A KERANG publican hopes the return of the Victorian Government’s popular dining and entertaining initiative will encourage more tourists and locals to get “out and about”.
Exchange Hotel Kerang owner Rod Sutterby said the Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program – Eat, Play, Cash Back, could help regional centres bounce back from a tough few years.
As of Monday, the program allows customers to claim 25 percent cash back when they spend $40 or more on dining or entertainment. Eligible purchases include meals at restaurants, cafes and pubs, tickets to live music or art performances, and entries into museums, galleries and amusement parks.
“The last time they ran the program, I think it was a little bit too Melbourne centric, so the good thing about this time is anyone is eligible for it and it is a pretty easy system to use too,” Mr Sutterby said.
“I think a lot of people will get real good value out of it, and it is a good little boost without being a crazy amount that the government is forking up upfront.”
Focusing on the Gannawarra Shire area, Mr Sutterby believes the program will be an incentive even for locals to get out into their community.
“We [local businesses] have struggled a lot, and with the weather at the moment it is hard, a lot of our big draw cards aren’t very accessible at the moment – sure you can still go on the lake when it is raining, but not many people like doing that,” Mr Sutterby said.
“So it’ll be good, it’ll still keep people out and about.”
Minister for industry support and recovery Ben Carroll said the program will help build business and consumer confidence, while also supporting jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp believes the Eat, Play, Cash Back initiative will work well in conjunction with the ALWAYS LIVE program, which is a Victoria-wide celebration of contemporary live music that features more than 90 events across 12 regions with more than 150 local and international artists.
“From Kings of Leon, Temper Trap, Isaiah Firebrace and Crowded House, to Nick Cave and Courtney Barnett – Northern Victoria will soon play host to some fantastic live music gigs,” Mr Gepp said.
The first round of the program was launched back in March of this year, and saw more than $32 million claimed in three months.
For more information or to make a claim, visit vic.gov.au/dining-entertainment
