‘We need answers’: Rachael Dixon’s parents claim their daughter was ‘preyed’ upon at Clunes health retreat

Rachael Dixon’s grieving parents have spoken for the first time since their daughter’s death, alleging a trusted friend took advantage of her at a health retreat in regional Victoria.

The grieving parents of a personal trainer who died after allegedly consuming magic mushrooms claim their vulnerable daughter was “preyed” upon by a friend at a Clunes health retreat.

Rachael Dixon suffered a cardiac arrest after she allegedly ingested a psychedelic drink at an alternative health centre in April last year.

It is understood the Ringwood mother attended the overnight retreat at Soul Barn to help improve her mental health.

The private event was hosted by self-proclaimed healer and mentor Deanne Mathews who allegedly supplied the drink to participants under the guise it would allow them “go back in time” and “mend their past traumas”.

Rachael Dixon moved to Melbourne when she was in her 20s. Picture: Supplied

Speaking from their New Zealand home for the first time since the tragedy, Rachael’s devastated parents Paula and Rob Dixon and sister Penny Dixon claim Deanne took advantage of her.

“My sister didn’t recreationally take drugs,” Penny said.

“She trusted this woman to help her heal. She had known her for seven years.”

It is believed Rachael, who moved to Melbourne in her 20s, became friends with Deanne while attending other retreats throughout the years.

Rachael with her parents and siblings.

Rachael and her son Matthew. Picture: Supplied

The allegation comes as Deanne was set to face Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after she was charged with drug trafficking this month.

Her hearing was adjourned to March 12.

Victoria Police said detectives allegedly found evidence against Deanne during their nine-month probe into Rachael’s death.

But despite an autopsy, the 53-year-old’s cause of death remains undetermined.

Paula said her family were frustrated no charges had been laid over her daughter’s death.

“We’re full of anger. We need answers, we’ve got nothing,” she said.

Rachael was a dedicated personal trainer and myotherapist. Picture: Supplied

Paula said the Clunes retreat was going to be her daughter’s last one as she had “healed herself”.

“It’s shattered all of us. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t have tears,” she said.

“The littlest thing comes up and Rachael comes to your mind. I can’t help but cry.

“It’s just unbelievable that this has happened.”

Despite being charged with drug trafficking, Deanne’s “healing sessions” could still be booked on her website on Thursday.

“This woman has continued to run her business,” Penny said.

“Our lives have basically stopped and yet she can carry on. How is that fair?”

Rachael Dixon and her mother Paula Dixon. Picture: Supplied

Rachael and Deanne had been friends for seven years. Picture: Supplied

A Health Complaints Commissioner spokesman was unable to confirm whether Deanne had been placed under any prohibition orders.

“Under our regulatory legislation we are not permitted to disclose any identifying information regarding a complaint, nor information gained in the course of an investigation, except in exceptional circumstances as deemed appropriate by the commissioner,” he said.

“The legislation also prohibits us from disclosing any information in relation to prohibition orders other than what is published on our website.”

Penny urged the Victorian government to crackdown on health retreats.

“More must be done so no one else has to die like my sister did,” she said.

“We love and miss her every single day. It’s just such a huge loss for a life that shouldn’t have been taken.”

Originally published as ‘We need answers’: Rachael Dixon’s parents claim their daughter was ‘preyed’ upon at Clunes health retreat