News and Media Releases

// SMALL BUSINESS POP-UP INFORMATION CENTRE - MORWELL //

Get your business questions answered by local, state and federal government agencies in one location at Legacy Place, Morwell on Wednesday 18 April between 10am-1pm.

Hear from the Victorian Small Business Commission, Latrobe Valley Authority, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Consumer Affairs Victoria, Fair Work Ombudsman, Rural Financial Counsellors, Regional Development Victoria, Sustainability Victoria, Australian Taxation Office, and many more.

If you have a new business idea, need help employing staff, want to reduce your energy bills, need advice on resolving a business dispute, or have any other business-related questions, this is the place to come.

No bookings required and it’s FREE!

Legacy Place is located on Commercial Road, opposite Tarwin Street.

There will even be a free sausage sizzle for those business owners and operators who attend!

This ‘Grow Your Business, Together’ event is brought to you by Advance Morwell Inc. and supported by the Victorian Small Business Commission and Latrobe Valley Authority. #growyourbusinesstogether #smallbusiness #morwell

Congratulations to Advance Morwell member John Jacovou manager of the Morwell ANZ Bank branch on his 30 years of service with ANZ.  John began his career with the bank in Morwell 30 years ago and has served in a number of roles in a variety of locations before coming back to work in the Latrobe Valley with roles in the Traralgon & Morwell branches. Photo of John receiving his award from Kate Wallis, District Manager Gippsland.

Advance Morwell congratulates Helloworld Travel Morwell owned by proud Advance Morwell member Irene O’Donnell on their awards.  Three employees of the Helloworld Morwell travel franchise were recognised at the recent industry awards evening.

• Kim Stoll was the 2017 State winner Consultant of the Year & Diamond Achievement Award
• Antoinette Stokell was a finalist in the Helloworld Rookie of the Year and
• Joy Martin received her Silver Achievement Award.

Helloworld Morwell is the most experienced travel agency in the Latrobe Valley with over 70 years combined travel experience in the team, over 85 countries visited, many multiple times, that provides service to its clients before, during and after their travel.

L to R Helloworld owner Irene O'Donnell with Joy Martin (Silver Award), Kim Stoll (State Consultant of the Year & Diamond Award) and Antoinette Stokell (Finalist Rookie of the Year) 

 

ANNUAL REPORT
2017

  

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 

 

Morwell Bowling Club

Hazelwood Road, Morwell 3840

 

John Guy Chairman

Overview

 

Tonight we celebrate 19 years of operation and service by Advance Morwell to the Morwell Community and it is again my pleasure to present a report of our activities over the past year.

 

The Committee have continued to meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden Meeting room in Maryvale Crescent to pursue all issues of interest to Morwell and the wider Latrobe Valley.  

 

The Advance Morwell Traders Group has also met monthly, organising and supporting promotions in the Morwell CBD. 

 

The following report is prepared by John Guy on behalf of the Committee

 

I would like to recognize the Committee Members who have served the organization over the past year - David McInnes, Max Williamson, Graeme Sennett, Bev Lorraine, Shashi Bhatti, Keith Brownbill, John Guy, Lauren Marks, Lynn Keeley, Howard Williams and Ruth Codlin

 

We have grappled with the challenge of obtaining suitable Committee Members who are willing to assume Executive Roles and are indebted to Shashi Bhatti for taking on the role of Treasurer.

 

John Guy has continued to represent Advance Morwell on the Morwell Project Group which was formed after the Mine Fire to deliver on a plan for the development of Morwell.  RMIT were selected as the consultants and plans were delivered which are now with council for implementation of Stage one which is centered on the area between  Hazelwood Road and Tarwin Street.

 

John has also represented Advance Morwell on the Community Recovery Committee which was formed at the time of the Hazelwood Mine Fire and has continued its activities over the past 4 years.  ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE RECOVERY COMMITTEE include:

·         Recruitment of strong community leaders

·         Worked with Alan Wilson to pressure insurance companies

·         Provided equipment for clean up

·         Distributed equipment to community groups

·         Continued to work with emergency services about responding, communicating and plans for the future.

