Police are investigating the possible DV death of mum-of-three Veronica Wellings

The heartbroken father of a woman whose partner has been arrested in relation to her death has spoken with pride about his daughter’s love of song and her children.

Veronica Wellings

The woman in a suspected domestic violence death in the Northern Territory’s Top End on Monday was long-term Darwin resident and mother-of-three Veronica Wellings.

Ms Wellings, 39, was a popular local figure, who had worked in remote communities across the Territory teaching music and arts, was a noted singer and music lover in her own right.

Ms Wellings had recently returned to the Top End from Alice Springs, where she had been in a safe house to escape domestic violence.

Her father Peter Wellings, a highly-regarded Indigenous policy adviser who has worked for NT and federal politicians including Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, said Veronica had returned to the Top End to access housing in Palmerston with her three children, aged under six.

Veronica Wellings

He said police were treating the matter “very seriously” and the family would wait for the outcome of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

About 9am yesterday police received reports of a seriously ill woman at a residence in Humpty Doo.

She was taken by paramedics to Royal Darwin Hospital in a critical condition, but later died.

A crime scene was established at the residence and a 39-year-old man, who police allege was known to the woman, was arrested.

Mr Wellings said his daughter had a passion for music and song, and her priority was always her children.

Veronica Wellings performing with Uncle Jack Charles and Archie Roach

“The greatest love in her life was music, singing in particular,” Mr Wellings said.

“She did a lot of work with young people in Jabiru and Kakadu making videos, singing.

“She was very lucky to have been offered the opportunity to join Archie Roach’s chorus line for the ‘Into the Bloodstream’ tour.

“One of my nicest memories will be seeing her on stage in Sydney and Parramatta with Archie Roach, and getting to know them.

“The other thing I’d say is even though she was in a very difficult situation, she put all her energy and strength into caring for her kids, trying to raise her kids in the best way she could, and they’re the memories I’ll have.”

Veronica Wellings in Tamworth.

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia contains a video of Veronica supporting Archie Roach during a 2013 appearance of RocKwiz.

Friend and former neighbour, Kylie Lindner, now Kakadu national park manager, paid tribute to her “dear sister”.

“There are no words to capture the numbness and heartbreak you’ve left behind. You were truly one of the most beautiful, elegant, and kind souls to ever grace the world.

“Your immense heart touched everyone - you gave selflessly, never hesitating to share even your last cent, always wanting to ensure others were taken care of.

“You were our very own Kakadu Mariah Carey Queen. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up alongside you, sharing some truly special times, happy and sad, as neighbours and best friends. You introduced me to the world of singing, and I am eternally grateful when you invited me to join you on stage as one of your backup singers with Uncle Archie Roach. That memory will always be cherished and held close to my heart.

“I’m sad we never got to sing one more time together. But will forever cherish our special memories.

Veronica Wellings

“Another link broken in our Jabiru sister chain.

“I hope you are now free from pain and reunited with your beautiful mum. Spread your wings, lovely angel and keep your soulful, songbird voice singing above us. I will always love you my sister and will miss you dearly, my heartfelt condolences to your babies, dad, sister and brothers and extended family and friends. Fly high sister VW.”

If her death is alleged to be domestic-violence related, Ms Wellings’ will be the third Territory woman to allegedly be killed by a male partner this year.

Earlier this month 39-year-old Christopher Dickson was charged with murder after his 41-year-old partner died in an alleged domestic violence attack.

In January, the body of a 51-year-old woman was found in an Alice Springs riverbed, which was the year’s first DV death.

In 2024, eight Aboriginal women died as a result of domestic violence in the Northern Territory between June and November. Almost 90 women have died in domestic violence incidents’ since 2000.