Calls for businesses to register for the Dine and Discover voucher program have increased, following news that only 49 businesses on the Peninsula have signed up.
The State Government’s program, which will roll out later this month, aims to provide adults with four $25 vouchers to spend in local businesses and eateries.
Two vouchers can be used for dining and the others for entertainment and recreation in a move to boost local tourism.
Businesses in Umina Beach to have already signed up include: Ocean Beach Café, Wandee Thai Restaurant, Adrian Donald Hoten, Thai Season on West, Miori Japanese restaurant, Silver Dragon Chinese restaurant, BMX burgers, Umina Beach café, and Café PLUS.
Ettalong Beach’s Safran, Ettalong Diggers, Frederico’s Bar and Eatery and Ettalong Bowling Club have all registered for the program.
In Woy Woy, Young Barons, Hardwick’s on Blackwall, Gnostic Mama and McDonalds have also signed up.
Co-owner of Young Barons, Bryce Gleeson, said he would encourage other local businesses to get involved in the program.
“I thought it was good initiative and a great stimulus for local business, it helps customers to get out and support local,” Gleeson said.
“The program helps to open up your customer base, get new people in and potentially they’ll come back.
“It was an easy sign-up process through the Service NSW website, and it took a week to hear back from them for approval and then we were all ready to go.”
Some 149 businesses across the Coast have signed up to be venues where the vouchers can be redeemed, with Killcare’s Hardys Bistro and the Boathouse Hotel Patonga also involved.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said all eligible businesses should register now on the Service NSW website to avoid missing out.
“We know the past 12 months have been tough for Central Coast businesses, which is why the Dine & Discover NSW voucher program has been designed to not just keep the doors open, but to help businesses grow,” Crouch said.
“There are literally hundreds more restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries, pubs, clubs, cultural institutions, live music venues, arts venues and tourism operators who could benefit when the program becomes available to Central Coast residents.
“It takes just a few minutes for a business owner to register.”
To discover which businesses have signed up, residents can visit https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/dine-and-discover/business-finder.
Maisy Rae