Some have described it as the biggest meeting to ever occur in Merriwa.
Residents packed into the local sports club overnight to hear a briefing on the status of the town’s only nursing home.
The meeting was organised by the Merriwa Progress Association after Upper Hunter Shire Council recently announced putting out an Expression of Interest for someone to take over operating the facility.
Original administrator Kevin O’Malley, who helped establish Gumman Place, said the large turnout sends a clear message to the council.
The council recently revealed it had cost ratepayers $2-million over the past five years.
Local Robert Goodyer said he wants to know why it took council so long to realise something needed to be done.
Councillors Pat Ryan, Troy Stolz, Peter McGill and George Fraser addressed the meeting and answered questions from the floor. Councillor Adam Williamson also attended.
