Darwin Council voucher scheme sees huge uptake within first day

MORE than 70 local businesses have registered with Darwin council’s voucher program since it was revealed by the NT News yesterday.

Rebecca Larendu Mbonga and Kuba Mach enjoy a coffee at the Lucky Bat, Nightcliff. Picture: Che Chorley

• Darwin Council launches $300,000 voucher scheme in local business stimulus push

MORE than 70 local businesses have registered with Darwin council’s voucher program since it was revealed by the NT News yesterday.

Lucky Bat co-owner Justin Schmidt said the $300,000 voucher program, along with other stimulus packages, was giving businesses the support they needed.

“These stimulus measures give us confidence to invest, try out new things and make our business better,” he said.

“We’re getting more staff and doing physical improvements … we’ve just got a meat grill going.”

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Hospitality NT boss Alex Bruce said council’s package was generous and would be easy for customers and businesses to use.

“The myDarwin initiative is a cracking good idea, our businesses are already reporting that sales have started to drop off unfortunately,” he said.

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The voucher program is also gaining interest interstate, with Australian Hoteliers Association SA looking to adopt a similar initiative.

“Territorians have been phenomenal in their support of local businesses,” Mr Bruce said.