Clunes wellness retreat Soul Barn reopens after suspected mushroom death

A wellness retreat where a woman died from suspected magic mushrooms has reopened its doors to guests a month after the tragedy.

A regional wellness centre where a Melbourne mum died after consuming a drink believed to contain magic mushrooms at a private event is set to reopen.

Clunes creative wellbeing centre Soul Barn has announced it will resume business “next weekend”.

The centre has been closed since the tragic death Rachael Dixon, 53, last month.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Soul Barn owner and founder Michelle Mullins announced the centre’s reopening and thanked the Clunes community for its “support … in the face of tragedy”.

Rachael Dixon died after consuming a drink believed to contain magic mushrooms at a private event at the centre. Picture: Supplied

“I wanted to take this opportunity to express how grateful I am for all the love, encouragement and support that I’ve received from so many beautiful people here in Clunes and surrounds as well as my personal friends old and new, family, soul barn followers, clients and the wider community over the past month,” the statement said.

The Soul Barn has been closed since last month’s tragedy. Picture: Ian Wilson

“I want you all to know … that in the face of all the tragedy and chaos that all of your support has played a huge part in keeping me sane and reminding me that Soul Barn is a special place with an extraordinary community. I value beyond words the love and strength from this little town and how strong we are united … Clunes has the heart and strength to protect and defend their own in a way I’ve never known and that has given me strength to stand strong to get back up.

“Soul Barn will be back with an open day next weekend to show my appreciation and love to all who feel like stopping by. We will chat, hug, share some refreshments and just hang out.”

Ms Dixon went into cardiac arrest on April 13 after allegedly drinking a hallucinogenic concoction at a private event, with the Soul Barn venue hired by the group hosting.

At the time Soul Barn released a statement saying none of its workers facilitated the event.

“Soul Barn hires out workshop space to external businesses and facilitators. The event which took place on April 13th was a private event, and those facilitating the event do not work for or represent Soul Barn in any way,” Soul Barn posted at the time.

“None of our regular therapists, staff or facilitators were present at any point during this event.”

An autopsy into Ms Dixon’s death was conducted with the cause of death “unknown”.