Attractions and eateries such as the Bradman Museum in Bowral, Scottish Arms Hotel and the Lilac City Cinema in Goulburn have benefited from the Dine and Discover vouchers.
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The NSW Government launched the Dine and Discover vouchers to encourage the community to get out and about and support dining, arts and recreation businesses.
Residents aged 18 and over can apply for four $25 vouchers, worth $100 in total.
- 2 x $25 Dine NSW Vouchers to be used for dining in restaurants, cafés, bars, wineries, pubs or clubs.
- 2 x $25 Discover NSW Vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues.
The good news is that the vouchers have been given an extended use period to August 31.
Chair of the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry Steve Horton welcomed the initiative intended to boost tourism and food businesses during the tough economic times.
"The vouchers have been a welcome inclusion in the overall recovery processes as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
The Bradman Museum noticed an uptick in business when the vouchers first rolled out.
Executive director Rina Hore said the museum welcomed many new residents into the facility.
"The vouchers were a catalyst for new residents to explore their surroundings," she said.
"We have redeemed close to 1200 vouchers, and it has brought a new audience to our business.
"The vouchers have been very important. This has been the best tourism initiative in the past five years. It is fantastic that they have extended them till August."
Scottish Arms Hotel licensee Luke Robertson said the vouchers were welcomed.
"It has brought more people out of the woodwork," he said.
"It's a good help for us and any business. We accept the dine and discover vouchers seven days a week and happy to promote it."
President of the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce Darrell Weekes said it was a great idea and fantastic initiative.
"They can be beneficial too if people use them," he said.
"The cafes and restaurants have been hit the hardest, but people need to balance the value against the risk. If people are concerned about going out, $25 won't do much.
"The government should do more."
Mr Weekes said there were several businesses in Goulburn that had "suffered terribly" due to Covid-19, but there were also several businesses that were doing well.
"Some businesses have skyrocketed because people can't travel and they are choosing to spend their money locally," he said.
"I hope people access the vouchers and spend them here."
Jarrod Murdoch from Lilac City Cinema in Goulburn said they had noticed an increase in business thanks to the vouchers.
"The vouchers have definitely helped increase the number of people coming to the cinema," he said.
"They've made a big difference, and there are new movie releases out, so it's a good time to come in.
"Without the vouchers, it would be hard to say if we'd still be open.
"They have been keeping us afloat."
To find out where you can use your voucher, click here.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
