Merriwa Grove closure at Cobram prompts mother's broadside

Judi Burke was commenting after Disability, Ageing and Carers Minister Lizzie Blandthorn declined to intervene to let a new provider take over the Cobram property where her son Kris lives.

"They're just doing a Pontius Pilate, they've washed their hands of it, they can't be bothered," Mrs Burke said.

"I don't think they give a damn about men with mental health issues, it's just appalling."

Merriwa Grove, home to 19 men, is being shut by its Wangaratta-based operator Merriwa Industries for managerial and financial reasons.

The land it occupies is owned by the Victorian government and it had been hoped a deal could be struck to allow Albury's Social Plus Support Work to run the accommodation.

IN THE NEWS:

During a parliamentary committee hearing, Ms Blandthorn was asked if she would assist in stopping Merriwa Grove's closure, she did not answer that question instead saying it was a private facility.

Fortunately for Ms Burke and her son, Social Plus, Mr Burke's NDIS provider, has been able to lease three homes in Yarrawonga.

Social Plus chief executive Michael Thompson said: "It's not the outcome we wanted of course but they're three brand new houses that have just been built, so they'll be in better living conditions then they were in."

Mrs Burke said it was a relief nine of the 19 men would be able to stay together, although instead of a short drive from her Cobram home, she will have a 30-minute trip each week to see her 48 year-old son.

A deadline of Friday June 30, 2023, for the men to leave Merriwa Grove has been extended to July 31, 2023 with residents and relatives warned in a letter "there will be no further extension and on this date the facility will be closed".

To read more stories, download The Border Mail news app in the Apple Store or Google Play.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: