Indigenous mother found dead in Melbourne’s east
An Indigenous mother found dead in her Melbourne home has been remembered as a beautiful soul who always hoped for a better life for herself and her three children.
Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation after Belinda Nicholls’ body was found at a house on the Mountain Highway near Dorset Road in Bayswater in Melbourne’s outer east at about 11am on Monday morning.
A 39-year-old Bayswater man was arrested at a nearby bus stop less than an hour later in connection with the woman’s death.
Police believed he was known to Nicholls. He has not yet been charged.
Nicholls’ long-time family friend Margaret Hamilton said relatives were devastated by his tragic death.
“Belinda was a beautiful person who adored her three sons,” Hamilton said. Age. “He was a loyal friend and remained close to my entire family.”
“There were many ups and downs for Belinda, but she always hoped for a better life for herself and her beautiful children.”
Hamilton said Nicholls was proud of his Indigenous heritage. He often wore clothing bearing the Aboriginal flag, and his home, owned by Aboriginal Housing Victoria, was decorated with the flag.
Nicholls’ loving nature touched many within her reach, including her neighbor Steve Nicholls, who described her as a kind woman.
“He was always good to us; he always looked out for me and we were always there for him,” she said.
He said police knocked on his door around 1pm on Monday and asked if he had heard anything unusual. He said he heard a loud noise the night before and then remembered silence.
He said there had been heated arguments at the property before over the years, including loud noises and doors slamming.
“I thought it was one of the incidents from last night. It’s a shock. It’s such a shame. I hope he can rest in peace now.”
Other neighbors said Nicholls was mostly left alone and they did not interact with him much.
For help or information: Contact 13YARN on 13 92 76.
Anyone who witnessed the incident that led to the woman’s death, with footage or further information, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report it at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Angus Delaney is a reporter for The Age. Email him at angus.delaney@theage.com.au or contact him securely on Signal at angusdelaney.31.Connect via email.
