EATING, shopping and playing local is back with another set of rewards for supporting businesses in the community.

In the third edition of the Glenelg Shire’s initiative, locals have the opportunity to win $500 on any of the next four weeks.

Shoppers can enter by emailing their receipt, using a QR code displayed at the business’s register.

Alternatively, receipts can be submitted – with contact details written on the back – to the Glenelg Shire’s customer service centre in the Casterton Town Hall.

Glenelg Shire Mayor, Cr Anita Rank said small businesses were the heart of the community and encouraged residents to enter through any local business

“They foster our local economy, employ and upskill our residents, drive growth and innovation and support not-for-profit projects,” she said.

Casterton Business and Development Association president, Owen Stephens, welcomed the latest iteration of the initiative and reminded local residents to support their nearby traders.

“Everywhere we can, we’re seeking to encourage the local community to shop locally,” he said.

“(We) support and thank the Glenelg Shire for their support of businesses, as they have done for many years.”

The competition is already halfway through its first week and the first $500 winner is drawn this Monday, 26 September.

The remaining winners will be drawn on 3, 10 and 17 October respectively.

Entries each week are limited to one per person or transaction and locals can re-enter every week.

Added incentive to eat out

EATING out or enjoying a local piece of entertainment can earn you up to a quarter of your cash back under a re-introduced State Government initiative.

The Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program, open from Monday this week, allows customers to claim 25 per cent cash back when they spend $40 or more enjoying a meal or performance.

Eligible purchases include meals at restaurants, cafes and pubs – or if you’re enjoying school holidays around the state, museums, galleries, amusement parks and tickets for live music and art performances are also there to claim cash back for visiting.

Customers can make multiple claims until they reach the cap of $125 each and the only things needed to make a claim is a receipt and bank account details.

Industry Support Minister, Ben Carroll said the program was building both business and consumer confidence.

“Whether it’s booking a table for lunch or heading to a live music event, this cash-back program puts money back into people’s pockets and supports hardworking businesses across Victoria,” he said.

The first round of the program was launched in March this year and saw more than $32 million claimed over three months.

The latest round will run until the end of Friday, 16 December, 2022, unless the $25 million fund is exhausted before then.

To make a claim, visit www.vic.gov.au/dining-entertainment.