They also paid tribute to the pair as strong contributors to the community.

Robert Vance, a councillor and former mayor of the Pyrenees Shire Council, said he had known Doug and John Streeter all his life.

“I’ve known the boys through their farming. They were genuinely good people.”

Mr Vance said Doug lived in Avoca and was heavily involved in that community, through the RSL, senior citizens group and sporting bodies.

“Both were fine upright citizens; how you make sense of this I have no idea,” he said.

The whole community would be feeling for the family, Mr Vance said. “How could you imagine anything like this in a small rural community?” he said

Mr Vance said hoped to pay his respects to the family and that his thoughts were with them.

Avoca RSL president Tim Bradley said Doug Streeter was a dedicated and long-time member.

“He used to deliver a presentation every ANZAC day at dawn service. I only spoke to him last week about doing it this year,” he said.

Doug Streeter’s father had served in World War II, said Mr Bradley. He said the whole community would be hurting.

“Regardless of who it is in the community, it’s a tough day. He was one of life’s gentlemen.” 

Alan Mills, president of the Natte Bealiba Football Netball Club, said John Streeter had been a huge part of the club. The club is based in Natte Yallock.

“He was a life member of the footy club, his father was a founding member,” he said.

Contributions by John Streeter to the club included working on the gate and acting as a timekeeper for the reserves.

“He never missed a working bee. He was always there at 8.30am on the dot, every home game,” he said. 

“The club is very shock-

ed at the moment. We’re in a state of disbelief really.”

  A relative in Avoca yesterday morning said the family was waiting for information; just like everybody else.

“The homicide squad said not to say any-

thing and we don’t really

know any of the circum-stances,” they said.

A farmer, whose land bordered the Streeters’, said locals who gathered to discuss the news on Thursday night were stunned.

“It’s just so strange. Totally strange,” the farmer said. “It’s a mystery. Even the police aren’t saying anything.”

Staff at stock agents Elders in Avoca said yesterday was an incredibly sad day for the community. One described the brothers as “utter gentlemen”.

At the Avoca Post Office, customers had been coming in all day, utterly shocked at the news.

Staff told The Courier some were in a “bad state”.

“I live around the corner from someone who knew them quite well, and they’re just shattered,” said one staff member.

“It’s a small place and lots of people knew them – it’s really quite sad.”

tom.cowie@fairfaxmedia.com.au