Love Local, Dine Local

1. Program Purpose

Love Local, Dine Local is a winter dining rebate initiative delivered by Hobsons Bay City Council. It aims to support local hospitality businesses by encouraging mid-week dine-in spending at food venues throughout the municipality during July and August 2025.

Eligible participants may receive a $50 rebate for spending $100 or more on food in a single dine-in transaction on Wednesday only at a Hobsons Bay food venue.

This rebate initiative aligns with Councils Economic Development Strategy 2023-2028, to support the growth of the local economy.

2. Rebate Period

2.1 Qualifying purchases must be made between 2 July 2025 and 31 August 2025 inclusive

2.2 In accordance with the balance of funds available during the course of the program Council reserves the right to:

a) close the rebate period prior to 31 August 2025; or

b) extend the rebate period beyond 31 August 2025

2.3 The rebate initiative is open to all who meet the eligibility criteria below.  However, Council employees, Councillors, and their immediate families are not permitted to participate in the rebate initiative.

3. Eligibility Criteria

3.1 To be eligible to receive the rebate, individuals must:

• Be 18 years or older at the time of claim
• Dine at a Hobsons Bay-based dine-in hospitality business
• Spend a minimum of $100 AUD on food only in one transaction
• Upload a valid, itemised receipt showing the:
  • Name of the dine-in hospitality business and ABN number
  • Date when the dining occurred
  • Total food spend (excluding drinks)
  • Handwritten receipts will not be accepted
  • Takeaway purchases are not eligible 
• Complete the online claim form
• Council may decline any claim that does not meet the eligibility or documentation requirements

4. Claim Limitations

4.1 A maximum of one rebate per person is permitted.

4.2 Duplicate submissions using the same bank account, email address or phone number will not be accepted.

4.3 Multiple receipts related to the same dining experience will not be accepted; the total value must all be included on one receipt.

4.4 A claim cannot be made for the purchase of a gift voucher

5. Eligible Businesses

5.1 Businesses must:

• Be located within Hobsons Bay municipality
• Operate as a dine-in venue (e.g. restaurant, café, bistro)
• Hold a current Food Act registration with Hobsons Bay City Council
• Be compliant with all relevant food safety regulations
• Not be associated with gambling

5.2 Council will determine business eligibility at its sole discretion.

6. Receipt and Documentation Requirements

6.1 Receipts must:

• Be clearly legible and itemised
• Show the name of the dine-in business and ABN number
• Display the transaction date (must be within 2 July – 31 August 2025 (inclusive)
• Evidence a minimum food spend of $100 (AUD)
• Be uploaded via the official online form
• Handwritten receipts will not be accepted

•  Takeaway purchases are not eligible 

6.2 Council may at its sole discretion reject the claim if it is unclear, incomplete, or contains invalid information or receipts. 

7. Bank Details and Payment

7.1 Rebates will be paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the nominated account

7.2 It is the claimant’s responsibility to ensure bank details are accurate

7.3 Council accepts no responsibility or liability and will not undertake inquiries or accept re-submissions of online forms in circumstances where incorrect or invalid bank details have been provided resulting in non-receipt or lost payments. 

7.4 Approved rebates will be processed within 21 business days, subject to the requirements of internal financial processes. 

8. Program Integrity and Council Rights

8.1 Council reserves the right to:

• Verify any claim or request additional supporting information
• Reject incomplete, fraudulent or ineligible claims
• Cancel or amend the program at any time, including prior to 31 August 2025
• Decline any claim that does not meet the eligibility or documentation requirements
• Contact program participants for a post program survey

If you have any questions, please contact business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Privacy – Collection and Use of Data

Hobsons Bay City Council is committed to protecting your privacy. The personal information supplied by you in this program will be used solely for assessing and processing your rebate and in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic).  Your personal information will not be disclosed to any external party without your consent, unless required or authorised by law.  You have the right to access your personal information and make corrections.  Unless you request otherwise, deidentified and anonymised data from this rebate program may be used to evaluate the program outcomes or for promotional purposes.  For more information, visit Council’s Privacy Policy at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/System-pages/Privacy.

How long will it take for the rebate to be paid into my bank account?

Approved rebates will be processed within 21 business days, subject to the requirements of internal financial processes.

Can anyone claim a rebate?

The rebate initiative is open to all who meet the eligibility criteria below.  However, Council employees, Councillors, and their immediate families are not permitted to participate in the rebate initiative.

To be eligible to receive the rebate, individuals must:

• Be 18 years or older at the time of claim
• Dine at a Hobsons Bay-based dine-in hospitality business
• Spend a minimum of $100 AUD on food only in one transaction
• Upload a valid, itemised receipt showing the:
  • Name of the dine-in hospitality business
  • Date when the dining occurred
  • Total food spend (excluding drinks)
  • Takeaway food spend is not included
  • Handwritten receipts will not be accepted
• Complete the online claim form
• Council may decline any claim that does not meet the eligibility or documentation requirements

Can I claim a rebate more than once?

A maximum of one rebate per person is permitted.

Is this rebate open to non Hobsons Bay residents?

This rebate is open to anyone who wants to come and dine in one of our excellent Hobsons Bay restaurants and cafes.