NSW residents will be given $100 worth of digital vouchers that can be used at eateries and on arts and tourism attractions across NSW as part of a flagship $500 million program to help business, stimulate the State’s economy and support local jobs.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the $500 million Out & About program was designed to boost businesses hit hard by the pandemic, by encouraging people to get out and enjoy the best of NSW.

“No industry has felt the economic impacts of COVID-19 more than the hospitality, arts and tourism industries,” Mr Perrottet said.

“NSW acted swiftly to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19 and we want to help businesses by encouraging spending within local communities, especially within the hospitality, arts and tourism sectors.”

Every NSW resident aged 18 and over will be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total - with the program designed to encourage people to spend multiple times to support their local businesses.

Two vouchers can be used for eating in at venues such as restaurants, cafes, clubs and other food service venues, and two vouchers can be used for entertainment and recreation, such as cultural institutions, performing arts, cinemas, and amusement parks.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said Service NSW would operate a pilot of the scheme throughout December in the Sydney CBD.

“Applying for a voucher will be simple and easy and made available via the Service NSW app. We must be COVID smart as well as COVID safe and the success of this program will depend upon people continuing to follow the rules,” Mr Dominello said.

“This program is ambitious and the first of its kind in Australia. The Government will run a pilot scheme to make sure we can iron-out any issues before launching Out & About across NSW in the new year.”

Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the introduction of a four-voucher scheme was to encourage people to open their wallets and spend across a wider range of businesses over an extended time period.

“It’s almost time to open the door on 2021 and I can’t think of a better way to do that than by encouraging people to support their local businesses through this program,” Mr Tudehope said.

Vouchers will not be redeemable for tobacco, alcohol or gambling. For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au.

To become a COVID Safe business, please register via www.nsw.gov.au.

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