Victoria's Dining and Entertainment Rebate Is Back to Give You $125 Off Your Bill This Spring and Summer

UPDATE Monday, October 3: The Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program's $25 million cash back fund has now been exhausted, meaning you can no longer claim any bills. See the website for more details.

As a helping hand during the pandemic, you'll remember there were a few times the Victorian Government gave the state's residents free money, in the form of vouchers and spending rebates. Well now, it's brought back one of these popular initiatives, with a fresh round of cashback offers now up for grabs as part of the Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program.

First launched in March and returning from today, Monday, September 19, the Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program is once again saving punters money on things like meals out, live gigs, performances and gallery visits.

Victorians can claim up to 25 percent cash back when they spend $40 or more on dining or entertainment across the state — including purchases at cafes and restaurants; bars and pubs (but only if you buy food); registered clubs; breweries, distilleries and wineries (again, food has to be purchased); and fast food and takeaway outlets.

Melbourne Fringe, by Duncan Jacob

Also covered: movies, theatre shows, live music gigs, festivals and exhibitions. That means you can make your way to cinemas, exhibitions, conferences, museums, galleries and zoos — and live performances such as theatre, music, comedy, literary events and fashion shows, plus theme parks, water parks and amusement parks.

The cashback program is available to redeem on venues and events anywhere in the state, and there's no restrictions as to which days of the week you can take advantage of the offer. You can claim a total of $125, and you're allowed to spread that over multiple claims, rather than just one big bill.

That said, you'll want to get in quick to avoid missing out on your free money. $25 million has been earmarked for this latest round of the Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program, but if funds are exhausted early, it'll finish before the proposed claim cut-off date of December 16.

NGV's 'The Picasso Century', installation view by Peter Bennetts

The Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program kicks off on Monday, September 19. For more information, head to the Victorian Government website.

Top image: Hazel, by Kate Shanasy.