A woman kept out of her own home for more than two years finally has her asset back, but the frightening ordeal is not over yet.
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Julie Pearn describes coming home to "human faeces on the carpet", "broken windows", "walls torn down" and "urine everywhere" as "soul-destroying".
"The bill is estimated at $100,000," Ms Pearn said.
"I am just devastated, I don't even know where to begin."
The 67-year-old who lives in Deniliquin said despite the squatter being moved on by authorities, she remains in fear for her life.
She has been confronted by four men threatening her with a knife and had abuse hurled at her while entering a courthouse.
"Everything of sentimental value has been damaged and the house is just completely ruined."
The ongoing issues started in 2017 when Ms Pearn went away.
When she returned the front door of her home had been destroyed and a woman had moved in, despite the fact she had refused the woman's request.
"She moved in anyway," Ms Pearn said.
"I just tried to get her some government housing assistance but she refused any help.
"I received two very large power bills while receiving no response from the squatter and getting abused if I went near the house."
Ms Pearn served three eviction notices on the squatter, one in person, but to no prevail.
"It wasn't until A Current Affair came and did a story that she left," she said.
"I think someone from Melbourne threatened to remove her himself and she got scared.
"The squatter is gone but so are all of my possessions."
Not even a bed was left in the house. And the clean-up bill is only expected to rise.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help Ms Pearn rebuild her house and life.
"While nothing will replace all the sentimental items it is humbling to know people will support you through anything," she said.
"I am proud to live in the community I do and just want to say thank you to everyone who has offered furniture or money or a helping hand."