The historic town of Clunes, located near Ballarat in Victoria, Australia, has been rocked by a series of tragic events in recent months. The latest incident involved the death of a 23-year-old woman, Hannah McGuire, whose body was found in a burnt-out car near Ballarat. This follows a string of other tragedies in the region, including a car accident in Daylesford that claimed the lives of five people, the disappearance and murder of a mother-of-three, and a murder-suicide involving a mother of five. The community is reeling from these events, with local officials expressing concern about the impact on the region’s economy.
Hepburn Shire Mayor Brian Hood stated that the town of Clunes, with a population of fewer than 2000 people, has been deeply affected by the recent tragedies. The mayor, who has been living in a nearby town for seven years, emphasized the cumulative effect of these events on the community. He expressed hope that the recent death at a wellness center in Clunes would not have a negative economic impact on the region, as it has been slowly recovering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The mayor described Clunes as a farming community with popular wellness retreats spreading across the shire.
Clunes is known for its historic streetscape that resembles something out of a Wild West film, with heritage buildings dating back to the Gold Rush era. The town’s main street features a pub, bakery, and bookshops, and has been used as a filming location for movies like Mad Max and Ned Kelly. While Clunes is not as well-known as nearby Daylesford for its alternative lifestyle offerings, it does have a growing arts community and wellness retreats like Soul Barn, where a recent tragic event occurred. Bathing in the mineral springs of Hepburn Shire has long been associated with health and healing retreats in the region.
Wellness events at places like Soul Barn are designed to improve physical and mental well-being, according to Dr. Ian Musgrave, a molecular pharmacologist. These events can vary in nature, from vegetarian or vegan diets to the use of mind-altering substances. However, it is not suggested that the recent event at Soul Barn involved the use of such substances. The retreat center released a statement distancing itself from the event and expressing deep sorrow and shock over the incident. Mayor Hood expressed disbelief over the deaths of the two women connected to Clunes and acknowledged the impact it will have on the community.
Despite the recent tragedies, Clunes remains a close-knit community with a rich history and cultural heritage. The town prides itself on its annual Booktown festival, which attracts many visitors each year. However, in the wake of these events, residents will need support to cope with the losses and trauma experienced in their community. The mayor highlighted the resilience of Clunes and its residents, who will likely come together to support one another during this difficult time. If anyone needs support, they are encouraged to reach out to organizations like Lifeline for help.
