News and Media Releases

Annual General Meeting

7pm Monday 2 December 2024 – Morwell Historical Society, 12 Hazelwood Road, Morwell

Come along to our Annual General Meeting, meet the Committee and hear all about what we have been doing, including our Merry Morwell Festival which we are organising for Thursday 12 December at the Morwell Town Common. RSVP to admin@advancemorwell.org.au

Committee Update

A new committee was elected at our last Annual General Meeting in March, which has brought fresh new ideas and energy to Advance Morwell. With the broader committee comprising of David Burt, Alfi Prestipino, Graham Lougheed, Tony Salvatore, Yousef Ibrahim, and Jenny Rutherford, leading Advance Morwell are:

• Chair: Graeme Sennett
• Deputy Chair: David McInnes
• Treasurer: Shashi Bhatti
• Membership Officer: Howard Williams 

The role of Secretary remains vacant.

Learn more about our committee members.

Website Refresh

Since late last year, we have been working to update our website www.advancemorwell.org.au which now has a new layout, new images and more accessible content.

Rebrand

When we decided to update our website, we thought it was time to update our branding and improve our online presence. Honouring our previous logo, we have refreshed our look, to be more contemporary and in line with our future ambitions, all reflected in our new branding guide.

Mission and Objectives

This year, we have also taken the opportunity to reaffirm our mission, values, and strategic directions, ensuring that they accurately reflect Advance Morwell and our ongoing role in the community. We believe these changes will enhance our ability to serve you better and make a positive impact.

Your ongoing support is needed and highly valued, as we continue to represent Morwell

Contact us at admin@advancemorwell.org.au 

Media Release 31 August 2024

Vale Keith Brownbill OAM

Advance Morwell is mourning the loss of founding member and long serving Secretary Keith Brownbill OAM.

Advance Morwell Chair Graeme Sennett said that Mr Brownbill’s contribution to the Morwell community had been immense.

A foundation member of Advance Morwell, Mr Brownbill, 96, had been actively involved in the organisation since its inception, over 25 years ago, only stepping down as Secretary (a role he had held for over 20 years) in March this year.

According to Mr Sennett, Mr Brownbill was a quiet achiever who passionately and consistently worked for Morwell’s betterment both as a community member and well-respected educator.

After beginning as a student teacher in 1945, Mr Brownbill commenced his teacher training in 1946 and started as a fully trained teacher at Hamilton High in 1950.  He moved to Horsham in 1956, then Traralgon in 1960 before becoming Principal of Kaniva High School in 1963.

During 1970, as part of League for Exchange of Commonwealth teachers’ program, he spent a year in London teaching at the St Albans Girls Grammar School.

Mr Brownbill and his family moved to Morwell in 1972 when he was appointed principal of Morwell High School, a role he held until his retirement in 1987.  At this time he was the longest serving school principal in the State, having been in charge of schools for 25 years.

Mr Brownbill believed that education could be a major factor in people’s development, as it had been for him, coming from a small farming family in Inglewood on the old goldfields where his family had a love of learning.

He believed the most important factor in education was the quality of teaching staff, and that “students must be encouraged to aim high, to test their arm, to be unafraid of failure”.  He was an educational visionary, demonstrated in his championing of the transition of Morwell High School into the Morwell Campus of Kurnai College.  He saw this change as providing students with the benefit of wider and more exciting opportunities and a model for schools throughout the nation. 

The relationships Mr Brownbill developed with his staff, students and their families were testament to his good nature and the high esteem in which he was held, supporting him in his community endeavours for years to come.

Mr Sennett said “With his great literacy, interests in sport, international affairs and overseas experiences, such as teaching English in China, Mr Brownbill brought immense value to discussions about Morwell’s development, understanding a broader perspective than many others.”

“It was with much gratitude and in recognition of his excellent service that Mr Brownbill was awarded life membership in 2017.”

Mr Brownbill was actively involved in many of Advance Morwell’s initiatives.

“He was extremely proud of Morwell and wanted to create an attractive and inviting urban environment.  He organised the installation and maintenance of rose planter boxes throughout the CBD and for many years, despite his advancing age, could be seen dutifully watering these during the summer months.’  Said Mr Sennett.

His passion for the town was always evident, whether it was his involvement in the Airlie Bank Homestead restoration, Morwell Town Common Redevelopment, preparing numerous award-winning Tidy Town submissions, or organising various community events (including the initial International Rose Garden festivals).

Mr Brownbill was always looking for ways to enhance the town both physically and as a tourist destination.  He initiated the development of a Morwell tourism brochure, lobbied for new town entrance signage which he worked with Max Williamson to create.

One of his major legacies is the Sir Stanley Savige memorial and Legacy Place development, which Advance Morwell initiated and he along with Max Williamson played a significant role in bringing to fruition.

He was a keen supporter of Morwell traders, running Morwell’s Main Street and Streetlife projects for many years and always wanted to engage with the community, organising musical events in the Rose Garden, Morwell’s Christmas activities including various incarnations of Christmas Carol events.

Advance Morwell was just one of many organisations that benefited from Mr Brownbill’s tireless work.  Having joined the Kaniva Rotary Club in 1965, he was a long-term member of Morwell Rotary, including being President in 1983/84, and was recently granted Honorary Membership by the club.

He was the organiser of the annual Len Falk Lecture, a member of the Australian College of Education, including being Secretary/Treasurer of their Gippsland Group for eight years and was on a number of course advisory Committees of the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education.

“Awarded Citizen of the Year in 2000, Mr Brownbill’s contribution has been immense, he was active in so many aspects of our community.  An original member of the Latrobe Valley U3A in 1989, he was a respected and much liked tutor of French and Current Affairs, undertaking many roles including Planner and President.

He was also instrumental in establishing the Community Road Safety Councils in Victoria, being past president and longest standing member of the Gippsland Community Road Safety Organisation; a format adopted across the country.”  Added Mr Sennett.

Mr Brownbill was awarded an Order of Australia medal for his services the community in 2012, having received a Centenary Medal in 2001.

Mr Sennett said, “In a Morwell High School tribute, Mr Brownbill was referred to as ‘a man of wit, intellect, culture, enlightenment and scholarship’, and I can think of no better epitaph for a man who has contributed so much and engaged with so many.”

Overview

2022 marked the 25th year of operation of Advance Morwell and tonight we recognise another year of serving the Morwell and Latrobe City community.

This year has been a challenging one for Advance Morwell. The unexpected loss of our long serving and highly respected Chair, John Guy OAM, was keenly felt by the Committee.

John’s contribution to Advance Morwell was significant and like all his other commitments, demonstrated his passion for the town, its people and organisations, along with his willingness to serve.

Despite many health issues over the years, John continued in the role of Chair representing and guiding Advance Morwell as we responded to a changing range of issues.

It is largely due to John’s sound stewardship that Advance Morwell has been able to continue to represent the interests of our traders and townspeople.

Committee

Again, this year we experienced the challenge of obtaining suitable Committee Members who are willing to assume Executive Roles. This situation continues, as we are still seeking new committee members to help drive and represent the organisation.

While we have not had the luxury of a full committee, those members who have continued to actively support the delivery of our efforts must be recognised. Those Committee Members include Graeme Sennett, Acting Chair and Secretary; Shashi Bhatti, Treasurer; Howard Williams, Membership Officer: David McInnes; Community Relations and David Burt, Business Relations.

It must be noted that in October, our Treasurer, Shashi Bhatti, experienced a significant motorcycle accident resulting in his being hospitalised for some time. Despite this, he continued to undertake the role of Treasurer and we thank him for his diligence during this difficult time.

The Advance Morwell Committee meets monthly at the Morwell Bowling Club and we acknowledge the management and staff of the for their generosity in providing a venue for our meetings.

