2019 'Free Cuppa for the Driver' Business Registrations are Now Open
Published on 10 September 2018
Organisers of the award-winning ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme are now inviting local businesses to register for phase nine of the highly successful driver fatigue awareness campaign which will operate from 1 March to 31 May 2019.
The scheme encourages visiting drivers to stop at participating businesses for a free cup of tea or coffee so as to take a break from driving long distances.
Now in its ninth year, the scheme sees partnerships formed between participating councils and local businesses. The councils provide the marketing and resources while the businesses provide the free tea and/or coffee.
Dubbo Regional Council’s Road Safety Officer, Jayne Bleechmore, says that the scheme is a win for everyone involved. It’s a win for road safety as drivers take a rest break, a win for local villages, towns and cities as they attract increased visitors and a win for businesses who attract increased customers and business.
"Past years saw participating businesses reporting an almost 30% increase and with almost three-quarters of vehicles participating in the scheme containing two or more passengers it was clear that other purchases were evident above their free cuppa," Ms Bleechmore said.
“The scheme will be operating in at least 25 local government areas across the Hunter Region, Western, Southern and South West NSW stretching from the Victorian border to the Queensland border and across to coast at Port Stephens, Eurobodalla and the Shoalhaven areas. The vast area comprises highways like the Castlereagh, Gwydir, Golden, Great Western, Hume, Kings, Mitchell, Newell, Oxley, Pacific and Prince’s, all of which drivers use for work, holidaying or touring,” Ms Bleechmore said.
Since its inception in 2010, the 'Free Cuppa for the Driver' scheme through its 350 participating businesses has given away 11,328 free cuppas throughout 236 cities, towns and villages in NSW.
"There were 13 participating businesses in Dubbo, Eumungerie, Wellington and Mumbil during phase eight last year and at this early stage we have already received enquiries from local businesses wanting to register. In phase nine we'd love to welcome even more businesses” Ms Bleechmore said.
The closing date for phase nine registrations is Sunday 16 September 2018. If your business would like to participate in the ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme then please contact Jayne Bleechmore on (02) 6801 4000 (BH) or email jayne.bleechmore@dubbo.nsw.gov.au Alternatively you can register on the website www.freecuppa.com.au