Fresh on the Latrobe City scene

Fresh on the Latrobe City scene

Elite Dancewear 

A new boutique dancewear store in Morwell is bringing style and convenience to local dancers, thanks to one mum’s passion and a simple suggestion from a dance teacher. 

Launched in mid-March this year, the store has been an exciting addition to the local dance scene – offering everything a dancer needs, all in one place! They stock all the essentials, including ballet flats, jazz shoes, tap shoes, tights, activewear, costumes, hair and shoe accessories. 

Open Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday mornings from 9am to 12pm, the shop fills a much-needed gap for local dancers, saving families the trip to Melbourne for specialised gear. 

Owner Justine Scandrett shared that her daughter’s involvement in dance has helped her build strong local connections. “I’m lucky. My daughter is a dancer, and she is at one of the dance schools here in Morwell. I just love when the dancers come in and they’re super excited and tell me all about their upcoming performances.” 

Community and sustainability sit at the heart of Justine’s business. She proudly sponsored local dance competitions and supported productions like The Little Mermaid by Gippsland Youth Theatre. The store also champions eco-conscious choices, stocking Melbourne-made brand Energetiks – known for its high-quality activewear made from recycled plastics. 

Whether you’re after a first pair of tights or gearing up for a big stage show, this local business is stepping up to support the region’s vibrant performing arts community and making dance dreams come true for every customer. 
 
Elite Dancewear 
213 Commercial Road, Morwell 
elite.dancewear@outlook.com 
@elitedancewear213 

Moe Thai

Moe has welcomed its very first Thai restaurant – an authentic addition that’s already delighting locals with its vibrant dishes and warm hospitality. 

Run by three passionate co-owners and chefs – Usanee (U-Sa) Bowornratanakhun, Pawantree Laothong (Kae), and Rattana Sawangdao (May) – the restaurant is the second venture for the team, who also run the popular Thai @Sale in the Wellington region. 

The team chose Moe for their latest location because of the welcoming community and the sense of opportunity the growing town offers. 

“When searching for a location, we discovered Moe is the best place – everyone here is really nice and there wasn’t another Thai restaurant to compete with, so it felt like the perfect fit,” shares U-Sa. 

Since opening just before Christmas last year, the restaurant has received overwhelming support from locals and raving reviews online. With a 4.8-star rating on Google, it’s clear the community has embraced this cuisine. 

“Wow. What an amazing new gem in Moe. The staff are fantastic!” one reviewer wrote. 

“At first, we were a bit worried – would people like it? But everyone has been so supportive. We’ve had so many compliments – it makes us really happy,” says U-Sa proudly. 

The menu offers Thai classics like Pad Thai and Tom Yum, alongside creative dishes such as coconut prawns and fragrant curries. The best bit? Everything is made fresh to order.  

“We cook everything fresh when the customer orders. We also cater to dietary needs, with gluten-free and dairy-free options available, and offer special banquet-style dishes for larger groups.” 

Open for dinner from 5 –9pm daily except Tuesdays, the restaurant promises a welcoming experience for all. 

As Moe continues to grow, this new restaurant brings a fresh experience to town – offering a taste of Thailand right on the main street. 

Moe Thai Restaurant 
38 George Street, Moe 
(03) 5126 1717 

Places Bar and Tapas  

Inspired by a love of travel and European food and wine, Places Bar and Tapas is a stylish yet intimate venue that offers the perfect setting for a date night, dinner or celebration.  

The hole-in-the-wall bar is in the Traralgon CBD, offering European influenced cocktails, wine and tapas. 

“We offer a beautiful venue with delicious drinks and snacks with a personable service. But be sure to keep an eye out for different experiences we are going to offer,” says owner Jenni Onkamo. 

“So far, the highlight without a doubt is getting to contribute to people’s special occasions and celebrations, big or small,” said Jenni, who brings years of hospitality experience – and a genuine passion for food, drinks and vibrant venues – to the table. 

Looking ahead, Jenni says, “what you see now is only the beginning. We have many ideas for sweeteners we’re going to add to improve the experience even more.” 

With a focus on service and a welcoming atmosphere, Places is quickly becoming a local favourite. “The people are the best thing about running a business in Latrobe City,” Jenni adds. “Locals, passers-by, business travellers or visitors, everyone has a story and we love to hear them.” 

Open Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to late and Friday and Saturday from 3pm, Places invites locals and visitors alike to unwind and enjoy something a little different in Latrobe City. 

Drop in and discover your new favourite place! 

Read the latest edition of Connections here