Business NSW is encouraging businesses across Western NSW in the hospitality, entertainment and tourism sectors to register for the NSW Government's Dine & Discover program, with Parkes businesses already reaping the rewards of being registered for the program.
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The call comes as the four $25 vouchers have started to become available in several Local Government Areas across regional NSW this week.
Regional Manager - Western NSW at Business NSW, Vicki Seccombe, believes this is a huge boon for businesses in Parkes, after the tough year that was COVID-19.
"This was a popular announcement from last year's State Budget, and it's important our region's businesses in tourism, hospitality and entertainment register now to benefit from the program," she said.
"No one needs extra encouragement to have a meal out or enjoy some down time after the past year, so I encourage Western NSW businesses to register now so they can reap the rewards when the program opens here soon.
"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 tour operators, cinemas, galleries, indoor bowling, and outdoor adventure operators and are available 7 days a week, excluding public holidays.
"In particular, we are encouraging our entertainment and recreation businesses in the region to get involved as we are seeing less of these businesses currently registered.
"And once the program is launched in Western NSW, we want all residents who are 18 years and older to apply for the vouchers and start using them locally to support this business community," Ms Seccombe said.
So far, eight Parkes businesses have signed up for the initiative, while another eight in Forbes have signed up.
While Parkes residents can not yet apply to receive the vouchers, local businesses like the Roasted Kombi Cafe have started to accept the vouchers from tourists.
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Owner of the popular Roasted Kombi cafe in Parkes, Darrin Gibson, was very optimistic about the benefits the program could potentially bring both his business and the local economy.
"I think this program will go like a house on fire here in Parkes for everyone - but particularly for pensioners who can come in and have a little feed without putting their hands in their pockets," said Darrin.
"We are already getting the vouchers filtering through from visiting travellers, and have had a couple of them used already this week.
"The really good thing is travellers are getting online before they leave and looking at what businesses are participating; it's so just easy to find out where you can use them," he said.
Darrin actually has a Roasted Kombi patron, Norma, to thank for the cafe being involved in the program.
"Norma, one of our patrons, came up to me and asked 'I've heard about these vouchers, are you doing this?
"So I looked into it, applied online and put it out on our Facebook page, and we've already seen the benefits - all thanks to Norma!"
Darrin knows many have tried, and failed, to stimulate the economy in tough times, but thinks this program is as good as a business could want.
"I've read about many efforts over the last 100 years in terms of stimulating local councils and economies in certain times of depression, but this is just a fantastic initiative from the government.
"I follow the economic climate quite closely and I can certainly see the rollercoaster we've all been on, but I think in Parkes we have been doing particularly well," he said.
To see the full list (or sign-up your own business), head to the Dine and Discover section of Service NSW.
Once the Dine and Discover program rolls out in Parkes, residents aged 18 and over will be entitled to four $25 voucher, worth $100 in total.
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