining in at restaurants, cafés, bars, wineries, pubs or clubs
- Discover NSW Vouchers can be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues
“These vouchers will help businesses keep their doors open and grow, while providing customers with much needed hip pocket relief.” – NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian
How to apply for the vouchers?
Eligible NSW residents can apply for the vouchers online or via the Service NSW app. They will need a MyServiceNSW account and two proof of identity documents, such as a NSW driver licence, Medicare card, or Australian passport.
Only those whose primary residence is in NSW, where they spend the majority of their time, can apply for the vouchers. Other states have similar support available to residents.
People who are unable to apply online, or do not have a mobile device, email address or internet access, can call 13 77 88 or visit a Service NSW Centre to apply.
How to use the vouchers?
After applying, vouchers should appear under the ‘Vouchers’ section of the Service NSW App within an hour, and Service NSW will also send out an email with the vouchers to download and print.
Those without a mobile device can use a printed voucher or voucher code. Both printed and digital options will be accepted by participating businesses using the unique QR code.
Only one voucher can be redeemed per day at a business, however, vouchers can be combined with another person’s voucher towards the same bill.
The vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash or used for takeaway meals, alcohol, tobacco, gambling or online orders (only applies to Dine NSW Vouchers).
Vouchers can only be used once, and any leftover amounts will be forfeited; neither the resident or the business will receive the leftover amount.
However, NSW customer service minister Victor Dominello said that leftover cash could be redistributed to other struggling sectors.
“It can be relocated, you can’t force people to spend the money, at least the money is going into targeted areas. If it’s not used, Dom [Perrottet] can say, ‘hairdressers next, or small businesses next’,” Mr Dominello told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Only one voucher can be redeemed per day at a business, however, vouchers can be combined with another person’s voucher towards the same bill.
Businesses accepting vouchers
A list of participating businesses can be found online or in the Service NSW app after vouchers have been received.
Some businesses are offering special incentives or doubling the value of vouchers including:
- Hoyts and Event cinemas are offering two standard tickets or one Lux/Gold Class ticket
- Funlab have packages across their tenpin bowling, mini golf, trampolining and playtime venues
- RedBalloon is accepting vouchers for hundreds of experiences around New South Wales
- Rockpool Dining Group has created a series of multi-course menus for $25
- The Sydney Collective, which owns Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room, is doubling the value of Dine vouchers across its eight venues
- Captain Cook Cruises is doubling the value of Discover vouchers to $50 on selected cruises
- Klook is accepting bookings with vouchers for tourist attractions such as Sydney’s SEA Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Wildlife Sydney Zoo and more
Vouchers can only be used once, and any leftover amounts will be forfeited; neither the resident or the business will receive the leftover amount.