Solo Hiker's Alleged Assault Triggers Community Outcry and Police Re-evaluation

Sarah Gibbs, a 30-year-old psychology student, embarked on her inaugural multi-night solo hike on the 210-kilometer Goldfields Track, stretching from Bendigo to Ballarat in Victoria. Her journey began with a clear purpose: to encourage other young women to undertake similar treks.

The Encounter on the Track

On January 27, while navigating a single-lane track near Daylesford, Gibbs reported a disturbing encounter with a man. She stated that the man approached her, initiated questions, and subsequently engaged in inappropriate physical contact: he placed his hand on her thigh, touched her hair, and grabbed her hand. Gibbs also reported that the man used sexually explicit language. She managed to record some of this interaction with her camera. Following the encounter, Gibbs altered her route, heading towards Lake Daylesford, and left the area when the man paused at a campsite.

Gibbs reported a man approached her, asked questions, placed his hand on her thigh, touched her hair, grabbed her hand, and used sexually explicit language, some of which she recorded.

Initial Police Response and Mounting Public Concern

Gibbs promptly contacted the police, providing an image of the man and indicating he was still in the vicinity. An officer reportedly met her approximately three hours later outside a pub, where he viewed her footage but did not take a formal statement. Gibbs reported the officer advised her, "There’s not much we can do. Keep your wits about you and if you see him again on the track, call us back."

Following this interaction, Gibbs shared her experience on a local Daylesford Facebook page. This post quickly garnered significant media attention, prompting other women to come forward with reports of similar encounters. Daylesford shop owner Jo Sheppard also reported an alleged assault by a man matching the description, along with harassment of her daughter.

Victoria Police initially issued a statement on February 12, indicating that a thorough investigation into Gibbs’ incident had been conducted and no offense was detected. This statement contributed significantly to public dissatisfaction and skepticism regarding the police's handling of the matter.

Community Mobilizes, Investigation Reopened

The initial police response deeply concerned Daylesford resident Tessa Gardiner, who subsequently announced plans to establish a private local Facebook group. The group's aim was to provide a platform for women to share safety information and support each other. Liv Brown, another local, offered to assist Gardiner in this initiative.

Sissy Austin, a survivor of a 2023 attack in Lal Lal State Forest, invited Gibbs to speak at a local rally held on February 15, as part of her national movement, 'Take Back the Track.' The event also featured speeches from Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Hayden. Minister Thomas emphasized that women should feel safe in their environment, while Mayor Hayden commented that Gibbs had been failed by local authorities.

On Friday, subsequent to the rally, Gibbs was invited to provide a formal police statement, which she did in Ballarat. A Victoria Police spokesman subsequently issued a new statement, confirming that an active and ongoing investigation was now underway, revising their original position. The incident details have been recorded for local police awareness.

Victoria Police has revised its original position, now confirming an active and ongoing investigation into the incident reported by Sarah Gibbs.