A 39-year-old Foster man suffered a medical episode and died outside the Foster IGA Supermarket on the corner of Main Street and Station Road late on Wednesday afternoon July 20, 2022, following an incident with another man.
Emergency services, including Victoria Police and Rural Ambulance Victoria, were called to Main Street soon after 5.30 pm after reports of two men fighting were received.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics treated the man at the scene, but he later died.
A 43-year-old Foster man was arrested by police, but later released after being interviewed, and is currently assisting investigators with their enquiries.
Melbourne-based Victoria Police Homicide Squad detectives arrived in Foster to look into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The investigators believe those involved were known to each other.
Local Victoria Police officers were assisted at the scene and on subsequent days by colleagues from the Wonthaggi Crime Investigation Unit and from the La Trobe Valley.
Members of the Victoria State Emergency Service Foster Unit also attended the scene to help police last Wednesday.
The supermarket was closed just before 6 pm after the customers who were inside at the time were escorted out and away from the building.
Traffic was diverted around the Main Street and Station Road intersection for several hours.
Foster Police Acting Sergeant Anthony Wilson thanked all of the emergency services personnel for their contributions during the incident.
“I would also like to acknowledge the assistance given at the scene by local health professionals, including a general practitioner and nurses,” he said.
“My fellow police officers urge any member of the Corner Inlet community who may be feeling the effects of this incident to please contact us here at the Foster Police Station.
“We can arrange for counselling services to be made available to local people; for example, for those who may have actually witnessed what happened last Wednesday evening,” Acting Sgt Wilson said.
“We know that a number of people did see the incident in the street and outside the supermarket, and we encourage everyone to seek support either through the Victoria Police or through local health or community services if required.
“This is a small community, a tight-knit community, and at times like this we need to stick together,” he said.
“Local police officers will be going to schools to talk with the students, and we’ll be out and about in Foster chatting with people.
“The welfare of our community is important to us so do approach us in the street or call in at the Police Station.”
Contact Foster Police at the Police Station at 69 Main Street, telephone 5682 2407, then press 2 to speak to an officer at the Foster station.
A Foster SES spokesman said “our members were called to assist Victoria Police at a sensitive scene.
“Our hearts go out to the family and anyone involved or witness to last Wednesday night’s incident.”
Echoing Acting Sgt Wilson, the Foster SES spokesman said “we are a small and close community and events like these can send shockwaves throughout.
“If you or a loved one has been affected by this incident, there are a number of support services available. It’s okay not to be okay, and there’s no shame in seeking help.”
Foster Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Shelley Brewer said, “many of you may have heard about a very sad incident resulting in the death of a local man in our main street.
“Our thoughts go out to those involved,” she said.
“We have received a call from the South Gippsland Shire asking how Foster is reacting to the death and whether we needed any support,” Ms Brewer said.
“If you know of someone in need of support relating to this incident please reach out to the Chamber, which is actively liaising with the Shire and will be able to let people know what help can be provided.”Contact Foster Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Shelley Brewer via text to 0409 437 790.
Other always available support services include:
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 or www.mensline.org.au
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au
- headspace: 1800 650 890 or wwww.headspace.org.au
- SANE Forums: 1800 187 263 or www.saneforums.org
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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