The small Australian town of Morwell has recently become the host of a murder trial that has catapulted it onto front pages and unexpectedly brought with it a boost for local business.

Morwell

The regional town of Morwell has experienced a surge in visitors and business activity due to the high-profile murder trial of Erin Patterson, who is accused of poisoning three elderly relatives with toxic mushrooms. The case, held at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court, has attracted crowds of journalists, legal professionals, and curious onlookers, leading to increased demand for local hospitality services.

Local businesses, particularly cafes and motels, report a notable rise in customers, with some tripling their usual trade. However, not all businesses have benefited equally, as some, like the town newsagent, have seen little change beyond increased interest in the community. The trial has lasted nine weeks, with the jury expected to consider a verdict soon.

Australia's mushroom murder case gives regional town business boom

This is Morwell, a small, unassuming town two hours outside of Melbourne. Until recently, its main tourist attractions were a rose garden and an art gallery. But that was before it became the host of an Australian murder trial. It has gripped the nation and captured international attention. And brought with it a boost for local businesses. Erin Patterson is accused of murdering three elderly relatives of her estranged husband using a meal laced with toxic mushrooms. Patterson denies the charges, which carry a life sentence if found guilty. The trial is being heard at Morwell's Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court. And just across the road from JD's Cafe, which has had a roaring eight weeks of trade. Owner Laura Heller says the cafe has had triple its usual business. Even though it's not great circumstances, it has been very good for our community. Because it's brought people from outside of the area into the area. As you probably know, people have been lining up early mornings to try and get in the courtroom and things like that. So it's just been good that they've been able to come to our town and see what we have to offer. Along with local businesses, demand for hotels and motels have also increased. Here's motel manager John Nicol. I'm told it has been pretty busy. A lot of journalists and legal people staying here at the motel. Normally at a quieter time of the year, it has been a bit of a boom for the motel and for the area in general. It's really captured the interest of not only the town, but the nation. So no, I haven't seen anything that would probably equal it. But not everyone in town has seen business increase, like news agent Ray Burgess. I couldn't say we've seen a boom to the business, but certainly there's been a lot of interest in the town. And there's a lot of excitement at the beginning, when the case started. Life will go on, life moves on. And the town will go back to what it was before and that'll be it. The jury is expected to retire this week to consider a verdict, after nine weeks of trial.

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