·         Worked with the Taskforce re: all issues especially clean up and future planning

·         Participated in workshops with Red Cross etc: re how to communicate in an emergency (but wouldn’t say we solved those issues)

·         Supported family not in their house

·         Provided a list of companies who could clean roof cavities

·         Provided support for the door knocks and cleaning for HACC clients etc.

·         Worked with LC staff to implement thankyou events in 2014 and 2015

·         Provided advice to Rob Gordon for article in LV Express

·         Attended Hazelwood Mine tours to check on progress.

·         Supported all activities by government agencies where appropriate e.g. EPA consultations.

·         Attended workshop with EMV

 

Max Williamson has continued to represent Advance Morwell on the Yallourn Mine Environment Group.  Max has also worked closely with the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden Committee to design and erect signage throughout the garden.  Signage which has contributed significantly to the garden’s appeal to visitors.

 

The Advance Morwell Committee has actively lobbied on behalf of the Morwell community.   We have met with our Morwell Council representatives and had meetings with Harriet Sing Member for Eastern Victoria in the Legislative Assembly. 

 

We have been invited to and attended announcements by the Premier at the Latrobe Valley Authority and have had the CEO Karen Cain attend our Committee meeting to update the Committee on the function of the Authority and the projects and initiatives being planned for the future.

 

We welcomed newly appointed Councilor Alan MacFarlane to our Committee meeting for an exchange of views regarding local Council activities.

 

We have continued to work constructively with the Moe and Traralgon Business groups through the Latrobe City Business Tourism Association, a relationship which we intend to further grow and strengthen over the coming year.

 

We have maintained a close relationship with ENGIE through Lauren Carey to ensure we have current knowledge of their plans for rehabilitation and fire protection.

 

Arlie Bank Homestead

 

After many years, Advance Morwell has relinquished our management of the Arlie Bank Homestead and handed the Building back to Council.  The work of Max Williamson in dealing with the many issues that have occurred during our Management of this building is much appreciated, with Max to be commended for the long and at times demanding intrusions on his time.

 

We also recognize the work of Bev Lorraine who has been the occupier of Arlie Bank with her World of Dolls and exhibition which had attracted many visitors to Morwell and its other attractions.  Bev went way beyond her role in maintaining the gardens and the overall appearance of Arlie Bank during her term.

 

General Meeting

 

A General meeting of Members was held on Wednesday 14th June at PowerWorks.  Attendance was reasonable and Ian Nethercote provided an insightful presentation on the concept of high efficiency brown coal power plant and had a diversity of opinion on the future use of this within the region at this point of time.

 

 

Mine Rehabilitation.

 

Advance Morwell has taken an active interest in Management of Hazelwood Rehabilitation Works and while rehabilitation is underway, greater clarity is still required as to what activities are being undertaken and how this aligns with statutory obligations.  Advance Morwell will continue to monitor and be involved in discussions on the Mine rehabilitation as it progresses.

 

Gippsland Rail Project Implementation

 

Through our membership of Committee for Gippsland we have continually lobbied fro improvement works on the Gippsland rail line.  We recognise the importance of these works being escalated for the next stage of rail improvements and have written to Harriett Shing and Mary Aldred at C4G requesting them to work towards the prioritized delivery of the Gippsland Line improvements.

 

Traralgon Bypass

 

The Committee unanimously supported the development of the Traralgon bypass, recognising the economic and connectivity benefits it will deliver to the greater Gippsland area.  The retention of the proposed Northern route is supported in order to retain future accessibility the coal resource.

 

Legacy Place Musical Instruments

 

As a result of a donation from an unknown benefactor, Musical instruments were purchased and installed at Legacy Place.  Some vandalism has occurred and repairs were required to the Drums.

 

Legacy Place Power Supply

 

David Mc Inness is working on plans to install a power supply.  This will provide greater flexibility for future events to be held at Legacy Place.

 

Advance Morwell Traders

 

Advance Morwell has been fortunate to have a small group of Morwell Traders as a part of our Committee.  The Morwell Traders meet separately and report to the Advance Morwell Committee on a regular basis.  The Traders Group are currently busy organizing a special event for Christmas 2017.

 

Sponsorship

 

Advance Morwell again provided $1,000 sponsorship for the Gippsland Antique and Collectables Fair.

