The ABC has reported that several women have come forward alleging sexual assaults and harassment on walking tracks near Daylesford, including areas in the Wombat State Forest and Hepburn Regional Park.

According to the ABC, the reports emerged after a solo hiker, Sarah Gibbs, said she was assaulted by a man while walking the Goldfields Track late last year. She alleged the man approached her near Lake Daylesford, touched her hair and hand, used sexually explicit language, and attempted to lead her off the track.

Ms Gibbs said she escaped by encouraging the man to walk towards a nearby campsite, then running away and contacting police. She later posted about the incident on social media, prompting a number of women to contact her with similar stories.

The ABC reported that a Daylesford shop owner said a man matching the same description had previously assaulted a woman outside her store, and that her daughter had also been harassed by a similar individual in the town’s main street.

Victoria Police told the ABC it had conducted a “thorough investigation” into Ms Gibbs’s report but said no criminal offence had been detected. A senior police officer phoned Ms Gibbs in following days to check on her welfare and offer support.

Sexual-violence researcher Dr Bianca Fileborn told the ABC the case highlighted the need for earlier intervention when harassment is reported, before behaviour escalates into more serious crimes.

The ABC also reported that the Victorian government recently passed reforms aimed at strengthening women’s safety, including changes to stalking laws and a new study into high-risk and repeat perpetrators.

Great Dividing Trail Association president Tim Bach said the incidents were concerning but should not deter people from enjoying the region’s tracks.

“I’m very sorry that this young woman had this distressing experience. In a perfect world, this type of incident wouldn’t happen. But the local community is only too familiar with recent incidents like the Samantha Murphy disappearance and the Sissy Austin assault. Sadly, in the world we live in, women are more vulnerable to this type of attack than men.”

Mr Bach praised Ms Gibbs for her resourcefulness and bravery in the confronting situation and he urged people to be sensible when venturing into the outdoors on their own. ” Solo hiking trips can be transformative experiences,” he said, “but it’s important to take sensible precautions, especially if you’re walking alone in more remote areas.”

“Solo hikers are exposed to numerous dangers in wilderness areas including debilitating illness and serious accidents. At this time of year, extreme weather, bushfire risk, snakebite and scarce supplies of water are added risks. It’s important to be prepared for all eventualities.”

Sections of the Goldfields Track are closed on Total Fire Ban days and state and national parks are closed on catastrophic fire danger days. The Goldfields Track over Leanganook / Mt Alexander is currently closed because of the Harcourt fires on January 9.

Mr Bach recommended that walkers carry a mobile phone with GPS capability and a charger and also carry an EPIRB because many sectors of the Goldfields Track and other hiking trails in the area do not have mobile coverage. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Stick to well-used and well marked tracks.

Support services

Anyone who experiences or witnesses threatening or assaultive behaviour should contact police on 000 in an emergency, or report non-urgent matters to their local police station or through Policelink on 131 444.

Support is also available through:

  • 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
  • Safe Steps (1800 015 188) – Victoria’s 24-hour family violence response centre