Police set to brief Donald locals about alleged child murder

Victoria Police has called a public meeting in the Wimmera town of Donald on Monday night, as the community continues to grapple with the alleged murder of 13-year-old Layla Jeffery.

The teen was last seen in Donald on July 4, prompting a large-scale search of the surrounding area.

Remains believed to be hers were found in bushland near the Donald police station days later.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder.

The meeting is intended to give residents of Donald, population 1400, a direct line to investigators and the information they have on the case.

Buloke Shire Council Mayor Graeme Milne said there was great concern within the community about the justice system, as well as their ongoing safety within the town.

He said the forum, to be held at 7pm in the Donald Memorial Hall on Monday, aimed to allay those concerns and provide support to the community more broadly.

Mr Milne said some rumours regarding the alleged 16-year-old offender, who cannot be identified due to his age, may have the potential to hinder the pursuit of justice.

"What we've got to be careful of here is that we don't jeopardise any potential prosecution, and we're just very mindful of the fact that some of the stuff we're hearing might not be quite right," Mr Milne said.

An officer at the Donald Police Station said the forum would be led by a senior detective from Melbourne.

Police presence remains strong

There is still a strong police presence in Donald, with officers conducting line searches by day and patrolling the streets by night.

"I would certainly hope that people see it [the police presence] as helpful [and] as backing up their need to feel safe,"

Mr Milne said.

"I would implore that they embrace the opportunity and thank police for being there at those times, and nights, to help them feel safe."

Mr Milne said many residents were disturbed by a string of recent crimes impacting north-west Victorian country towns.

"There's been the Ouyen [alleged murder] case and the Quambatook [murder] case in the wider district in recent times. People are just nervous that this type of thing is coming closer to small rural settlements, small rural towns," Mr Milne said.

"It was always on the news somewhere else [previously]."

'Stand together'

A local community group promoting community wellbeing, Donald 2000, has posted an invitation to the Monday event online, on behalf of the council.

It stated the forum was open to all community members.

"This meeting has been organised to provide community support and information regarding Layla Jeffrey," the post read.

"Counselling and support services will also be available for anyone in need.

"Please come along to hear important updates, access support services, and stand together as a community during this difficult time."

Mr Milne said the meeting would not be live-streamed due to concerns it may fuel rumours, conspiracy theories or malicious comments.

"It's a great opportunity for people to get their information direct from Victoria Police and the support agencies,"

he said.

The ABC asked Victoria Police what safeguards would be in place at the meeting so as not to hinder any court proceedings. It declined to comment.