John V Guy OAM JP

P O Box 3057

MORWELL 3841

Advance Morwell honoured 3 stalwarts this evening with their Life Memberships to recognise their significant contributions to Morwell over many years. Congratulations & thanks to John Guy, Keith Brownbill & Max Williamson.

This event is proudly brought to you by Advance Morwell, we invite you to bring your friends and family to this free community event, filled with live music, carols by candle light thanks to Morwell Rotary Club, special guest "Santa" will be attending with free lollie bags for the kids, face painting, petting zoo, skate park demonstrations, live broad casts, hot food and drinks, switching on the Bank Australia Christmas Lights to help light up the spirit of Christmas in Morwell.
Please feel free to invite all your friends through Face Book, and help us to Share this event.
This event was made possible by Advance Morwell, Bank Australia, Morwell Rotary Club, Morwell Lions.

Today is the launch the Spirit of Christmas Shoppers Competition with an ALL DAY SALE TODAY, Friday Dec 2nd.

Shops throughout the CBD have been decorated with the delightful images from the "12 days of Aussie Christmas this year. Shop locally in the 28 participating businesses and be in the running to share in $1500 vouchers; first prize, $1000 (10 x $100), second $300, third $200 thanks to Latrobe Valley Express, Bendigo Bank & Advance Morwell. Drawn Dec 19th

Morwell’s Legacy Place is now home to three outdoor musical instruments following Advance Morwell’s receipt of a $20,000 anonymous donation.

According to Advance Morwell spokesman, Max Williamson, the donation from a philanthropic supporter was given on the condition that it was spent on a permanent improvement to Morwell that enhanced the town.

“Advance Morwell has put great deal of thought into what we could purchase with the donation and decided upon musical instruments as they would provide a new attraction for children.”  Said Mr Williamson.

“It was decided to place the musical instruments in Legacy Place as they would not only be a drawcard for youngsters and their parents, but would also help raise the profile of Morwell’s Sir Stanley Savige, the founder of Legacy.” He added.

Mr Williamson said “The three instruments that have been installed are Imbarimba, Drum set and Manta Ray which were chosen so that their harmony would complement the CBD.”

“Legacy’s approval was sought and Latrobe City also undertook a community consultation prior to the installation of the instruments.”

 
Pictured :  Morwell’s Callum Sennett enjoying the new musical instruments.

Further Information contact Max Williamson, telephone 0418 711 309 

Advance Morwell has welcomed the announcement that the Premier will lead a Latrobe Valley Taskforce in response to the Hazelwood Power Station closure.

According to Advance Morwell spokesperson John Guy, the premier’s involvement in the Taskforce is a step in the right direction. The Latrobe Valley Taskforce is a great initiative and while the Premier’s involvement is good to see, the reality is that the transition away from brown coal generation is such a big issue that it will require input from all levels of government.”  said Mr. Guy.

“We are calling on the Premier to invite representatives from the local community, Latrobe City, the Federal Government and Committee for Gippsland to participate to participate in a forum that will inform the Cabinet in a forum that will inform the Cabinet Taskforce.”   he added.

Advance Morwell is taking a broader view of the anticipated closure of Hazelwood, seeing this is the first in a series of significant generation plant closures which will impact the region over many years to come. “Regions all over the world have experienced the scale of change the Latrobe Valley is about to endure and regardless of the industries involved, the impacts on their communities and economies have been significant – some well-managed, but unfortunately most not.”  said Mr. Guy.

Advance Morwell believes there is a requirement for a long term, comprehensive and multi-faceted strategy, that will not only deal with the impact of Hazelwood’s closure, but also plan for the future closure of other generation assets in the region.

 “While we are hearing about the immediate job losses in the power industry and our hearts go out to those individuals who will be losing their jobs as a result, there will be much broader impacts felt throughout the region as the economic repercussions of the closure flow on to our small business operators, their employees and families.”  said Mr. Guy.

“The future of this region is now in the balance.  Only with a comprehensive long term whole of government plan, can we capitalise on the region’s assets and turn a potential economic disaster into a successful example of economic transition.” 

“The alternative, will be social and economic devastation that that the rest of the Victorian community will have to bear for many years to come” he added.

Further Information contact John Guy, telephone 5134 2371 or 0417 591 861

  28^th. September 2016.

