Attention is now turning away from the Latrobe Valley Town of Morwell following the closely watched trial of triple murderer Erin Patterson. Business has been booming for the local economy with media and court watchers convening on the town.
00:00We knew that it was not going to be a great spotlight to have on you because of the case
00:07and the emotion around the case so look we would have preferred it was held in Melbourne
00:12but as every person has the right to be heard by their peers you know Erin decided that
00:18she wanted it heard in Morwell and 12 of her peers from Gippsland to hear the case so it
00:24is what it is.
00:25And what were your fears around that?
00:27Why didn't you want people here?
00:29Oh look I think the the association with the case is not great I mean having three people
00:35die and one nearly die there's been a lot of negativities around the case and obviously
00:41it didn't happen here it happened 80 to 100 k's away and while we feel for our South Gippsland
00:47neighbours having the case here just a bit of negativity and Morwell and Latrobe City
00:52with the closure of the power industry and the mine fire we've been through a lot already
00:56so you know it's it's probably not something we needed.
00:59So and there are a lot of social issues it's undeniable isn't it?
01:02There's a lot of challenges for the town. Were you fearful that a lot would be made of that?
01:08Look we were we were fearful that people would look at the negative. We've been really surprised that while there was initially some push on the negatives
01:15a lot of people have actually been pushing the positive of the region that I know a lot of the journalists have made comment about
01:22the great range of restaurants and cafes we've got down here the great food the great scenery so it's been nice to see that that positive news come out once people have stayed here for a while and had a chance to have a look around and see what we really do have to offer.
01:34And what about the what about the funds that people have brought to the town has that made any difference to any of the small businesses?
01:41Look it has we know from economic data that we've had a three and a half to four million dollar increase over the course of the last ten weeks particularly in accommodation and in our eateries with the local clubs and restaurants and cafes so it has been good in that respect.
01:56You know a lot of the a lot of the local clubs are saying they've seen a huge increase in in turnover midweek which has been great.
02:03So you know we're very happy and grateful to have that positive input into the community.
02:09Well a steak night at the Morwell Bowls Club.
02:12Tuesday nights I've been told yep.
02:14Have never been busier I mean you know there's been I mean the bowling club burned down last year didn't it?
02:20Look it's been great for the bowling club they had such a terrible time when the fire went through
02:25and for them to get back on their feet.
02:27And I guess for them having this court case and putting some more funds through their bistro and their bars has been a bit of a godsend for them.
02:34And look you you look for a silver lining with every grey cloud and that's a beautiful silver lining for the community.
02:40And how is everyone feeling now that it's the case is finally over?
02:45I think everyone's let out that big sigh and gone finally.
02:48You know it's everyone was holding their breath that the case has just gone on and on.
02:53I think it was eight weeks to start with and then ten then eleven and I think the community's just released that sigh of relief
02:59and happy to move on with life now that that's done and dusted with.
03:03M true be to such a happy moment.
03:15You know the challenge to play around two years, try saying that other reasons are something new.
03:16I hear a lot of pain and so many people.
03:19I tend my time to do and the way you go.
03:21I feel for the may that I can feel better if I kind of felt here instead of having thatttead bill.
