Tamworth locals can now spend $100 Dine and Discover vouchers on meals, entertainment

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Friday that the $500 million stimulus program would be rolled out in Tamworth, Armidale and Gunnedah, immediately.

"This stimulus will give businesses the boost they need after an incredibly tough 12 months, and will encourage customers to get out and about safely," Ms Berejiklian said.

"These vouchers will help businesses keep their doors open and grow, while providing customers with much needed hip pocket relief."

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Every resident of Tamworth over the age of 18 was eligible to apply for the subsidy earlier this week, but could not spend their four $25 vouchers until Friday.

Dine vouchers can be exchanged for $25 of meals at restaurants or pubs, but not alcohol. Discover vouchers pay for entertainment and recreation like live music, art venues and more.

For the first time, residents can spend their two $25 Dine vouchers any day of the week. Previously the subsidy had been limited to just four days. They will still be unavailable on public holidays.

Vouchers can't be spent on the same occasion.

Business NSW regional manager Joe Townsend used census data to estimate the program was worth about $4.5 million to the local economy.

"We're in front of other regions, like Western NSW and a few other areas. The rollout will be really beneficial, given the end of JobKeeper next week," he said.

"I would assume that they've looked at our region and the disproportionate impact coronavirus border lockdowns had on us, and they made a decision to bring us in relatively early."

Williamsburg Director Luke Fielding said the voucher couldn't have come at a better time.

"We are incredibly excited for the campaign. It's extremely timely with JobKeeper coming to a finish at the end of March," he said.

Businesses can register to participate in the program at any time and vouchers are valid until 30 June 2021.

Tamworth residents will need to register to receive your voucher.

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More businesses are signing up to the voucher every day. For a full list visit the Service NSW website.

It's the second stage for the enormous subsidy for the state's restaurant and cultural sector. The scheme was first rolled out in a trial covering Sydney's the Rocks, Broken Hill, Sydney CBD, Northern Beaches and Bega Valley.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the trial stage proved the vouchers encouraged punters to spend even more on meals and entertainment than the state had paid for, creating a stimulus multiplier effect.

"Throughout the testing and pilot phases, customers spent an average of $39, which is almost double the money going straight back into the community," he said.

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