Tributes for beloved Quambatook grandmother Merril Kelly as accused killer Brian Barnes fronts court

A town stalwart allegedly murdered in the small Mallee community of Quambatook has been remembered as an “amazing person” as the man accused of the brutal killing fronted a court in Bendigo.

Brian Barnes (right) has been accused of murdering Merril Kelly at Quambatook.

A woman allegedly murdered in the small Mallee town of Quambatook has been remembered as an “amazing person”.

Tributes have flowed in for town stalwart Merril Kelly who was well known for her charity and volunteering work in the small, close knit community.

The mourning over the loss of Ms Kelly — whose body was allegedly found at an old cemetery amid a grass fire — came as police told a court the DNA of accused killer and Quambatook man Brian Barnes is needed to determine a possible murder weapon.

Quambatook locals and others touched by Ms Kelly, who is understood to have recently become a grandmother, posted on Facebook her death was a “huge loss for the town”.

“As a past resident of Quamby, I extend my sympathy to the whole town on the shocking loss of an amazing person,” one person posted.

Ms Kelly was well known for her charity and volunteering work. Picture: Supplied

Quambatook has been left shocked by the death of Ms Kelly. Picture: Supplied

Northern District Community Health also shared a heartfelt post on the loss of their “life member”.

“Northern District Community Health is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of a beloved Life Member, community leader and friend,” they wrote.

“Our deepest condolences are with the family, as they are also with the people of Quambatook.

“Her loss has shaken the community.”

Ms Kelly was secretary of the Quambatook Community Development Association, secretary and treasurer of the Quambatook Amity Club, a friendship organisation, and an organiser at the town’s swimming pool.

Brian Barnes has been charged with murder. Picture: Instagram

At Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Thursday police said they needed access to Mr Barnes’ DNA in order to compare it to a possible murder weapon used in the killing that rocked the tiny town of Quambatook this week.

Mr Barnes, 67, has been charged with one count of murder.

The court heard there was forensic evidence from the alleged murder weapon that needed to be analysed, with police seeking the court’s permission to use DNA taken from the accused killer.

The defence opposed the application, arguing the police did not have enough evidence to prove Mr Barnes was the alleged killer.

They also asked for an adjournment of the application for Mr Barnes to have an opportunity to be informed of the case against him for “procedural fairness”.

Mr Barnes appeared in the dock, and was remanded in custody to reappear in court in April.

The defence also told the court it was Mr Barnes’s first time in custody, and that he required blood pressure medication.

Quambatook’s population stands at about 230. Picture: Supplied

The tiny Mallee community was left reeling after a body was found by emergency services called to a grass fire on Tuesday morning.

The body was found when local firefighters attacked the fire near the Quambatook Cemetery about 6.30am.

Barnes was arrested for the alleged murder without incident on Wednesday morning in the Welshmans Reef area.

The small town has been rocked by Ms Kelly’s death, with an upcoming Australia Day event cancelled and the Quambatook Bowls Club holding a gathering for the community to come and mourn together.

Local Chelle Espagne took to Facebook to thank emergency services for the capture of the alleged murderer.

“The quick response of the Victoria Police yesterday morning and the swiftness and professionalism you all showed as you dealt with this tragic event was unparalleled,” she wrote.

“Thank you to the Victorian Police for your exceptional service.

“Your actions have brought a sense of hope and justice to a grieving community, and for that, we are immensely thankful.”

Originally published as Tributes for beloved Quambatook grandmother Merril Kelly as accused killer Brian Barnes fronts court