A woman from Gunnedah is facing a murder charge after the death of her four-year-old son at a home in Wyong, on the NSW Central Coast, at the weekend.
The 32 year old woman is understood to have moved from Gunnedah to the Central Coast in search of a fresh start, away from a violent relationship and other difficulties.
A source close to the large local family said they were distraught by the turn of events, and had asked for privacy while they grieved.
Police attended the Wyong property on Saturday after the woman presented at the local police station, prompting a welfare check. Officers who searched the unit found her son’s body.
Superintendent Chad Gillies said welfare concerns were raised after the woman spoke with officers at the station.
“Through those conversations, police formed genuine concerns and that’s what triggered our response,” he said.
Investigators believe the boy lived alone at the unit with his mother. Supt Gillies said she was known to police and that detectives were not looking for anyone else in relation to his death.
“Whenever a child is a victim of violent crime and whenever a child is allegedly murdered, it strikes at the core of community,” he said
The woman, whose identity has been confirmed, was charged on Sunday with domestic violence-related murder. Her lawyer, Neusha Ghahreman, did not apply for bail, and She did not appear in court during a brief hearing. The case has been adjourned until 1 September.
NSW Minister for Communities and Families Kate Washington announced on Monday that the Department of Communities and Justice would face an independent review over its handling of the case, to be led by former NSW Children’s Court president Peter Johnstone.
Ms Washington confirmed the department had received and responded to a number of reports relating to the family, the most recent 18 months ago.
“There are many people across New South Wales today who are asking how this has happened, and whether or not more could have been done to protect this child,” she said.
“My heart goes out to family, loved ones and, and this little boy’s community.”
Ms Washington said there were “many complexities” in the case. The review will examine whether it was appropriate the boy remained in his mother’s care after safety reports were made, along with her drug use and mental health issues. She said she hoped the review would report by the end of 2026.
NSW opposition families and communities spokesperson Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the case raised serious concerns about the child protection system.
“My thoughts are with the child’s family, loved ones and everyone in the community affected by this unimaginable loss. This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” she said.
“The people of NSW deserve transparency, an independent review into this case, and a clear plan to strengthen frontline child protection services before another tragedy occurs.”
Ms Maclaren-Jones pointed to chronic understaffing and unsustainable workloads for frontline staff as ongoing issues in the system.
Dozens of people gathered at Wyong Pools on Monday afternoon for a community vigil, leaving flowers, a teddy bear and a small blue unicorn in tribute.
Organiser Haylee Elizabeth Dickinson said she did not know the family but had grown up close to where the boy lived and wanted to give the community a chance to pay their respects.
“As a mother and as speaking for every other member in the community I know for a fact that this has absolutely shattered a lot of people,” she said.
“Rest in peace, beautiful boy. You’ve left a mark on every single member of this community.”
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