More than $100 million worth of unused dining and entertainment vouchers will go down the drain unless they’re redeemed within days.
Time is running out for NSW residents to spend leftover Dine & Discover vouchers before the June 30 deadline as regions with the most unused coupons are revealed.
The NSW government rolled out the popular initiative two years ago to inject renewed life into the hospitality industry struggling to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
More than 5.4 million residents registered to receive two Dine and two Discover vouchers worth $25 each at thousands of participating restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, wineries, arts venues, cinemas, museums, zoos and other attractions.
The vouchers originally due to expire 12 months ago but extended after Sydney was plunged into a four month lockdown.
Two more vouchers were added as the program was extended until the end of this month.
Millions of vouchers remained unused despite half of billion dollars being spent through the initiative.
NSW residents have until June 30 to enjoy a free feed with unused $25 Dine vouchers
The Central Coast tops the list with more than 540,000 unredeemed vouchers worth almost $13.7 million, following by Blacktown ($13.25million) in western Sydney and Canterbury-Bankstown ($12,858,025).
Popular dining and entertainment precincts were also in the top 10, including Sydney’s northern beaches, the CBD and Parramatta.
‘Whether you’re going to a restaurant with friends, checking out a new movie or taking the kids to a museum, there is money to be saved,’ customer services minister Victor Dominello said.
‘We thank all those businesses which have participated and the people of NSW for embracing the program and supporting local businesses.’
The vouchers can be used for hundreds of other activities including food and winery tours, bowling alleys and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.
Thousands of families have used their Dine and Discover vouchers on a trip to Taronga Zoo
The Sydney City LGA has 396,639 unredeemed vouchers worth almost $10 million. Pictured is Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in the Rocks
Dine and Discover has been hailed as a game changer for businesses and families.
‘The vouchers have been an overwhelming success, by getting more customers through doors of businesses and boosting household budgets,’ Mr Dominello added.
‘The program has served its intended purpose by supporting our local hospitality, cultural and entertainment businesses, all of which were hit hard by the pandemic.
‘Across the state, almost half a billion dollars has been invested across 16,600 businesses, but there is still money to be redeemed.
Dine & Discover vouchers will move to an expired tab in the Service NSW app next Friday (July 1).
Discover NSW registered business will accept Parents NSW vouchers until October 9 along with $50 Stay NSW vouchers at participating accommodation.
Unused Discover vouchers can also go towards doing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
