Despite initially telling Kerri Gorton she would have to pay for disconnection and reconnection of water to her house which was recently destroyed by fire, Hunter Water Corporation has had a change of heart.
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The Dungog Chronicle got in touch with the media relations manager for HWC Jeremy Bath early last week and explained the situation.
Mrs Gorton lost her home and all her possessions in a house fire on June 29 and was told she would be charged for disconnection costs for both water and electricity.
And then she would have to pay to have them put back on again when the house is eventually rebuilt.
Mr Bath got was able to negotiate on behalf of the Chronicle and Mrs Gorton and all costs will now be waived.
“HWC will waive the water and wastewater fixed charges for 12 months and her current water bill,” Mr Bath said.
Energy provider Origin also said they would waive any electricity charges for disconnection and reconnection too.
The Dungog community is still rallying around Kerri Gorton who was left with just the clothes she was wearing when she escaped with her two grandchildren from a house fire in the early hours of the morning.
The 55-year-old had barely minutes to get to safety before her weatherboard home at the end of Dowling Street, Dungog, burnt to the ground.
While she had house insurance, there was no contents insurance.
The Dungog Chronicle has received more than $12, 380 in cash donations which includes nearly $5000 raised by Kim Francis at the Royal Hotel the weekend before last.
And a good will day at Dungog Golf Club on Sunday raised in excess of $12,000.
Cash donations are still being accepted at the Dungog Chronicle and can be in the form of cash, cheque, credit or debit card and can be dropped into the office at 114 Dowling Street.
Credit card details can be taken over the phone on 4992 1721 and receipts are issued for every donation.
The appeal is also accepting new household and linen items, particularly towels and bed linen, tea towels and other kitchen items.
A new fridge has been donated as well as a queen bed ensemble and sofa bed.
A Dungog resident has delivered a near-new washing machine and other items including a microwave and kitchen items have also been received.
Any more donations can be dropped off at the Chronicle office.
For more information about the appeal contact Janelle O’Neill on 4992 1721 or Lindy Hunt on 0429 825 570.