I am pleased to present the Chairman’s Report for 2015-16. This will be my last report as Chairman as it is time for me to relinquish the reigns and past the leadership on to others. The Committee was advised of this decision some months ago so as to give them time to think about a successor.

Advance Morwell was formed in 1997 following the return of elected councils after the amalgamation process.

At this time there were at least three Groups operating in Morwell; The  Morwell Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Morwell Mainstreet; and The Morwell Development Group.

At a Meeting of these groups held at the Italian Australian Club it was decided to hold a public meeting on the 26 November 1997 at KERNOT HALL.

ADVANCE MORWELL WAS BORN AND ESTABLISHED IN 1998.

WE LATER BECAME INCORPORATED WITH THE MORWELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OUR AIM IS TO ADVOCATE FOR MORWELL AND LATROBE CITY WITH LOCAL STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND TO STRENGETHEN OUR LINKS WITH SMALL BUSINESS IN THE CBD OF MORWELL.

Since that time the organisation has worked tirelessly to promote and lobby all levels of Government in the interests of Morwell, Latrobe City and Gippsland.

Over the past 12 Months Advance Morwell has commissioned and paid for a Graffiti Artist to paint a work on the wall of the Trophy Centre. The banner previously erected by us depicting the Power Industry had deteriorated was in need of replacement. Since this work was completed other work has been commissioned by shop owners and the project is now being managed by RMIT as part of the work of Reactivate across Latrobe City.

An unknown Morwell resident has made a very generous donation of $20,000 to Advance Morwell and it was decided to purchase three outdoor musical instruments and to place them in Legacy Place.

The instruments have been purchased and are in storage awaiting installation by Latrobe City.

A Rose Garden signage project sponsored by ENGIE (GDFSuez) is progressing with the first location sign completed and installed and the second rose garden layout signage to be completed in the near future. Max Williamson is managing this project on behalf of Engie and Advance Morwell.

The Arlie Bank Gallery has been managed by Advance Morwell for 16 years and continues to house Bev’s Wonder World of Dolls. Max Williamson has managed the property and attended to maintenance over this period.

 

Following the Hazelwood Mine Fire the former Coalition government provided a 1.4 Million dollar economic development package for urban design, tourism, beautification, events and small business mentoring projects.

The Future Morwell Urban Design Revitalisation Plan which is being funded from this package has been given the green light by Council for an 8 week Community Consultation Process which is due to start following the end of the "Caretaker Period"

The Future Morwell Project has been a long, time consuming and frustrating project for a number of Advance Morwell and Community Members and I can only hope that following the Council Consultation period we see something happening on the ground in commercial Road.

 

We are pleased to report that Advance Morwell has an active traders group with representatives on our Committee. The Traders Group meets separately on a regular basis to deal with issues facing the CBD and to plan special activities.

We have had one successful meeting of the two groups and it is expected that these combined meeting will continue into the future.

We were pleased to be invited by the Committee for Gippsland to participate in the "our Region Our Future Project" the results of which have been forwarded to State and Federal Governments as input into the debate about the Latrobe Valley Transition.

 We have also made representations through the Committee for Gippsland to the State Government on recent and continuing problems with Vic Rail and the Gippsland Line into Melbourne. One would hope that with the sale of the Melbourne Ports and the funds that are now available as a result of the sale that we will see a dedicated rail service between Pakenham and Melbourne Melbourne in the near future.

Since the Hazelwood Mine Fire in February  2014 a considerable amount of time has been taken up with Committee Members representing Advance Morwell on the Community Recovery Committee and the Mine Fire Enquiry, as well as numerous consultations on a range of topics emanating from the Mine Fire. I have recently used the phrase "Consultation Fatigue" which I believe a lot of people are suffering since the Mine Fire as various Government Departments seek input from the community.

It is now approaching three years since this event and I often ask the question "Would we be in a better position if another event occurred today"

In closing I would like to thank the current Committee members Vice Chair Graeme Sennett, Secretary Keith Brownbill; Treasurer Max Williamson and Membership Officer Howard Williams committee Members David Mcinness, Beverly Lorraine, Ruth Codlin, Lauren Marks, Lynn Keeley, Jenny Rutherford

For their contribution to the success of Advance Morwell over the past year.