How parents in NSW can get $250 to spend on entertainment

Parents of school-aged children in NSW are being offered $250 to spend on recreation and entertainment. Here’s how to apply.

Parents and guardians of school-aged children in NSW will be able to apply for $250 in vouchers from Monday.

Each household with a child enrolled in school in 2021 will be eligible to apply for the five $50 vouchers through the Service NSW app as a “thank you” for their efforts in homeschooling during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The vouchers have been brought forward a month and can be spent on accommodation, entertainment and recreational activities, such as the cinema or zoo, until October.

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello is encouraging parents to make the most of the vouchers.

“We‘re encouraging parents and all adults in NSW to take advantage of these various vouchers because they are so good in helping to stimulate the economy,” he said.

“And ultimately helping in particular small businesses that have done it so really really hard over the last few years.”

Up to one million families will benefit from the vouchers and can be used seven days a week, including public holidays.

In addition, travel vouchers in the Stay NSW scheme will be available from February 21 allowing all residents over 18 to apply for one $50 voucher to use at registered accommodation across the state.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has revealed coronavirus infections in NSW are at their lowest since the Christmas period. Picture Gaye Gerard / NCA Newswire.

Daily coronavirus infections in NSW are now at their lowest since the Christmas period, while hospitalisations and ICU admissions also continue to ease from the staggering Omicron peak in mid January.

Sunday’s update from NSW Health revealed another 28 people have died with Covid-19, while 2321 patients were in hospital with the virus.

There were 7893 new infections in the latest 24-hour reporting period – another drop from Saturday’s 8389 infections and the lowest daily total since December 28.

The state recorded 10,698 new cases on Friday.

Sunday’s numbers included 4337 positive results from rapid antigen tests and 3556 from PCR tests.

NSW Health also said 147 Covid-19 patients remained in intensive care units, slightly down from the previous day of 152.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello at a press conference at the Homebush Vaccination Center in Sydney. Picture Gaye Gerard / NCA Newswire.

On Saturday, Mr Perrottet said it was inevitable the state’s actual case numbers were higher than was being reported.

Regardless, the Premier said he was happy with the state’s progress.

“There is a lot here in NSW right now to be optimistic about,” he said.