Business Sector

With changes in local business ownership, the Advance Morwell Traders Group became inactive some time ago. The Committee has discussed reinvigorating this group and has made initial overtures to some local traders to assess interest.

Membership

Our membership base remains relatively steady. We recognise and appreciate all our longstanding members and those who have joined more recently in supporting us to advocate for Morwell & Latrobe City.

ANZAC Day

We again participated in Anzac Day, laying a wreath in remembrance of those Morwell Residents who have served their country in times of conflict.

Representation

We continue to lobby both the Latrobe City Council and State Governments on issues affecting Morwell, Latrobe City and Gippsland. We have met with our Morwell Council representatives and have had continued contact with Morwell Councilors and our Member for Morwell Martin Cameron.

John Guy and Howard Williams continued to represent Advance Morwell on the Community Recovery Committee which was formed at the time of the Hazelwood Mine Fire and has continued over the years since. An Emergency Plan for Morwell is the last remaining objective to be delivered.

Howard Williams is Advance Morwell’s representative on the Energy Australia Yallourn Environmental review Commitee, and we thank Howard for this work.

Advance Morwell was also represented on the International Rose Festival Committee.

Advance Morwell supported the establishment of the Latrobe City Business Chamber(LCBC) and through ongoing discussions organised 2022/23 honorary LCBC membership for all our business members. We are awaiting a response to our proposal for continuing joint membership for our business members.

We have continued to maintain a close relationship with Energy Australia through David Burt to ensure we have current knowledge of their plans for closure, new developments, and rehabilitation.

Mine Rehabilitation

We maintain an active interest in the management of Hazelwood Mine Rehabilitation Works. Advance Morwell continues to monitor and be involved in discussions on the Mine rehabilitation as it progresses.

Latrobe Valley Authority, Transition Plan

The Advance Morwell Committee has maintained an ongoing interest in the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Transition Plan, hearing from LVA CEO, Chris Buckingham who advised that in developing the plan, the LVA has engaged with the community, factored in recent industrial developments and other international experiences. Advance Morwell will continue to monitor developments.

Committee for Gippsland

We have continued our membership of the Committee for Gippsland, utilising this relationship to lobby on regional issues such as the delivery of the Traralgon Bypass which is essential for the future of the transport industry in Gippsland.

Gippsland Rail Revival

It has been pleasing to see the continued progress of the Regional Rail Revival works.

The location of the new Morwell platform is a direct result of lobbying undertaken by Advance Morwell in the early planning stages of this project.

Initial plans impacted parking and Legacy Place, while providing a suboptimal arrival experience for rail patrons. The offset platform arrangement as proposed by Advance Morwell overcame these issues and provided additional access from the Bus Terminal to facilitate intermodal transfers.

We continue to lobby for the completion of remedial works and reinstatement of town assets following construction.

Car Parking

For over five years, Advance Morwell been actively lobbying for improved car parking in Morwell.

Over the past 12 months it has been pleasing to see the delivery of new car parking at Morwell Train Station, and in particular, on the site of the former Ampol petrol station and garage.

Despite much resistance, we continued to lobby the Minister for this site to be developed as we felt it provided easy access to the station and in its undeveloped states marred the visual amenity of the railway precinct.

Additionally, the formalisation of car parking on the Commercial Road/Jane Street Bridge corner completes another of Advance Morwell’s requested town improvements – one which we first lobbied for in 2009.

We continue to work with Latrobe City on enhancing parking in the Morwell CBD

Community Support

Advance Morwell was pleased to support the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden with a significant donation of $8,000 to support their publication of a history of the rose garden. The 100 plus page soft cover coffee table book is a credit to the writers and designers and we are pleased to have been able to support this initiative which catalogues the creation and development of one of Morwell’s most valuable assets.

Advance Morwell also donated $300 to 1st Morwell Scout Group in support of their 100th birthday celebration in December 2022 (deferred from 2021 due to COVID). As one of the town’s oldest community organisations, it is important that this notable achievement was recognised.

