ADRIAN Powell, the man who ran the Great Western Lodge at Millthorpe did not appear in Orange Local Court yesterday to answer charges of refusing entry to advocacy representatives who wanted to check on conditions in the facility.
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The last of the residents of the boarding house were removed last week following major concerns raised by three reports to the NSW Ombudsman about the welfare of residents, who were clients of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Mr Powell was represented in court by solicitor Michael Madden.
The Crown Solicitors Office is bringing the charges on behalf of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
It is alleged Powell wilfully obstructed the entry of representatives of the advocacy service who went to the Grand Western Lodge on March 21, March 31, April 7 and May 13 to check on the premises.
On May 13 it is alleged Powell refused to give access to several bedrooms of clients who lived at the hostel, in Victoria Street, Millthorpe.
The premises is licensed by the Department of Youth and Community Services.
Mr Madden requested an adjounment until next month.
Since July the state government has used its powers to remove 43 people from the boarding house.
The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care is prosecuting Mr Powell under the Youth and Community Services Act of 1973 for obstructing entry to the boarding house.
