Business registrations now open for ‘Free Cuppa 2017’

The scheme encourages out-of-town drivers to take a break from driving long distances by stopping at participating businesses for a free cup of tea or coffee.

Orange City Council Services Committee chair, Cr Ron Gander said the scheme, now in its seventh year, has seen partnerships formed between participating councils and local businesses.

“The local councils provide the marketing and resources while the businesses provide the free tea and coffee,” Cr Ron Gander said.

“Since it began in 2010, the 'Free Cuppa for the Driver' scheme has grown to involve more than 180 businesses in 63 cities, towns and villages across western NSW.

"This year the campaign is set to expand into the state’s south-west to include businesses along the southern end of the Hume Highway.”

"There were 6 participating businesses in Orange and Cabonne this year and we'd love to welcome even more businesses” Cr Ron Gander said.

Orange City & Cabonne Shire Councils' Road Safety Officer, Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan, believes the campaign is a win-win for all.

“It’s a win for road safety as drivers take a rest break and a win for local towns and businesses who attract more visitors and customers,” Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan said.

"This year participating businesses reported an almost 30% increase in sales as drivers would usually purchase something else with their free cuppa. We also know that two thirds of cars that participated in the scheme contained multiple passengers who also purchased goods," Ms Hamilton-Vaughan said.

The scheme will be operating throughout at least 17 local government areas within NSW next year.

“This essentially means the ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme now covers almost all of the western and south-western areas of NSW stretching from the Victorian border to the Queensland border and includes highways like the Castlereagh, Gwydir, Golden, Great Western, Hume, Mitchell, Newell and Oxley. Whether drivers are using these roads for work, holidaying or touring, the importance of taking a break makes all the difference.” Ms Hamilton-Vaughan said.

Registration forms have been sent out to more than 200 local food businesses. For more information contact Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan, on :

 (02) 6393 8620 or email ahamilton-vaughan@orange.nsw.gov.au