Overview
There aren't many silver linings to the pandemic, but the Victorian Government's eagerness to hand out vouchers to entice everyone out of the house is one of the rare bright sparks of the past few years. If you're keen on eating out and travelling throughout the state, you've been able to score free money, basically — and now, after the lockdowns of 2021 and the impact of the Omicron wave over summer, a heap of those popular schemes are returning in 2022.
Melburnians, if your autumn plans involve going out for a meal, then the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne have great news: they're bringing back the Melbourne Money initiative. This time, it'll be funded to the tune of $10 million, and run from Monday, March 7. When you dine out in the CBD between Monday–Thursday, you'll be able to get a 25-percent reimbursement on your bill — as long as you spend between $40–500.
Emily Godfrey, Visit Victoria
Also returning: the regional and metropolitan travel vouchers, which have proven mighty popular in the past. For this new run, which'll open on Tuesday, March 22 and cover travel from April 8–May 27, there'll be $200 vouchers on offer when you spend at least $400. You will need to put that cash towards accommodation, attractions and tours, of course — and the scheme will score $30 million in funding.
A few new initiatives are also being rolled out, which is great news in a heap of ways. For starters, if you'll be eating out beyond the Melbourne CBD, there'll also be statewide dining vouchers. The new $30 million program will give rebates on food and wine experiences in regional areas and in suburbs beyond Melbourne's borders, under the same rules as Melbourne Money. So, it too will reimburse 25 percent of dining costs for meals between Monday–Thursday when you spend between $40–500 — kicking off on Tuesday, March 29.
Also new: a $30 million entertainment voucher scheme, which is exactly what it sounds like. Also from Tuesday, March 29, you'll score discounts for tickets to the cinema, theatre shows, live music gigs and exhibitions, plus conferences and other events.
Lido Cinema
Most of the nitty gritty for each set of vouchers hasn't been unveiled as yet, so expect more news about exactly how each scheme will work — especially the new initiatives — closer to their launch dates.
Announcing the overall plan today, Monday, February 21, Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula said in a statement that the government is "encouraging Victorians to experience the best the state has to offer by going to see a show, having lunch with friends or visiting somewhere new."
"Business and consumer confidence is critical for our continued economic recovery and that's why we're investing in these programs to deliver a boost where it is needed most," he continued.
Victoria's new economic incentive schemes will kick off on Monday, March 7 with the return of Melbourne Money. For more information, head to the Victorian Government website.
Top image: Yakimono Dining Room.