AAA Backstage Archive

Woman Killed At Victorian Music Festival

On Sunday morning a 35-year-old Melbourne woman was found dead in a collapsed tent at a boutique music festival, which was held on a farm in northern Victoria.  

Paramedics were called to the property just outside Rochester at about 9am Australia Day morning (Sunday morning), but the woman from Yarraville was deceased by the time they arrived. 

Detective Inspector Bernie Rankin said a large number of people attended the festival and many camped overnight. 

"A 35-year-old woman was found deceased in a tent at the scene," Det Inspector Rankin told the Riverine Herald.

"She had obviously suffered a fair degree of trauma. There was a nurse attempting CPR on the deceased woman."

“We have a young man in custody who is assisting us with our inquiries.” Det Inspector Rankin said. 

The Major Collision Investigation Unit were also investigating the circumstances of the woman's death to determine whether it was the result of a car driving over the tent. 

Since the incident a 24-year-old Westmere man has been charged over the death. Charges include culpable driving, dangerous driving causing death, driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to stop to render assistance. 

He is due to face Bendigo Magistrates Court on Friday, January 31.

Local Shire of Campaspe councillor Leigh Wilson said the family who owned the farm are well-known within the local community.

‘‘They are a well-respected family, and I can only imagine that they would be devastated by this."

He said between 300 and 400 people attended the large gathering, but hesitated to call it a ‘‘festival’’, because it was not advertised publicly. 

The event has been held at the farm for several years.