Darwin businesses welcome $40 Council voucher scheme

DARWINITES will be able to claim up to $40 in vouchers at local businesses from today as a part of Council scheme aimed at helping business get back on track after COVID-19

Mark Noonan of The Football and Cricket Shop, which was one of the first Darwin businesses to sign up to the voucher scheme. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

DARWINITES will be able to claim up to $40 in vouchers at local businesses from today as a part of Council scheme aimed at helping business get back on track after COVID-19.

The myDarwin scheme, which goes live at 6am today, provides $40 worth of vouchers to those who sign up to spend at over 200 Darwin retail, hospitality and tourism businesses.

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The vouchers come in $2.50, $5, $10 and $20 amounts, each with a minimum spend requirement, with a total of $300,000 dedicated to the scheme.

Winellie business The Football and Cricket shop was one of the first to sign up to the scheme, and said they hope it will be their lifeline after a tough few months.

“It was scary. We thought at one stage we were going to close our doors and lose most of our staff,” said store owner Graeme Flesfadar.

“The amount of people I’ve seen close up shop and won’t reopen is heartbreaking.”

He said the scheme was a “great initiative.”

“Kon’s (Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis) passionate about the Territory, and it (the scheme) might be only limited for a limited amount of time, but anything they can do to keep local is much appreciated,” he said.

“Schools, shires, clubs, peak bodies – you’d be surprised how much money is sent straight down the Stuart Highway.”

City of Darwin Lord Mayor said the scheme was aimed at helping local business and local jobs.

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“We are inspired by our local businesses who have been pushing on and finding ways to adapt with how they do business and the myDarwin initiative will help keep them going strong.”

“I encourage all residents to join myDarwin and say G’day to discounts at a shop or venue near you.”