Relocation of Musical Instruments

In November 2016, Advance Morwell organised for Morwell’s Legacy Place to become the home to three outdoor musical instruments. Unfortunately, in July 2019 one of these items (valued at $7,000) was stolen. This item was eventually recovered by police in 2022, following which Advance Morwell worked with Latrobe City to relocate this item and the remaining instruments to Town Common playground.

Christmas Promotion

Advance Morwell organised a Christmas promotion held from Friday 16th to Friday 23rd December 2022, with six cafes participating. Funded in part by the Latrobe City Christmas Grant, each café was provided with 50 coffees to give away and a music session provided by local guitarist James Harbor and vocalist Shanyn. Feedback on the initiative was extremely positive, with additional café’s contacting Advance Morwell to participate.

In addition to contributing $1,000 from our own funds, Advance Morwell also utilised some of the Latrobe City Christmas Grant to support Rotary Community Fun Day providing Traffic Management, First Aid, Signage, ATM Hire and a mobile farm.

Member event

Advance Morwell worked with nbnLocal to organise a NBN information evening for members to be held in July 2022. This was an education session, providing details on the nbn support services that are available for small business and residents. While attendance was not as strong as hoped, feedback on the information provided was positive.

Web site and Branding

As part of a broader renewal plan, the Committee agreed to complete a branding refresh and update of the Advance Morwell website. Work on these activities commenced in July 2023.

Graeme Sennett
Acting Chair

Since its inception, Advance Morwell has achieved a lot:

• Made several Parliamentary Submissions including into the closure of Hazelwood and Yallourn Power Stations, and the Rural and Regional Committee of the Victorian Parliament Centres of the Future 

• Successfully lobbied for CCTV to address CBD behaviour issues

• Successfully opposed TRU Energy Mine’s buffer zone claim

• Provided significant funding to the Morwell Rose Garden for the publication of their history

• Successfully lobbied for replacement of old CBD Subway and initiated Legacy Place to recognise Sir Stanley Savige, founder of Legacy

• Completed Airlie Bank Homestead Restoration

• Successfully lobbied for the new railway platform to be co-located with the bus terminus

• Organised numerous Christmas and supported other promotions and community celebrations

• Organised TV advertising to promote Morwell Businesses post COVID

• Opposed bank closures in the Morwell CBD

• Organised Celebration of Roses community events

• Staged Gippsland Band Concert and reintroduced Morwell Christmas Carols

• Produced "Shopping in and around the Morwell CBD”  booklet

• Organised CBD decorative banners and Christmas decorations 

• Completed “Morwell Rose Town” initiative (stickers and rose tubs)

• Supported introduction of Latrobe City Gift Card

• Successfully lobbied to replace Morwell’s Community Service signage

• Installed town entrance welcome signage

• Actively participated in the Morwell Town Common Committee of Management

• Installed musical instruments in Legacy Place

• Successfully lobbied to convert the derelict Ampol Station site into parking

• Supported the Antiques and Collectables Show and the 100th anniversary of the 1st Morwell Scout Group

• Consistent Christmas Events in Morwell

Airlie Bank homestead and farm occupy a special place in Morwell’s history.

The history of Airlie Bank Homestead in Morwell Victoria dates back to 1879 when David Ogilvy built Airlie Bank.  David Ogilvy and his family lived there until 1897 when it was sold to Robert Bridle, his wife and seven of their ten children.  The Bridle family occupied Airlie Bank until 1959.

Consisting of the homestead, outbuildings and farm of 263 acres including a large brick cheesehouse and cellar standing between the house and nearby Waterhole creek.  The original homestead was made up of a brick home, a detached timber kitchen, a bathroom and pantry on the south side, and a detached four-bedroom timber building on the north side.  The major water supply was provided by a brick-lined concrete-rendered underground tank and a couple of smaller underground tanks. The cheesehouse and cellar were later used for grain and chaff storage.

