IT takes a bit to surprise even the most hardened of punters, but this story does just exactly that.
The Morwell TAB agency on Buckley Street closed the doors for the final time on Sunday.
Customers were told the news late last week, with a sign on the front door.
The sign read “we are saddened to inform you that as of 5pm on Sunday, November 14 we will be closing our doors for good. We will certainly miss you all!”
A TAB spokesperson commented on the decision to close the outlet.
“We are continually assessing our agency network on a commercial basis and on customer preferences. As a result of this, we make decisions on closing agencies in some areas and opening outlets in others,” the spokesperson told I Hear Tell.
“We have made the decision to close the Morwell TAB agency from Monday, November 15 on this basis. TAB facilities at the Morwell Hotel, the Morwell Bowling Club and the Italian & Australian Sporting & Social Club remain in operation to service our valued retail customers in Morwell.”
The spokesperson said customers can still access TAB through their website, app or over the phone as well.
“We are pleased the agent running the Morwell TAB will remain with us and continue to operate our Berwick agency,” the spokesperson said.
It is blow for business in Buckley Street, with the TAB agency welcoming a host of foot traffic day-in, day-out.
I Hear Tell knows of one punter, who drove regularly from their Traralgon home to the agency during the COVID pandemic when a number of Pub-TAB venues were closed to put a cash bet on.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
THIS from I Hear Tell, Friday, December 6, 1991.
AN interesting observation made by a senior SEC manager the other day to an Express journo.
He said that it was amazing, but fact that when substitutes a hard hat with SEC on it with one with, say Siemens, on it, then that worker wearing the hat seems to do a better job.
It’s the same workshop, same job, but it appears the worker gets a new lease of working life.
The SEC boss agreed that it might have something to do with the worker being given more responsibility, a chance to share in decision-making … something that a massive organisation like the SEC doesn’t do.
DID YOU KNOW
The first person ever booked for speeding was going eight miles per hour (12.87km).
What year did that happen you ask? 1896.
The speed limit was just two miles an hour when Walter Arnold of Kent was nabbed going four times the speed limit in his 19th century Benz.
The policeman had to chase Mr Arnold down on his bicycle and in an effort that would have pleased any of the great cyclists, did just that.
Mr Arnold received a fine of four pounds.
BE A PART OF I HEAR TELL
If you have a submission for I Hear Tell, please email us at news@lvexpress.com.au.
Until next week, bye.
