Bigger Beach Deals: Coast is Calling Vouchers Return for South Aussies
South Australian beach summer with travel vouchers – Image created by ChatGPT with DALL·E by OpenAI
VOCABULARY LIST
Voucher (noun) /ˈvaʊtʃə/ – a ticket or code that gives you money off something.
Example: You can use the travel voucher for a weekend at the coast.Getaway (noun) /ˈgɛtəweɪ/ – a short holiday, usually somewhere relaxing.
Example: We booked a cheeky weekend getaway down at Victor Harbor.Ballot (noun) /ˈbælət/ – a system of choosing people by drawing names or random selection.
Example: The vouchers will be handed out through a public ballot.Boost (verb) /bust/ – to increase or improve something.
Example: The new travel deals are set to boost tourism across South Australia.Operator (noun) /ˈɒpəreɪtə/ – a person or company that runs a business or service.
Example: Local tourism operators are stoked about the voucher program.Cashback (noun) /ˈkæʃbæk/ – money returned to you after you spend it.
Example: The dining cashback gives locals up to $50 back on their meals.Participating (adjective) /pɑˈtɪsəpeɪtɪŋ/ – taking part in an activity or program.
Example: Only meals bought at participating cafés and pubs will count for cashback.Investment (noun) /ɪnˈvɛstmənt/ – money used to support or grow something.
Example: The government called it a $20 million investment in coastal tourism.Impact (noun) /ˈɪmpækt/ – an effect or result of something.
Example: The algal bloom had a big impact on seaside businesses.Get amongst it (phrase) /ɡɛt əˈmʌŋst ɪt/ – (Aussie slang) to join in and enjoy something.
Example: South Aussies are ready to get amongst it this summer with new travel and dining deals.
ARTICLE
Coast is Calling Vouchers: Bigger Beach Deals for South Aussies This Summer
South Aussies have another good reason to pack the car and hit the coast this summer — the Coast is Calling travel vouchers are back, and they’re even bigger and better than before.
The State and Federal Governments have teamed up to offer 30,000 vouchers for beachside getaways. These can be used for accommodation and experiences all along the coast as part of the Summer Plan, designed to boost tourism and support communities that copped the impact of a recent algal bloom.
This time round, the vouchers are worth more — up to $500 for stays and $100 for experiences. For the first time, they can also be used on holiday rentals, the Kangaroo Island ferry, and plenty of new participating entertainment spots.
If you’re keen to score one, you’ll need to enter the public ballot between 1 and 3 December. Winners will be announced on 4 December and must make their bookings by 19 January. Any unused vouchers will be reissued later that month, so no one misses out.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the plan gives both locals and small tourism operators a fair go. “It’s a simple way to get people out spending, enjoying our beaches, and helping businesses stay busy through summer,” he said.
Federal Minister Don Farrell agreed, calling it a down-to-earth way to keep regional economies ticking along. “When we support small tourism businesses, we’re backing local jobs and communities,” he said.
The first Coast is Calling program brought in more than $2.7 million in bookings, helping pubs, cafés, and shops along the coast. Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said this new round builds on that success.
To make it even sweeter, the governments have also launched the Coast is Calling Dining Cashback, a $15 million investment that gives diners up to $50 back on meals at participating pubs, cafés and takeaways.
The cashback will run through monthly draws from November to March, letting 300,000 South Aussies enjoy half-priced meals across the coast.
Minister Bettison said together, the travel vouchers and dining deals are a great way to enjoy summer while helping local businesses recover. “It’s the perfect excuse to grab the fam, head to the beach and get amongst it,” she said with a grin.
SOURCE:
This article is based on:
Coast is Calling vouchers return bigger and better for South Australia’s summer - The Indian Sun
Reflection Questions
Instructions:
Use these questions as:
– Speaking practice (e.g. talk to yourself, record and listen back)
– Writing practice (e.g. short paragraph answers)
– Class discussion with your teacher or classmates
Would you apply for a Coast is Calling voucher if you could? Why or why not?
What’s your favourite place for a beach getaway in Australia?
How do programs like this help local operators and small businesses?
Have you ever used a cashback offer or discount? How did it go?
What’s something you’d like to “get amongst” this summer?
Comprehension activity - multiple choice
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