The building survived the floods of 1934 and the disastrous bushfires of 1939.  More bushfires in 1944 destroyed the grain and chaff storage buildings. The farm was later sub-divided into what is now known as the Bridle estate

The last of the Bridle family left Airlie Bank in 1959 and although occupied for a number of years, it gradually fell into disrepair and became a target for vandals.  Airlie Bank was later given to the then Shire of Morwell by the Bridle family

Airlie Bank Homestead has been restored under the guidance of the late Max Williamson and Advance Morwell and was re-opened to the public in 2000. From July 2010 Airlie Bank Gallery has hosted a magnificent display of dolls from every corner of the world under the name of “Bev’s Wonderworld of Dolls”. This display is now closed & relocated.

Morwell has a large variety accommodation, suiting all tastes and budgets, and is an ideal base from which to explore the Latrobe Region.

Only a short drive away are the picturesque hills of the green Strzelecki Ranges which beckon visitors to the Morwell National Park, there is the historic mining village of Walhalla, the unique Tarra Bulga National Park, numerous beaches and several snow resorts among many other local attractions.

Our sporting facilities are excellent, catering for every need, ranging from a golf course, a golf driving range, tennis courts, bowling greens, tenpin bowling, squash and many other popular sporting activities.  We also have an eight screen cinema complex and leisure centre complex along with a range of cultural and social clubs.

Local tourism icons include Morwell’s Centenary Rose Garden, Latrobe Regional Gallery, Gippsland Immigration Park and Powerworks.

The Morwell Rose Garden

Forming the western entrance to the Morwell Business District is the spectacular Morwell Centenary Rose Garden of international significance.

The garden which proudly showcases about 3000 roses in manicured beds, is a community project undertaken by the "Friends of the Rose Garden", volunteers and sponsors with the generous support of Latrobe City Council.

In 2009 this garden was presented with an Award of Garden Excellence by the World Federation of Rose Societies.

This Rose Garden is an outstanding example of what a community can achieve with dedication and hard work.  A local councillor’s idea in 1991 was sold to the Council of the day.  A site was selected, public meeting called and a Steering Committee formed.  This committee has been totally responsible for the project comprising the design, fund raising, construction and on-going maintenance of the garden which was officially opened in November 1992.

The Morwell Chamber of Commerce strongly supported the Rose Garden project, providing the Committee with funds to assist in the initiation of the project, with Advance Morwell providing ongoing support in recent years, through project funding.

Crinigan Bushland Reserve

The 100 acre reserve was the last patch of native bush in Morwell.  While it had been neglected,  Peter Ryan, a nearby resident, saw the potential of this site and gathered together a committee of 10 like-minded people.  This committee gained local council funding to have the area cleaned and regenerated.  The Reserve is now fenced, roads made and walking tracks which follow contours constructed.  In addition, a shelter, tables and chairs and breeding boxes have been provided.  All this has been achieved as a result of help from various local groups, community volunteers and service organisations.

All schools in the area are Friends of the Reserve.  Little Athletics, Traralgon Harriers, local football and soccer clubs all use it for training.  It is also popular with horse riders.   The Reserve is now home for over 170 different plants and approximately 30 native orchids.  Native birds, and animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wombats are starting to return.  Amenities for visitors include an information booth and picnic shelter.  The committee continues to be aided by a large team of enthusiastic volunteers, and it has the continuing support of Council, sponsors such as the Lions Club of Morwell, the Rotary Club of Morwell, Advance Morwell, and the community.

Bills Horse Trough

Prior to the widespread use of motor vehicles, horses were widely used for farming, drawing heavy vehicles, and for personal transport.  In hot weather they often became distressed when drinking water was not available.  The animal loving Bills family sought to lessen horses’ distress by providing drinking troughs in various towns throughout Victoria and well beyond.In Morwell a trough was placed in Hazelwood Road opposite the then Town Hall, now the Regional Art Gallery.  The Morwell trough was special as it included an attached small bowl for dogs to drink from.

In later years the trough was removed and taken to the Pony Club premises, where it fell into disrepair.  Recognising its historical importance, the Morwell Historical Society decided to return the trough and dog bowl to their original position.  Latrobe City Council and the Rotary Club of Morwell were responsible for repair and enhancement of the trough, before it was returned close to its original position in Hazelwood Road on June 7, 2010.

Gippsland Immigration Park

Morwell and the wider Latrobe City attracted many overseas migrants in the aftermath of the second world war, who made Gippsland their home.  Recognising their contribution to the region, The Immigration Wall of Recognition was established to record the names and achievements of those migrants who came to Gippsland and helped build our community.  It was officially opened in March 2007.

It was the Government’s approved the construction of a railway line from Melbourne to Sale in 1873 that led to the development of the township of Morwell, with the first public sale of land taking place in January 1879 prior to the opening of the railway line in April of that year.   At this time there were around ten traders operating in the town, with a brickworks, pottery, butter factory, schools and cordial factory established in the following twenty years.

The Shire of Morwell was formed in 1892.  Following fires in the commercial area in both 1890 and 1912, the Morwell Waterworks Trust was formed and in December 1913 a town water supply from Billy's Creek was connected.

Morwell’s development was further fostered following the establishment of the Yallourn open cut mine and power station in the 1920s and the opening of the Maryvale Paper Mill in 1937, all of which provided Morwell with opportunities for employment and trade.

The State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV) commenced work on the Morwell power station and briquette works in 1949 with production at the plant starting in 1956, which provided briquettes for domestic and industrial use, including in the production of Town Gas for Melbourne at an adjacent gasworks built by the by the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria.

Further development by the SECV at Hazelwood strengthened Morwell’s economy, which underwent subsequent retraction in the 1980’s and 1990’s with subsequent electricity industry restructuring and privatisation.

Competitive Advantages

Morwell has a number of competitive advantages that include affordable housing, well, developed infrastructure, a broad range of business activities and highly skilled workforce.  It has a vast array of social, sporting, cultural and educational facilities, which when combined with an affordable and high quality lifestyle, make Morwell not only a great place for business, but a great place to live.

Morwell is located in the centre of the Latrobe City, the key industrial and commercial area of Gippsland in Eastern Victoria, and has an extensive and well-established range of services and infrastructure.  Morwell’s central locality (which provides the best location for servicing the Latrobe Region) and transport connections, such as Latrobe Regional Airport and the Gippsland Rail Corridor, make Morwell the ideal location for decentralised industry or commercial activities.

Morwell is well serviced by retail businesses both in central Morwell and at Mid Valley.  It has an eight theatre cinema complex, excellent swimming and leisure centre and high level soccer, football and cricket facilities.

Overview

2022 marked the 25th year of operation of Advance Morwell and tonight we recognise another year of serving the Morwell and Latrobe City community.

This year has been a challenging one for Advance Morwell.  The unexpected loss of our long serving and highly respected Chair, John Guy OAM, was keenly felt by the Committee.  

John’s contribution to Advance Morwell was significant and like all his other commitments, demonstrated his passion for the town, its people and organisations, along with his willingness to serve.  

Despite many health issues over the years, John continued in the role of Chair representing and guiding Advance Morwell as we responded to a changing range of issues.  

It is largely due to John’s sound stewardship that Advance Morwell has been able to continue to represent the interests of our traders and townspeople.

Committee

Again, this year we experienced the challenge of obtaining suitable Committee Members who are willing to assume Executive Roles. This situation continues, as we are still seeking new committee members to help drive and represent the organisation.

While we have not had the luxury of a full committee, those members who have continued to actively support the delivery of our efforts must be recognised.  Those Committee Members include Graeme Sennett, Acting Chair and Secretary; Shashi Bhatti, Treasurer; Howard Williams, Membership Officer: David McInnes; Community Relations and David Burt, Business Relations.

