Melbourne Money has brought the city to life, pumping almost $100 million into the local economy in the past year.
More than 850,000 claims were made across three serves of the popular program, which ran between June 2021 and April 2022.
The latest round of Midweek Melbourne Money saw almost 60 per cent of diners came from outside the municipality, spending an average of $155 on dining – $40 more than city residents.
The highest share of claims were made in the CBD, followed by Carlton, Southbank, Docklands and North Melbourne, with 53 per cent of diners going on to spend $200 or more on retail or entertainment experiences in the city.
At the peak of the latest program pedestrian activity in Southbank nudged pre-pandemic levels, reaching 94 per cent of the 2019 benchmark, while night-time activity soared across all dining precincts.
Midweek Melbourne Money was offered through the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a joint partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.
While Midweek Melbourne Money has ended, visitors to the city can still take advantage of the Victorian Government’s $30 million Victorian Entertainment Program, offering 25 per cent back on eligible entertainment purchases over $40, including tickets to the theatre, live music and museums and galleries.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Melbourne Money has been a resounding success, drawing people to the city in massive numbers and helping businesses recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Diners have filled our restaurants, set cash registers ringing in retail stores, and packed our theatres, delivering a much-needed economic boost to our city.
“Midweek Melbourne Money has delivered the intended outcomes and there is still plenty of fun to be had, with saving to be made across the city thanks to the Victorian Entertainment Program.
“Book tickets for amazing shows, from Broadway hit Hamilton to exhibitions at the NGV or THE LUME, and help us to keep the momentum going.”
Quotes attributable to City Activation Portfolio Lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
“The Midweek Melbourne Money program has proved to be a key factor in boosting small business confidence and bringing workers back to the city.
“More than 56 per cent of people said the program influenced their decision to return to work, while 61 per cent of people said they also spent money on other activities across the city, from retail shopping to attending live events.”
