Donald Community United at Public Meeting

A community meeting was held at the Donald Memorial Hall on Monday night, July 20, jointly arranged by Victoria Police, Donald 2000, Buloke Shire Council and community support agencies regarding the recent death of Layla Jeffery and the ongoing investigation.

The purpose of the meeting was to provide factual information, explain the support available and answer general questions where appropriate.

The hall was just about filled to capacity, with Police, Red Cross volunteers, chaplains from Victorian Council of Churches Emergency Ministries, headspace and Lifeline support workers lining the walls of the building. Members of the community filled the seated areas, with Layla’s family and friends present, seated front and centre.

Respect and support were the focus as Buloke Shire Council Mayor Graeme Milne opened the meeting, first acknowledging Layla’s family and friends before holding a minute’s silence with the entire hall standing in her honour.

The Mayor then went on to thank his fellow councillors who were present, along with MP Gaelle Broad and Donald 2000’s Jodie Hollis and Ange Donnellon, for their assistance in facilitating the night, as well as the many others involved in bringing so many support services together for the community.

Cr. Milne introduced the panel of speakers which included Victoria Police’s Western Region Division 6 Superintendent Brett Sampson; Local Area Commander for Swan Hill, Gannawarra and Buloke, Inspector Barry Gray; and Missing Persons Squad Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan. Representing Lifeline Loddon Mallee was Cath Metcalfe, along with Kate Waterworth from headspace.

Buloke Shire Council CEO Daniel McLoughlin explained the meeting rules, which discouraged any disrespectful behaviour or conduct. None in attendance appeared to have such ideas; everyone seemed to be there to support one another at a time of loss.

A “frequently asked questions” sheet provided the platform for discussion, with speakers answering questions related to their specialist areas.

Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan addressed the assembly, explaining that, taking into consideration the age of the accused and the ongoing investigation to build a case against him, very little information will be available. He said it will take some time before the matter is finalised, and reminded the community that while any substantial information would be welcomed and should be passed on to Police, gossip and rumours could have a significant impact on Layla’s family and the overall case.

To protect the integrity of the investigation, many of the questions were unable to be answered, but several key messages were reinforced throughout the evening.

Superintendant Brett Sampson advised the community that a police presence will remain in Donald for perhaps a couple of months while the investigation remains active. He assured the public there are no further safety issues Police are aware of, the accused remains in custody, and officers are here to collect evidence, support the community and provide reassurance. In fact, many of the police currently in the district volunteered to be here, including a number of former locals returning to their hometown to show their support and offer a familiar face.

Lifeline Loddon Mallee’s Cath Metcalfe spoke about some of the emotions people might be feeling. Anger, for example, is a common emotional response to events such as these. She explained that anger is an informational emotion, not one that should be used to fuel action. Rather, it informs us that something is wrong – which we already know. Something has happened that is deeply conflicting to our souls. She encouraged people to stop and “take a breath”, reminding those present that everyone processes grief differently. We all need to pause, process and, when we’re ready, reach out for support.

Kate Waterworth from headspace acknowledged the difficult conversations parents are having with their children. She said there is no perfect way to have these conversations. The advice is to ask your child what they already know, gently correct misinformation, use simple, age-appropriate language, reassure them they are safe and supported, answer questions honestly and continue checking in with them.

That advice could, in fact, be relevant to the entire community: keep checking in with each other, and be kind and gentle with one another through this difficult time. If support is needed, Lifeline and headspace staff are available to speak with at the Donald Learning Centre.

Following the frequently asked questions, the panel opened the floor to questions from the public. There was a definite hesitation before the silence was broken by Layla’s grandfather approaching the microphone. His grief was felt across the hall as he conveyed his gratitude to the community for its support.

The Donald community has always been known for its support, and there is little doubt Layla’s family, friends and the wider community will continue to lean on one another in the weeks and months ahead.