The small town of Clunes, located near Ballarat in Victoria, has been rocked by a series of tragedies in recent months. The most recent incident involved the death of 23-year-old Hannah McGuire, whose body was found in a burnt-out car near Ballarat. This follows a string of other deaths in the region, including a car crash that killed five people in Daylesford, the disappearance and murder of a mother-of-three in Ballarat, and a murder-suicide involving a mother of five. These events have left the community in shock and mourning.
Local officials, including Hepburn Shire Mayor Brian Hood, have expressed concern over the impact of these tragedies on the community. The recent death at a wellness centre in Clunes has added to the sense of unease in the region. Mayor Hood, who has lived in the nearby town of Trentham for seven years, hopes that the incidents will not cause economic harm to the area, which has been slowly recovering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The mayor highlighted the coexistence of the farming community and the wellness retreats that are popular in the region.
Clunes, with its historic buildings and Wild West charm, is known for its ties to the Gold Rush era and its mineral springs. While it is home to a small arts community and a few alternative health businesses, it is not as well-known for wellness retreats as nearby Daylesford. Wellness events, like the one at Soul Barn where attendees fell ill, are designed to improve physical and mental wellbeing. While the specifics of the events vary, they may include vegetarian or vegan options, as well as mind-altering substances. Soul Barn, where the incident occurred, released a statement distancing itself from the private event and expressing sorrow for those affected.
Despite the challenges facing the community, Mayor Hood remains optimistic about Clunes and its ability to rebound from these tragedies. He emphasized the town’s historic significance and the strength of its community, noting that just weeks prior to the recent events, Clunes had celebrated its annual Booktown festival. As the town grapples with these shocking events, residents are coming together to support one another during this difficult time. The mayor acknowledged that these tragedies will have a lasting impact on the community, but expressed hope that Clunes will be able to recover and move forward.