It must be noted that in October, our Treasurer, Shashi Bhatti, experienced a significant motorcycle accident resulting in his being hospitalised for some time.  Despite this, he continued to undertake the role of Treasurer and we thank him for his diligence during this difficult time.

The Advance Morwell Committee meets monthly at the Morwell Bowling Club and we acknowledge the management and staff of the for their generosity in providing a venue for our meetings.

Business Sector

With changes in local business ownership, the Advance Morwell Traders Group became inactive some time ago.  The Committee has discussed reinvigorating this group and has made initial overtures to some local traders to assess interest.

Membership

Our membership base remains relatively steady.  We recognise and appreciate all our longstanding members and those who have joined more recently in supporting us to advocate for Morwell & Latrobe City. 

ANZAC Day

We again participated in Anzac Day, laying a wreath in remembrance of those  Morwell Residents who have served their country in times of conflict.

Representation

We continue to lobby both the Latrobe City Council and State Governments on issues affecting Morwell, Latrobe City and Gippsland. We have met with our Morwell Council representatives and have had continued contact with Morwell Councilors and our Member for Morwell Martin Cameron.

John Guy and Howard Williams continued to represent Advance Morwell on the Community Recovery Committee which was formed at the time of the Hazelwood Mine Fire and has continued over the years since.  An Emergency Plan for Morwell is the last remaining objective to be delivered.

Howard Williams is Advance Morwell’s representative on the Energy Australia Yallourn Environmental review Commitee, and we thank Howard for this work.

Advance Morwell was also represented on the International Rose Festival Committee.

Advance Morwell supported the establishment of the Latrobe City Business Chamber(LCBC) and through ongoing discussions organised 2022/23 honorary LCBC membership for all our business members.  We are awaiting a response to our proposal for continuing joint membership for our business members. 

We have continued to maintain a close relationship with Energy Australia through David Burt to ensure we have current knowledge of their plans for closure, new developments, and rehabilitation.

Mine Rehabilitation

We maintain an active interest in the management of Hazelwood Mine Rehabilitation Works.  Advance Morwell continues to monitor and be involved in discussions on the Mine rehabilitation as it progresses.

Latrobe Valley Authority, Transition Plan

The Advance Morwell Committee has maintained an ongoing interest in the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Transition Plan, hearing from LVA CEO, Chris Buckingham who advised that in developing the plan, the LVA has engaged with the community, factored in recent industrial developments and other international experiences.   Advance Morwell will continue to monitor developments.

Committee for Gippsland 

We have continued our membership of the Committee for Gippsland, utilising this relationship to lobby on regional issues such as the delivery of the Traralgon Bypass which is essential for the future of the transport industry in Gippsland.

Gippsland Rail Revival

It has been pleasing to see the continued progress of the Regional Rail Revival works.   

The location of the new Morwell platform is a direct result of lobbying undertaken by Advance Morwell in the early planning stages of this project. 

Initial plans impacted parking and Legacy Place, while providing a suboptimal arrival experience for rail patrons.  The offset platform arrangement as proposed by Advance Morwell overcame these issues and provided additional access from the Bus Terminal to facilitate intermodal transfers.

We continue to lobby for the completion of remedial works and reinstatement of town assets following construction.

Car Parking

For over five years, Advance Morwell been actively lobbying for improved car parking in Morwell.  

Over the past 12 months it has been pleasing to see the delivery of new car parking at Morwell Train Station, and in particular, on the site of the former Ampol petrol station and garage.  

Despite much resistance, we continued to lobby the Minister for this site to be developed as we felt it provided easy access to the station and in its undeveloped states marred the visual amenity of the railway precinct.

Additionally, the formalisation of car parking on the Commercial Road/Jane Street Bridge corner completes another of Advance Morwell’s requested town improvements – one which we first lobbied for in 2009.

