The City of Darwin’s online local business-boosting scheme dubbed “myDarwin” is set to broaden its reach across the Territory with a funding pool worth $1 million, the NT Government has announced.

The Territory-wide version of the myDarwin voucher scheme will be available to all NT councils, providing access of up to $200,000 in funding contributions to the value of their own voucher program, matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the councils.

The vouchers can be used in a variety of businesses including retail and hospitality and is meant to encourage Territorians to continue to spend while getting a discount.

“This initiative has provided real and immediate benefits to local businesses at a time it is needed the most,” Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said.

The NT Government has also provided $200,000 funding to the City of Darwin for the continuation of their myDarwin voucher scheme.

More than 350 local Darwin businesses have signed up for the myDarwin scheme which has proven extremely popular with cash being snatched up within hours of being offered.

Other Territory businesses are now expected to sign up to join the scheme.

“City of Darwin are very happy to share our myDarwin platform with other local councils, with the assistance of the Northern Territory Government, so that local businesses across the NT can reap the benefits,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“My message is simple – put your money where your heart is. Together, we can all help rebuild jobs and the Darwin economy one purchase at a time,” he added.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he expected the new scheme to be well-used.

“This is another opportunity for government and councils to work together and support our Territory businesses during this time,” he said. “[With] the use of City of Darwin’s on-line platform, I encourage all councils to take up this offer and support our local businesses.”