ECONOMIC recovery will be one thing on everyone’s mind as the area moves on from the pandemic.

The New South Wales government has introduced a new scheme to assist with that recovery.

Under the ‘Discover and Dine’ scheme four $25 vouchers are provided to NSW residents.

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These vouchers are divided into two categories:

– 2 x dining vouchers for use in restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries, pubs and clubs

– 2 x entertainment/recreation vouchers to be used at cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues.

The Service NSW website states that the purpose of the scheme is to, “Encourage the community to get out and about, supporting dining, arts and tourism businesses.”

To access the scheme residents and businesses need only register on the Service NSW website or app.

So far the scheme has been embraced by the Port Stephens area with several businesses already registered.

Similarly, some residents have already been using their vouchers to dine in at their favourite spots.

There is some concern though that it may further encourage already busy weekend trade with COVID-19 restrictions on customer numbers still in place.

This concern aside, business owners are optimistic about the scheme.

One of the businesses registered is the Little Pantry Co coffee shop in Medowie.

The owner, Zali Morcom, is optimistic about the impact it will have on her business and others.

“We’ve already had a couple customers use the vouchers.

“Hopefully, it will encourage people to come out and spend a bit more,” she said.

By Victoria HENDERSON