In Korumburra, a small town in Victoria’s Gippsland region, the atmosphere is heavy with grief as residents process the aftermath of a harrowing case that drew international attention. On July 29, 2023, Erin Patterson invited her family — Don and Gail Patterson, her in-laws, and Heather Wilkinson, Gail’s sister — for a lunch that would turn deadly due to toxic mushrooms. Only Heather's husband Ian survived, after enduring a liver transplant and being placed in a coma.
Following a 10-week trial, Erin was convicted of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder, with the community still struggling to come to terms with the tragic incident. “It’s not easy when there’s so much attention on grief,” reflected local cattle farmer Nathan Hersey. He emphasized the importance of closure for the residents of Korumburra.
Don Patterson had been a beloved school teacher, and his loss reverberated through the town, impacting many who had fond memories of his mentorship. A heartfelt tribute was displayed at the local Baptist Church, celebrating the trio's kindness and faith.
This tragedy not only affected Korumburra but also nearby areas, such as Outtrim, where the prosecution hinted that the deadly mushrooms may have been foraged locally, impacting many families closely connected to the victims. “Everyone knows somebody affected by this,” one local resident noted, showing how deeply intertwined the community really is.
Meanwhile, Morwell, where the trial took place, has experienced a strange mix of increased business from curious visitors and a revival of long-standing community divisions regarding crime and justice. The attention this case drew had been unusual for such a quiet area, adding to the complexity of its emotional toll.
As Korumburra seeks to return to a sense of normalcy, there’s a shared desire to be remembered for the strength and support within the community rather than becoming defined solely by this tragic event.
