‘Terrible tragedy’: Golden Plains Shire town in shock after death of resident

A much-loved father with “the kindest heart” has been identified as the victim of a “terrible tragedy” on a rural Golden Plains property that has devastated the tight-knit town.

The O'Neils Lane property in Anakie, where a man died on Monday, February 20.

A small Golden Plains township is reeling after the tragic death of a much-loved father with “the kindest heart” on his rural property on Monday, with the loss described as a “terrible tragedy”.

The Anakie community was on Tuesday still coming to grips with the passing of resident Bob Woller, at his isolated O'Neils Lane residence.

The town, nestled between Geelong and Bacchus Marsh, has a population of about 730.

The man died at his property on O’Neils Lane (pictured). Photo: Chelsea Bunting.

Family friend Natasha Boreland said Mr Woller was an admired figure.

“Bob had the kindest heart and the most wicked sense of humour,” she said.

“My love goes out to his family.”

Resident and community volunteer Heather O’Shannessy said the incident “hits close to home” as the man was believed to be mowing his lawns when tragedy struck, a routine job that many people living in the small community regularly do.

“It’s a normal task that we all do … you read about these accidents but you don’t expect it to happen so close to you in your community,” she said.

“It was so sudden and a total accident, it’s just awful … it hits very close to home and you really feel sad for what the family is going through.”

Anakie Community House manager Ray Tucker said the tight-knit township was shocked by the “terrible tragedy”.

“It’s really sad,” he said.

“It is such a tight knit community.

“It is always bad when there is an accident in the town.”

Anakie general store manager Ruby said the death would have taken many people by surprise.

“It’s only a very small place,” she said.

Victoria Police were called to the home on Monday afternoon about 4pm after reports of a possible ride-on mower incident.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Originally published as ‘Terrible tragedy’: Golden Plains Shire town in shock after death of resident