While Daylesford has a well-known reputation for being welcoming to outsiders, especially LGBTQI+ visitors, an alleged weekend assault has left one gay couple seriously hurt and shaken.
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Brett and his partner expected a relaxing weekend in Spa Country when they visited Daylesford at the weekend but it all went horribly wrong in Howe Street, Daylesford, on Saturday night.
Brett, who asked not to use his full name, said he and his partner began their evening at the Daylesford Hotel before they headed over to the Spa Bar to see a live band.
It was when they went outside for a cigarette that the incident which has shaken them to the core occurred.
Brett said he and his partner were keeping to themselves when they were accused of staring at a group of men.
Brett is upset, not only because he, his partner and a man who came to their aid were injured, but because he did not expect to be assaulted in a place which is known to be so welcoming to LGBTQI+ people.
Brett’s partner received a deep cut to the bridge of his nose, while he now has a loose front tooth, which he hopes can be salvaged. But it was the man who came to their aid that copped the real brunt of the violence. He was taken away by ambulance due to bleeding from his ears.
Brett said he had travelled to Daylesford to celebrate ChillOut Festival a number of times.
“It’s really put the wind out of our sails. We really weren’t expecting this to happen in Daylesford,” he said.
“It just goes to show that one must always keep one eye open.”
Brett is still processing the incident but said he was equal parts horrified and livid.
“There may be an element of the town that isn’t as welcoming as the rest… If so, we need to make moves to mitigate it if people are going to continue coming up thinking they are safe and can be themselves.”
Daylesford Police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information relating to the incident outside the popular live music venue, the Spa Bar at around 8pm.
It’s really put the wind out of our sails. We really weren’t expecting this to happen in Daylesford.
- Brett
Police interviewed three people, before charging two men – one from Melton and one from Shepherd’s Flat – with assault.
A spokesperson from Daylesford Police said they were investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the violence.
The spokesperson said the police were seeking witnesses who assisted the victims after the incident, as well as passersby who may have taken video footage which could assist their investigation.
The charged men will appear in court in December.
