UPDATE 5PM: POLICE have praised the Abermain and Kurri Kurri communities for their help in finding Joy Morrow and her dog Susie.

Officer in charge of Cessnock Police Station, Chief Inspector Michael Gorman, said he wanted to pay credit to the member of the community riding a quad bike who found Mrs Morrow around 9.35am.

"The number of people that I had approach me this morning when we set up the command post at Abermain, neighbours that did know her, other locals that did not know her, who just wanted to support and help in any way they could - it was a really positive, great community response to wanting to help out a fellow Abermainian.

"There were a number of people on mountain bikes, in vehicles, walking, just... around in case she popped her head up.

"There were people who said they knew the bush tracks and were happy then to go ride around, drive around to see if they could locate her.

"It was really heartening in this day and age that there are people that care about those in their community and were willing to come drop what they had planned or were doing to come out and help us."

Neighbour Paul Mitchison said the word spread on Facebook and by phone and people were out "combing" the railway lines and the bush.

"When something like this happens everyone rallies around," Mr Mitchison said. "It's just how the area is. It's just the way we are."

Inspector Gorman said dog Susie also deserved praise.

"Certainly it's a comfort for her that she wasn't on her own," he said.

"The information we'd received - which turned out to be true- was that Susie would stay with her.

"Susie is 13 years old and certainly part of the family and would have given her a degree of comfort to know she wasn't isolated, that she at least had Susie with her."

More to come

UPDATE 10AM: A missing elderly woman from the Hunter and her dog have been located on Monday morning.

Joy Morrow, 82, was last seen about 6.20pm Sunday at her home in Abermain, when she told her husband she was walking the dog.

Following extensive inquiries, she was located in bushland near Neath about 9.35am Monday, with her Maltese terrier Susie by her side.

Both were "safe and well" according to police, with paramedics at the scene to complete a full health assessment.

Police have thanked the public and media for their help during the large-scale search operation which involved a ground and air search, run by local police, SES volunteers, residents and the police airwing, PolAir.

"Massive thank you to all those local residents who were out looking for our missing person since last night," Hunter Valley police said in a statement.

"She and her little dog are safe and well. Thank you!"

Newcastle Herald will have a full report on the rescue operation later today.

INITIAL REPORT: POLICE will resume the search for missing Hunter woman Joy Morrow on Monday morning.

The 82-year-old was last seen about 6.20pm Sunday at her home in Abermain, when she told her husband she was walking the dog, but has not been sighted since

Hunter Valley police were alerted and a ground and air search commenced involving local police, SES volunteers, residents and the police airwing, PolAir.

The search has continued throughout the night but was temporarily suspended, to resume Monday at 7.30am.

Police are renewing their appeal for anyone who may have seen Mrs Morrow, or her dog Susie, to call Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Mrs Morrow is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 152cm tall and 80kg with a solid build and short dark hair; she speaks with an Irish accent.

At the time she was wearing a multi-coloured shirt with 3/4 sleeves, black skirt and slippers. She was walking with her 13-year-old Maltese terrier called Susie. Mrs Morrow may appear disoriented or confused.

Police are especially asking local residents to check their sheds, backyards and garages in case Mrs Morrow has taken shelter overnight.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN THE NEWS: