General News
7 January, 2026
Public urged to help solve corella poisoning case
Eight months after hundreds of corellas were fatally poisoned along the Wimmera River, investigators are urging the public to come forward with information.
The Conservation Regulator initiated an investigation on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, following the discovery of more than 50 deceased birds.
That number later rose to 300.
The corellas, protected under Victoria's Wildlife Act 1975, died from internal bleeding after ingesting poisoned grain.
Investigators now seek information about a push-along seed dispenser, commonly used for lawn seed or fertiliser on ovals, seen near the river in the days before the incident.
Brian Hamer, Conservation Regulator’s Grampians region manager, said the right information could be critical to moving the case forward.
“We’ve advanced the investigation to the point where a single tip-off from the public – with the right information – could be critical to progressing the outcome of this case,” he said.
“We need the community’s help to prevent something like this from happening again.
“The missing piece of the puzzle may be something someone has seen or overheard, and it could be the information that solves the case, allowing us to charge those responsible for this crime.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Reports can be made anonymously.
The Conservation Regulator protects Victoria’s wildlife by identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals responsible for wildlife crimes.
Community calls to Crime Stoppers play an essential role in this process.
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