The hugely successful Midweek Melbourne Money program is making a triumphant return, offering discounted dining at the city's world-renowned restaurants, bars and cafes.
The $10 million program is back for a third serving, with a focus on midweek dining to encourage visitors and workers to the city to keep the streets buzzing.
From Monday 7 March, diners can claim 25 per cent off their food and drink bill when they spend more than $40 between Monday and Thursday, up to a total spend of $500.
It follows the success of two previous rounds of the dining rebate program last year, which saw more than $61 million flow back into the city's hospitality businesses.
More than 90 per cent of customers who participated in Midweek Melbourne Money last year said the program was a key factor in their decision to return to the city, with more than 50 per cent visiting other city businesses.
Pedestrian data shows Midweek Melbourne Money customers flocked to dining precincts across the city, including Chinatown and Lygon Street.
Rebates of up to $125 per person across the life of the program will be available, and can be used in any restaurant, cafe and bar where meals are served across the municipality.
The Midweek Melbourne Money program will be available until funds are exhausted. Diners must upload a copy of their receipt in order to make a claim.
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.
The Revitalisation Fund builds on the many initiatives being delivered through the $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund and the $12.4 million provided to the City by the Victorian Government in 2021 for the previous two rounds of the Melbourne Money program.
Attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
"Everything good comes in threes and our third serving of Midweek Melbourne Money is set to be the biggest and best yet.
"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.
"As we welcome city workers back to the office, this is our perfect opportunity to remind them of everything Melbourne has to offer while they're here.
"Whether it's a long lunch with colleagues or after work drinks, we want to hear people pounding the pavement and cash registers ringing."
Attributable to City Activation Portfolio Lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
"The return of Midweek Melbourne Money is the boost that local businesses desperately need.
"While visitors have returned in strength on the weekends, weekday pedestrian activity is still lagging at around 55 per cent compared to 2020.
"92 per cent of people said Midweek Melbourne Money was the reason for their return to the office, so we know it is effective in driving foot traffic.
"With mask mandates and the work from home advice now lifted, there is nothing standing in the way of workers making their way back to the CBD in droves. Midweek Melbourne Money is the perfect appetizer before a packed calendar of March events."
Attributable to NOMAD Director Rebecca Yazbek
"With workers returning to offices, Melbourne Money is the 'just because' reason to get out during the week, reconnect with old colleagues or finally meet your new ones.
"Remind yourself what you love about this beautiful city and a big part of it is getting our restaurants, bars and cafes thriving again.
"We're here and can't wait to welcome you back and to celebrate together again."
