Festival organisers break silence over patron’s death

UPDATE: Organisers of the Dragon Dreaming Festival have broken their silence over the death of a young patron during their event at Wee Jasper at the weekend.

Festival director Shane Russell issued a public statement expressing sympathy for the family this morning.

“Most importantly, we want to forward our condolences to family and friends of the deceased,” he said.

“The thoughts of all our staff and volunteers are with them during this extremely difficult time.

“Dragon Dreaming considers the safety of patrons a priority and we will continue to work closely with all authorities to determine exactly what happened in this situation,” said Mr. Russell.

He appealed to the media and community not to make assumptions about the cause of the young woman’s death.

Dragon Dreaming file photo 2014 www.dragondreaming.net

“This event relies on a close knit community of volunteers and patrons who are all saddened by the tragic loss of a precious young life,” said Mr. Russell.

Festival organisers say medical staff were on duty all weekend at the event and attended the incident, but that it was inappropriate for them to comment further while coronial investigations are ongoing.

“We also appeal to media to avoid speculation and respect the family’s privacy while the authorities conclude their work,” said Mr. Russell.

The dance party is a four-day music and arts festival in its eighth year of operation.

Dragon Dreaming file photo 2014 www.dragondreaming.net

Organisers pre-warned patrons on their website and in social media that there would be increased police presence within and around the event targeting drink drivers and illicit drugs.

“The NSW Police Force have stated their goal is a safe environment for both festival goers and the local community. Be aware the NSW police can prosecute persons identified as committing criminal offences,” they warned.

“Recently three members of our community had their lives cut short on their travel home. Through co-operation with the police, this is what we are hoping to avoid. Help the scene by being responsible on the roads.

“Note; Blow Me First is providing a drug and alcohol screening service at the exit gate of the festival for a small charge.”

But Superintendent Zoran Dzevlan told Scoop NSW Police would again submit objections to Yass Valley Council’s development application approval in light of the death.

His concerns related to the large number of drug detections officers had made at previous events.

More than 70 police officers attended this year’s event, reporting 78 drug detections, 20 positive random drug tests and three drug suppliers.

They found LSD, heroin, marijuana, amphetamines, ice and ecstasy at the event.

He said he will be urging Yass Valley Council to reconsider the five-year approval it granted last year.

“We are not in a position to stop the festival, all we can do is put forward a police submission in relation to any DA that goes forward,” he said.

Scoop has contacted Yass Valley Council for comment.

UPDATE: Yass Valley Council said they placed conditions on their approval of the DA which required event organisers to talk annually with police and paramedics about security and emergency management.

“Police outlined their concern about the Dragon Dreaming Festival to Yass Valley Council when the DA was originally received,” mayor Rowena Abbey said.

“Following consultation with police, council placed conditions of approval on the DA requiring the event organisers to negotiate annually with NSW Police and NSW Ambulance to ensure adequate cover for security and medical personnel, as well as emergency management procedures. These annual negotiations with police and ambulance are to be completed four weeks prior to the event.

She stressed the five-year approval was subject to annual review.

“While Yass Valley Council has approved a five-year DA it is subject to annual review, in consultation with the police,” she said.

“On behalf of Yass Valley Council, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of this young lady during this very sad and tragic time.”

See Scoop’s breaking story here.

A file photo of last year’s event. PHOTO: Orlando Sydney