The alternative health centre where a Kiwi-born Melbourne woman died from a suspected mushroom poisoning says it is devastated by the "tragic incident".
Rachael Dixon, 53, died on the weekend after consuming a mushroom drink at a health retreat in the town of Clunes. The personal trainer is originally from Southland, according to her Facebook account.
She became sick a short time later and emergency services were called but she died early on Sunday
Now the holistic retreat she became unwell at Soul Barn has spoken out. Soul Barn describes itself as a " creative wellbeing centre" that specialises in holistic and alternative practices.
In a statement on Thursday, it said the event Dixon attended wasn't run by the centre or facilitated by any of its staff.
"Soul Barn hires out workshop (spaces) to external businesses and facilitators," it said in a statement to 7News.
"The event which took place on April 13 was a private event, and those facilitating the event do not work for or represent Soul Barn in any way.
"None of our regular therapists staff or facilitators were present at any point during this event.
"We share the shock and devastation of everyone involved, and our hearts are with those families affected."
Two other people believed to have consumed the mushroom drink were also hospitalised.
Dixon's sister, Penny Muller-Dixon, paid tribute to her sibling on social media earlier in the week.
"Words cannot express the heartbreak we are all feeling," she wrote on a Facebook post by Dixon's son, Matthew Mountain.
"Matthew, your NZ family love you - we will see you soon."
According to Dixon's Facebook profile, she was originally from Southland. Some of her family members still lived in the region.
