Petition Started to Protect Future of Gummun Place near Merriwa

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 A Change.org petition’s being started to keep aged care service Gummun Place open near Merriwa after Upper Hunter Shire Council said a decision’s yet to be made on a private operator.

Once permission has been received from a consultant, Council’s voted to release information on the process.

But residents say its closure would mean leaving elderly people without crucial support at the only facility of its kind in town.

They’re demanding an urgent intervention to save the Hostel from closure, and a comprehensive review of the Federal Government’s funding model for aged care.

It’s received over 450 signatures.

Gummun Place. Credit: Upper Hunter Shire Council

 

Fatal Crash at Merriwa

 BY PETER HYSLOP

There's been a fatal single vehicle crash at Merriwa overnight.

Just before 6pm yesterday, emergency services were called to Scone Road about five kilometres north of the town.

Officers found an SUV had veered off the road and crashed into a deep culvert before rolling over and resting on its wheels.

The driver, a 67-year-old woman, was assisted by a passing motorist and an officer who provided CPR.

Despite help from paramedics she couldn't be saved.

A crime scene's been established and investigations commenced.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Scone Road at Merriwa. Credit: Google Maps

Body Pulled From A Car Submerged In The Merriwa River

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police have pulled a car and a body from a river in the Upper Hunter. 

Emergency services were called to the Merriwa River along the Golden Highway at around 6:00am on Wednesday the 13th of December, 2023, following reports a car was upturned in the water.

Officers have since confirmed a body was located inside the vehicle, however it's yet to be identified. 

A crime scene has been established and Hunter Valley Police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

Anyone with information about the is being urged to contact Merriwa Police or Crime Stoppers.

Man Charged With Manslaughter Over Fatal Hunter Valley Crash

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been charged with manslaughter following a deadly crash in the Hunter Valley last year.

Emergency services were called to Flaggs Road at Merriwa on October 1, 2022 following reports a Toyota Prado had left the road and rolled a number of times.

A 10-year-old boy died at the scene, while the male driver and a 15-year-old girl were airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

Following inquiries, crash investigators arrested the driver, now aged 47, at a home at Gungal on Tuesday.

He was refused bail to face Muswellbrook Local Court today (Wednesday 8 February) charged with several offences including manslaughter and dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. 

 

Emergency Services were called to Flaggs Road on Saturday October 1, 2022 Picture: News.com

Two Hunter Locals Join Regional Youth Taskforce

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Two young leaders from the Hunter have been selected as members of this year's Regional Youth Taskforce. 

Comprised of 18 members from across the state, the Taskforce will meet throughout the year to drive for policy change within the state government, and advocate for real outcomes for young people. 

The Hunter representatives are Jorji Taaffe from Merriwa, and Jessica Patman from Warners Bay. 

They're both seeking to tackle youth mental health in the region, and will drive policy change around their own special interests. 

Taaffe said she will be focusing on advocating for rural health. 

"I just believe we're lacking resources compared to our urban counterparts, and that's what I really want to change this year," she said. 

"If we have more resources here, it's going to be easier to get people back into the health system and address the lack of resources." 

Jessica Patman wants to bring mental heath and LGBTQI+ health to the forefront. 

"Research shows 75% of mental health concerns emerge before the age of 25, and currently within society, stigma and lack of  access to appropriate and affordable services is preventing a lot of young people from actually accessing support when they need it," Patman said. 

"I think there's also a lack of understanding around gender and sexuality and that's increasing narratives around stereotypes and is increasing discrimination further." 

"It would be amazing if LGBTQI+ youth could have more safe spaces within the Hunter where they could connect and socialize." 

Jorji Taaffe added how important it is to give back to the Hunter community. 

"I'm really excited to have been given this opportunity, not just for myself but for my community. By encouraging my peers and fellow students, I really hope I can make a change." 

Police Search For Missing Man In The Upper Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to find a man who's gone missing in the Upper Hunter.

65-year-old Shane Amidy was last seen at his home in Cullingral Street at Merriwa on July 14.

He's believed to be travelling in a 2006 Silver Ford Falcon sedan with the registration number YCI 85P.

Shane is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 cm tall with a medium build and black hair with a goatee.

Missing Man Shane Amidy

Family Escapes House Fire At Merriwa

BY IAN CROUCH

A family of six has had a lucky escape after a fire broke out at their rural property near Merriwa early Wednesday morning.

RFS and Fire and Rescue crews were called to the 4 bedroom home off Idaville Road at 3.30am to find smoke issuing from the rear of the house.

2 adults and 4 children self-evacuated - they were treated at the scene by paramedics for minor smoke inhalation.

The Rural Fire Service says firefighters located a small fire in a wall cavity which spread to the roof but was quickly extinguished.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Police Investigate Fatal Motorbike Crash At Merriwa

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash at Merriwa overnight.

Police say a 55-year-old man and his 29-year-old pillion passenger were riding on Old Scone Road at about 10.15pm on Tuesday when the crash occurred.

The older man died at the scene while the passenger was taken by Ambulance to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

Investigations are continuing into the circumstances leading up to the crash and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.

BREAKING! Car Crashes Through Fence And Catches Fire At Merriwa

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A driver has been lucky to escape with only minor injuries after an early morning crash at Merriwa.

Emergency services were called to King George V Avenue just before 5 o'clock on Thursday morning where the car had left the road, crashing through a fence and into a tree in the backyard of a home.

Newcastle Fire Command says the vehicle briefly caught on the fire, with witnesses isolating the battery and crews cooling the vehicle with water.

The driver has been taken to hospital with minor arm and leg injuries. 

Body Found In Burnt Out House At Merriwa

By IAN CROUCH

Police have discovered a body following a house fire in the Upper Hunter.

Emergency services were called to a rural property on Mountain Station Road, Merriwa, about 9.15am on Wednesday 12 August 2020, following reports a home was fully engulfed in flames.

Crews from NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW worked to extinguish the blaze for several hours.

A body was located inside the property; it is yet to be formally identified.

Police are not treating the incident as suspicious.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.