News and Media Releases

The transition has happened! Over the past months Lynn has transformed Flowers in the Valley from a Florist shop into Fashion in the Valley, the only Ladies Fashion Boutique in Morwell CBD.

There is no shortage of choice with many fashion labels and fittings from size 8 – 24, you are sure to be impressed by the vast range including, Caroline Morgan, Que Que, RTM, Clarity, Purity Lace, So in Style, Whispers Wishstone, Threadz & more; there’s certainly something for everyone.

Fashion in the Valley is also Morwell’s exclusive stockist of Erstwilder Fashion Jewellery & Samantha Abbott glass earrings, they also carry a range of handbags, scarves and more.

Fashion in the Valley, 186 Commercial Road Morwell (at Manny’s Market Entrance). Phone 5134 5667 

A proud member of Advance Morwell that accept and promote the Latrobe City Gift Card.

The Committee and members of Advance Morwell Inc. are saddened by the passing of Life Member Max Williamson.  His significant contributions to the Morwell and Latrobe City community leave a legacy of his tenacity and personal commitment to the improvement of life for others.  Max joined the Committee of Advance Morwell soon after the organisation was established in 1997 and remained on the committee until late 2017 when he did not seek re-election to the Committee.  Max was an ideas man and also had the ability to plan, research and deliver projects to enhance the fabric of the Morwell and Latrobe City population.  He had a deep involvement in the Planning and establishment of the Sir Stanley Savige memorial in what is now well known as Legacy Place in Commercial Road Morwell.

Max worked with the Council and the Centenary Rose Garden Committee to establish signage in the Rose Garden sponsored by a grant from Engie. 

   

This signage followed on from Max’s prior work developing the Welcome to Morwell signs that now grace Morwell’s main town entrances along with a series of decorative banners that were erected around the town. 

In more recent times, Max demonstrated his adaptability and grasp of contemporary culture when he organised the painting of a 'street art' decorative mural on the wall of Valley Trophy Centre.

As well as his service to Advance Morwell, Max Williamson has been an active member of the Morwell and Latrobe City Community. His membership of Morwell Jaycees, the Morwell Lions Club and Morwell Probus have led to his participation a great many projects that have over the years improved the lives of many in our community and left a lasting legacy to his ability to get things done.Max undertook many roles for Advance Morwell, representing the organisation in many forums and liaising with a range of people and bodies as a voice for and to ensure many civic programs were delivered effectively. 

He represented Advance Morwell for over 14 years on the Energy Australia “Energy Environment Review Committee” (ERC) and every year ensured additional  Christmas decorations were installed, along with supporting all Advance Morwell Trader’s events to maximise the return on any expenditure of member’s funds. His work in leading the restoration and subsequent ongoing maintenance and management of Airlie Bank House, including supporting tenants and promoting the facility, has ensured that this significant piece of Morwell history has been retained for the benefit of future generations.

His involvement in the Committee for the Town Common over many years saw this asset continue to develop and evolve into the town’s premier attraction for children of all abilities.

Max Williamson was made a life Member of Advance Morwell last year and while he may be physically lost to our community his memory will live on through the projects he was involved in over years of active service to this community.

Our recent Business Breakfast, guest speaker Megan Vuillermin has provided these notes from her address regarding utilizing Social Media:

The auto pilot programs that can be used to schedule social media posts etc I talked about this morning are: SmarterQueue, RecurPost, Buffer, Plann, Later…there are heaps. I am sure you can google for more. Some of these mentioned will be for different social media platforms, some may charge a little bit too, many are free for a basic level. Businesses can also ‘schedule posts’ as well from within the social media platform.

For those that missed writing down some ideas for posting on social media, they can use the following as a guideline –

Day 1 - funny / inspirational post

Day 2 - share a win / celebrate something about your team or client

Day 3 - teach your client something useful about your service, product or something that will benefit them

Day 4 - share an old post that you re-spark interest or maybe share somebody else’s post

Day 5 - best chosen when you have data that shows when your client mostly makes a purchase , if you know…sell, sell, sell.

The final strategy worthy of re-iterating was creating a 12 month marketing plan and working out your unique selling points for each month. It gives you a guide to work with rather than a hit and miss approach.

I am always available for further clarification on anything I shared this morning, 0419 878 402 or my email (I am happy for it to be published).

Thank you for the opportunity this morning, I very much enjoyed meeting your community.

Kind regards,

Megan Vuillermin

0419 878 402

m_vuillermin@bigpond.com 

Any community member or business that takes out a new Membership from April 14, 2017 will get 3 months Free with their next renewal not due until July 2019. In addition one lucky business will win a year's free membership if they enter the business card draw at the Business Breakfast, at Morwell Bowling Club, 7.30am Wednesday April 18th.

Bill Zhou at Noodle Paradise is a proud Advance Morwell member who aside from conducting a great Noodle business in Commercial Rd Morwell he has given up his weekends to help care for the street rose tubs & support other Advance Morwell initiatives. Please support this business, these testemonials speak highly of his products.

Karen Lancaster: Can recommend it for fast delicious food and great prices.

Steven Mizzi: Nice food there

Audette Moore: Noodle Paradise is the best, it's actually amazing, love it!

Nanny Fee: Love their noodles

Kelly Phillips: Best noodles I’ve ever had.

With the Latrobe City Gift Cards now accepted at the Latrobe Regional Gallery, the Latrobe Visitors Information Centre, as well as the Churchill, Morwell and Moe/Newborough Leisure Centers, this marks over 100 businesses currently participating in the Latrobe City Gift Card initiative.

A joint venture between the Latrobe City Business Tourism Association (LCBTA), Traralgon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Moe Trader’s Association and Advance Morwell to boost local business and support locals.

To celebrate reaching 100 participating businesses, the LCBTA gave away a $100 Latrobe City Gift Card, entries open Friday 6th April and close Wednesday 11th April 2018. To enter, find @LatrobeCityGiftCard on Facebook and follow the instructions.

A great gift, Latrobe City Gift Cards are available at:
Furniture, Beds and More - 32 George Street, MOE
Morwell Newspower Centre - 174/176 Commercial Road, MORWELL
Seymour Street Newsagency (Newspower) - 70 Seymour Street, TRARALGON

If you are a business member of Advance Morwell and would like more information about joining the Latrobe City Gift Card, go to our events list & select the item OR visit www.latrobecitygiftcard.com.au or email Sandy Hegarty at projects@lcbta.org.au.

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.

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). 

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.
  
• 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 cavity.
  
• Provided support for the door knocks and cleaning for HACC clients etc.
  
• Provided support for the door knocks and cleaning for HACC clients etc.
  
• Worked with LC staff to implement thank you 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 384