Love eating? Love saving money? Well, then you’ll be happy to know that the popular Melbourne Money scheme is back. This time, it’s bigger than ever, with $10 million allocated to the dining scheme. As a way to boost foot traffic during the weekdays, you’ll be able to claim up to 25 per cent off your dining bill when you spend between $40 to $500 at cafes, bars and restaurants around the city. This includes the CBD, Carlton, North Melbourne, Southbank, South Wharf and Docklands. The Melbourne Money scheme returns today, on Monday March 7, and will continue to operate until all funds are exhausted.
Not only are they wonderful neighbourhoods within the City of Melbourne, but if you dine out in these locations (and more) from 7 March, you'll get 25% back on your bill until funds run out!
That’s right – Midweek Melbourne Money is back 🤤
More: https://t.co/KwxgSlsbo9 pic.twitter.com/jKPjeoo5ks
— City of Melbourne (@cityofmelbourne) March 5, 2022
Melbourne Money Scheme
The Melbourne Money scheme was first introduced in June last year as a way to support hospitality businesses in the city. This initiative generated $40 million for city cafes and restaurants in June and July. It then came back as the Midweek Melbourne Money scheme in November. And now, it’s back on a larger scale, with entertainment vouchers in the mix too.
“Everything good comes in threes and our third serving of Midweek Melbourne Money is set to be the biggest and best yet,” said Lord Mayor Sally Capp. “It has been one of our most successful initiatives to reignite the city. Last year the program saw more than half a million customers visit the city, boosting economic activity in a time when the city needed it most.”
This multi-million package is expected to see hundreds of thousands of people return to the CBD, and support hospitality businesses that were hit hard during the pandemic. While the city is generally thriving on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, this program will operate from Monday to Thursday, to provide support during quieter days.
How do I get my money back?
You will need to spend between $40 and $500 on food and drink in the City of Melbourne municipality in order to receive the rebate. To check if your restaurant is eligible, see this map.
You need to:
- Pay for the meal in full and get an itemised receipt with the ABN and business name.
- Take a photo/scan the receipt and upload it to this website. You also needed to provide your name, email, mobile phone number and bank account details.
- Once your claim was approved, your 25 per cent rebate would go into your bank account within five business days.
For more information, such as eligible suburbs and more, see the frequently asked questions here.
Entertainment Voucher Scheme
In addition to the Melbourne Money scheme, an extra $30 million in rebates will be allocated to theatre, live music, cinemas, museums, galleries, conferences, exhibitions and other events across Victoria.
“Our arts and cultural scene was hit hard by the global pandemic and that’s why we’re supporting these businesses to bounce back in 2022,” said Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson.
You will get 25 per cent of your money back through this entertainment rebate system. This program is expected to open on March 29.
State-Wide Dining Vouchers
$30 million will be allocated to a State-Wide Dining Voucher program, to support hospitality businesses across the state. Similar to the Melbourne Money scheme, diners will receive a 25 per cent rebate if they spend between $40 to $500 on meals in regional Victoria, and in metropolitan suburbs outside of the CBD. Just like the Melbourne Money scheme, this Dining Voucher program will only be available from Monday to Thursday.
This program is expected to begin at the end of March, on March 29.
Click here to see the current timeline for the different support packages.