1 February 2021
Territorians can access up to $1 million in vouchers to spend at local retail and hospitality venues this month, with the return of a highly-popular business-boosting scheme announced today.
The Territory Labor Government is once again partnering with City of Darwin Council and Alice Springs Town Council to offer a collective fund to encourage local spending and help drive the Territory’s economy.
The opportunity will also be offered up to other councils across the Territory that participated in the previous voucher program.
The 2022 round of the buy local discount program will open later this month and will run until funds are exhausted.
Once underway, Territorians will be able to register, receive and redeem vouchers via a web application using mobile devices to spend at participating local businesses.
The City of Darwin’s myDarwin program was the first of its kind in Australia and was created by Council and built by Territory businesses.
The 2020/21 funding round extended the discount across all regions and generated $12 million of economic benefit for local business.
Quotes from Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Natasha Fyles:
“This voucher scheme has proved popular time and time again with shoppers, but it has also proved a driving force in sales for local businesses.
“Once again, we’re calling on Territorians to register and buy from a store with a door, to keep supporting local and keep our economy ticking over.
“As we head into 2022, we need to keep backing local to keep fuelling our economic comeback, and rebounding from COVID-19.”
Quotes from City of Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis:
“It’s great to welcome the return of this highly-popular voucher scheme, which was initiated by City of Darwin in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In talking with the business community, it became apparent to me the time is right for both local and Territory governments to provide a boost to help in what is traditionally a tough time of the year for business, even under normal circumstances.
“We encourage all Territorians to get on board with this scheme, with the benefits reaching businesses right across the Territory.”
Quotes from Alice Springs Town Council Mayor Matt Paterson:
“We welcome the return of this voucher scheme in the Red Centre, and acknowledge the support it provides to local businesses here in Alice Springs.
“This is just another reminder to back local whenever you can, and I encourage shoppers and businesses to sign up to this scheme once again.”
Northern Territory Government
