http://morwellnh.org.au/business-owners-meeniyan-come-shop-morwell-day/
On Wednesday 23rd April 2014, multiple business owners from Meeniyan came to shop in Morwell for the day. The gathering of multiple Meeniyan business owners to visit Morwell and spend money was the idea of Marty Thomas.
Marty is the owner and operator of Moo’s at Meeniyan, a restaurant & Cafe located on the main street of Meeniyan. Marty is also the President of the Meeniyan Tourism & Traders Association. During the recent Hazelwood coal mine fire, Marty heard on ABC Radio about the dire situation Morwell was facing. This is where the shopping spree idea was sparked. Multiple Meeniyan business owners gathered together, travelled to Morwell and shopped for the day. The whole day was a lot of fun for all involved.
All of the businesses located on Whitelaw Street, the main street of Meeniyan, are very reliant on tourist dollars for their businesses. Previously, Meeniyan businesses have suffered when there have been natural disasters in the Southern Gippsland region. Any event driving tourists away from the Meeniyan region directly effects all of the local businesses. The business owners in Meeniyan completely understand how hurtful a drop in business can be. This is why they wanted to lead by example, take the first step and give something back to Morwell. There is the possibility that Meeniyan may once again face natural disasters in the future, and would like to think towns like Morwell could assist Meeniyan when they are in need.
For those not familiar with the town of Meeniyan, it is an hours drive to Morwell. Located about half way between Leongatha and Foster on the South Gippsland Highway, the local Meeniyan businesses rely heavily on South Gippsland Highway traffic.
The shopping spree started in the morning with everyone ordering a coffee and scones at the All Fresh 2 Go Cafe & Juice Bar located at 8 Tarwin Street, Morwell. We all sat and chatted about what we wanted to shop for. Everyone had different ideas of what they wanted to look for, so it was decided for the group to split up and meet up for a late lunch at the Saltbush Cafe & Restaurant.
The meeting place, All Fresh 2 Go Cafe, for coffee & scones before the shopping spree began.[/caption]
Joining Marty on the shopping spree were Catherine Waldron of Catherine’s Hair Techniques, who also serves as Treasurer of the Meeniyan Tourism & Traders Association. Dorothy Parker from Meeniyan Pharmacy. David Vance, member of the Meeniyan Tourism & Traders Association and his wife Myra Vance. Kathryn Smith of Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery, with her good friend Jo Purbrick. Rhia Nix and Francesco Laera from Trulli Pizza.
Kathryn Smith purchasing a few goods at Manny’s Market in Morwell.
Dorothy Parker and Catherine Waldron ventured into Viva Shoes on Commercial Road. Rhia Nix purchased a great pair of shoes too.
Myra and David Vance purchasing a some items at Manny’s Market in Morwell.
[caption id=”attachment_5057″ align=”aligncenter” width=”625″> 
Trulli Pizza was named after a village located in the southern region of Italy, where Francesco grew up. Trulli Pizza has customers come from as far away as Traralgon, Venus Bay, Melbourne and further. It was exciting to hear the news, Trulli Pizza owners Francesco and Rhia are soon to be married. Congratulations to both Francesco and Rhia.
The business owners from Meeniyan took the lead, now would be a great time for others to come to Morwell and spend a few dollars. Even if you travel from Traralgon, Moe or Churchill. Morwell businesses could sure use the help right now. I can assure you, the All Fresh 2 Go cafe and the Saltbush Cafe were great places to start. Don’t be afraid to explore other local Morwell businesses too, there are plenty to choose from. I suggest giving it a go.
If you have any examples of people going out of their way to shop in Morwell, we would love to hear your stories. Please leave a comment on our facebook page.
Morwell Neighbourhood House would like to Thank everyone who made the trip to Morwell from Meeniyan for the sake of helping local Morwell businesses. We greatly appreciate your help, Thank-you.
#GippsNews, #MorwellNH
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