We continue to work with Latrobe City on enhancing parking in the Morwell CBD

Community Support

Advance Morwell was pleased to support the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden with a significant donation of $8,000 to support their publication of a history of the rose garden.  The 100 plus page soft cover coffee table book is a credit to the writers and designers and we are pleased to have been able to support this initiative which catalogues the creation and development of one of Morwell’s most valuable assets.

Advance Morwell also donated $300 to 1st Morwell Scout Group in support of their 100th birthday celebration in December 2022 (deferred from 2021 due to COVID).  As one of the town’s oldest community organisations, it is important that this notable achievement was recognised.

Relocation of Musical Instruments

In November 2016, Advance Morwell organised for Morwell’s Legacy Place to become the home to three outdoor musical instruments.  Unfortunately, in July 2019 one of these items (valued at $7,000) was stolen.  This item was eventually recovered by police in 2022, following which Advance Morwell worked with Latrobe City to relocate this item and the remaining instruments to Town Common playground.  

Christmas Promotion

Advance Morwell organised a Christmas promotion held from Friday 16th to Friday 23rd December 2022, with six cafes participating.  Funded in part by the Latrobe City Christmas Grant, each café was provided with 50 coffees to give away and a music session provided by local guitarist James Harbor and vocalist Shanyn.  Feedback on the initiative was extremely positive, with additional café’s contacting Advance Morwell to participate.

In addition to contributing $1,000 from our own funds, Advance Morwell also utilised some of the Latrobe City Christmas Grant to support Rotary Community Fun Day providing Traffic Management, First Aid, Signage, ATM Hire and a mobile farm.

Member event

Advance Morwell worked with nbnLocal to organise a NBN information evening for members to be held in July 2022.  This was an education session, providing details on the nbn support services that are available for small business and residents.  While attendance was not as strong as hoped, feedback on the information provided was positive.

Website and Branding

 As part of a broader renewal plan, the Committee agreed to complete a branding refresh and update of the Advance Morwell website.  Work on these activities commenced in July 2023.

Supported by Latrobe City’s Christmas Festivity Grant, Advance Morwell has been spreading some Christmas spirit in the Morwell CBD. 

On Friday 15th December the Morwell Citizens Band brightened the afternoon, with Christmas music in Commercial Road outside of Manny’s Market.

On Saturday 16th the music continued with free face painting outside of Subway and Santa was roving Commercial Road.

Facebook posts encouraged Morwell shoppers to come along and join in the Christmas spirit and support their local traders.

Supported by Latrobe City’s Christmas Festivity Grant, Advance Morwell partnered with several Morwell cafes to share the Christmas Spirit!

Morwell shoppers were encouraged to get up early, get your coffee and get set to shop at their local traders!  With 50 customers at each café receiving a free regular coffee. 

Advance Morwell thanks participating café’s Peachy Coffee House, Claudias Café, and Café Qu Bah for their support in this Christmas promotion.

Local success story Aussie Broadband was awarded the prestigious ‘Hall of Fame’ award at Friday night’s Gippsland Business Awards.

According to Advance Morwell Acting Chair Graeme Sennett, the local business community was thrilled to learn that Aussie Broadband has been recognised this way.

“Aussie Broadband’s success is the result of many years of innovation, courage and determination.” Said Mr Sennett.

“Its success is phenomenal and a great credit to Phil Britt and the whole team, who have taken Aussie Broadband from a small regional internet provider to the fifth largest telco in Australia and also being listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.” He added.

Previously winner of the 2017 Gippsland Business Awards, Business of the Year award, Aussie Broadband was recognised for its growth, contribution to the community, innovative operations, and the support it provides to their employees.

“To see a local organisation be so successful provides a great role model for small business operators.” Said Mr Sennett.

“More importantly, for those in Morwell, it creates a great sense of pride to see a business that was started by a local, grow and prosper, while still maintaining its headquarters in the town.”

“With so many Gippsland residents and business operators having supported Aussie Broadband over the years, it is very rewarding to see them recognised this way.” Said Mr Sennett.

Further Information

For further information contact Graeme Sennett, telephone 0417 509 149