Makia McLaughlin, daughter of David Gulpilil, allowed to return home on bail

The daughter of a beloved Australian actor who allegedly threw a brick at her neighbour has been allowed to return home under strict bail conditions.

Makia Mclaughlin (right) with her father, the late Australian actor, David Gulpilil. Source: Gofundme

The daughter of late Australian actor David Gulpilil who allegedly threw a brick at her neighbour has been allowed to return home after more than a month behind bars.

Makia McLaughlin, a Yolngu/Yorta Yorta woman, who was previously diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, can return to her Collingwood home on bail after being locked up for allegedly hitting a woman with a metal pole during an attempted robbery.

She also allegedly stole alcohol from a Fitzroy bottle shop and allegedly threw a glass bottle and a brick at a neighbour — which was caught on camera.

Makia Mclaughlin appeared at the Victorian Supreme Court on Tuesday Source: Facebook

McLaughlin applied for bail at the Supreme Court on Tuesday — appearing via video link from custody — two weeks after her initial application was denied at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

On Tuesday her lawyer Matthew Cramer submitted that a plan for her to access the appropriate support services while on bail like the neighbourhood justice centre — which was within walking distance from her home — had been organised.

He said the “protective elements” to the bail conditions proposed — which included attending mental health wellbeing sessions — helped mitigate risks of re-offending.

“We have a proposed plan and she doesn’t want to be overwhelmed by services but she understands the importance of engaging with them,” he said.

But in opposition to bail counsel for the respondent Lauren Gurry said similar protections were “in place” during the alleged offending and that risks of re-offending were “too high at present”.

Mr Cramer said McLaughlin was a “desendant of the stolen generation” and found it “very difficult” to talk about her upbringing and family.

“Our material also establishes she went through 20 different foster placements through her childhood and has been homeless for a great deal of her adult life,” he said.

Makia Mclaughlin with her father, the late Australian actor, David Gulpilil. Source: Gofundme page

The court heard McLaughlin had “stable accomodation” to return to and a “strong desire” to reconnect with her children during Christmas.

While Justice Rita Incerti described the alleged incident as “terrifying” for the victims, she granted McLaughlin bail under the conditions submitted.

“I’ve seen the footage and it’s important that you understand … it’s frightening to have someone come at you with a pole and throw bricks at you and behave the way you did,” Her Honour said, speaking to McLaughlin.

“Having said that, I’ve got a lot of material before me about different programs and support services available.

“I understand you’ve been in remand for a month and a bit which is a long time to think about things.

“I’m of the view that bail ought to be granted and in fact the best way to protect the community and yourself from further offences is by putting in place support services to assist you.

“I think the plan proposed is a sensible one.”

McLaughlin will return to court for committal mention on January 10, 2025.