WorkSafe, police investigating death of Shire of Mingenew worker

A Mid West council worker who died while refilling a water truck was found in a dam by a family member, as authorities investigate the shocking workplace death. Police and WorkSafe are examining the circumstances surrounding the 44-year-old woman’s death on Wednesday afternoon. It’s understood the woman, who worked for the Shire of Mingenew, was filling a water truck at a dam on Switchback Road. A police spokesman confirmed the woman was found “in the water” and discovered by a relative. Officers attended the scene at 2.40pm, and attempts to revive her were unsuccessful. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances and they will prepare a report for the coroner. It’s understood the woman’s partner also works at the Shire, but it is not clear if he was the family member who found her. A WorkSafe spokeswoman said initial reports indicated an object had fallen into the dam and the worker had gone in to try to retrieve it. Her cause of death is still unknown. In a statement posted online on Thursday, Shire CEO Nils Hay said the council was mourning the “terrible loss of one of our team”. “Our deepest condolences are with their family and loved ones at this time,” he said. “The matter was promptly reported to the relevant authorities and we will be assisting with any resulting investigation to determine the cause of this tragic event and ensure it cannot be repeated. “We are quite a small team, and a close team; this tragedy has impacted us all, and its effects will be felt well into the future.” The council offices in Mingenew, about 110km south-east of Geraldton, were closed on Thursday. Locals remained quiet about the tragedy, but it seemed clear the shocking incident had left the small farming community reeling.