City of Melbourne and Victorian Government joint initiative, the Midweek Melbourne Money program, is in its second week and already going strong, with visitors collecting $3.5 million in rebates on meals as Council encourages people to dine in the city.
The Midweek Melbourne Money program, which re-started on 7 March, is a $10 million dining initiative to bring people back into Melbourne to enjoy the city’s shops, eateries, bars and entertainment.
Midweek Melbourne Money is being offered from Monday to Thursday until funds are exhausted. Diners can claim 25 per cent back on their bill at all restaurants, cafes and bars where meals are served across the municipality, by uploading a receipt online.
Midweek Melbourne Money is being offered through the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a joint partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.
More than 90,000 successful claims have been processed in the first two weeks, with more than $14 million flowing directly into city businesses.
City of Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, said, “Midweek Melbourne Money is once again proving to be an unstoppable initiative, drawing in tens of thousands of people who are enjoying everything our city has to offer.
“We’ve seen our dining precincts full and our stores brimming with customers. Riding the wave of a hugely successful Moomba and the start of the AFL season, Melbourne is well and truly returning to its marvellous best.”
More than 50 per cent of Midweek Melbourne Money claimants said they also took part in other activities across the city, with a third spending more than $100.
Pedestrian activity on 17 March at night in Southbank was up by nearly 70 per cent on the previous week, while Chinatown saw activity rise by more than 50 per cent on 16 March.
City Activation Portfolio Lead, Councillor Roshena Campbell, said, “Confidence is continuing to build and the uptake of Midweek Melbourne Money has been amazing.
“More than 90 per cent of claimants said the program was a key factor in their decision to visit the city. A further 50 per cent said it influenced their decision to return to the CBD for work.
“That means millions of dollars flowing into our hospitality, retail and entertainment sectors and a major boost for the local economy.”
