In a 7NEWS Australia report I covered from Curranborough, the local Baptist church has issued a heartfelt statement following the sentencing of Erin Patterson for the triple murder of congregation members Don Patterson, Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson. The small regional community — still reeling after more than two years — gathered quietly to watch the proceedings unfold and to begin the long work of healing.
Table of Contents
- Community reaction at Curranborough Baptist Church
- The church’s statement — grief, prayer and a plea for space
- Two years waiting for answers
- What comes next
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Community reaction at Curranborough Baptist Church
On the morning the sentence was handed down, a small group of parishioners gathered inside the church behind closed doors to watch a live stream of the court proceedings. The building that has been central to these families’ lives once again became a focal point for collective grief and faith.
The church is where Don, Gail and Heather were pillars of the local community, and where the sole survivor, pastor Ian Wilkinson, continues to lead Sunday services. The congregation’s response was measured and reflective — a desire to honour the dead while protecting their fragile path toward recovery.
The church’s statement — grief, prayer and a plea for space
Shortly after the sentence was announced, church members pinned a statement to the notice board. It captures the tension many in Curranborough feel: justice has been served, but it cannot bring back loved ones.
“Justice is very important. However, it does not bring back our much loved Heather, Don, and Gail. We now have only memories and echoes of their wisdom, compassion, and humor. We look forward to being reunited with them in the future. We continue to love, support, and pray for the Wilkinson and Patterson families in their ongoing grief. We also continue to pray for Erin. It is time for people and communities to be given the peace and space to move forward.”
The statement emphasised love and support for both the Wilkinson and Patterson families and included a prayer for Erin. The call for “peace and space” reflects the congregation’s wish for the town to begin recovering from a trauma that has cast a long shadow over daily life.
Two years waiting for answers
For the congregation and the wider Curranborough community, the sentencing marks the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty. Many residents had been waiting for justice for more than two years, and while a sentence is a pivotal milestone, the church made clear this is only the first step in a longer process of healing.
Pastoral care, community support and time will all be necessary as families and friends navigate their grief. The church’s public message is consistent with that need: honour the dead, support the living, and allow space for recovery.
What comes next
Legal proceedings have reached a conclusion with the sentencing, but the community’s work continues. Churches, local services and neighbours will likely remain involved in supporting the Wilkinson and Patterson families. Rebuilding a sense of safety and normalcy in a small town takes time, and many in Curranborough will be watching how support networks are sustained in the months ahead.
Key takeaways
- The Curranborough Baptist Church issued a public statement after the sentencing of Erin Patterson for the triple murder of Don Patterson, Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson.
- The congregation emphasised that while justice matters, it cannot replace the loved ones lost.
- Members called for peace and space to allow the community to begin healing after more than two years of waiting for justice.
- Pastor Ian Wilkinson, the sole survivor, continues to lead the congregation through this difficult period.
FAQ
Who were the victims?
Don Patterson, Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson were members of the Curranborough Baptist congregation and respected members of their local community.
Who survived the attack?
Pastor Ian Wilkinson is the sole survivor and continues to serve at the local Baptist church.
Has the accused been sentenced?
Yes — Erin Patterson has been sentenced for the triple murder. The church and community have responded publicly, acknowledging the role of justice while underscoring that it cannot undo the loss.
What did the church ask of the public?
The church asked for “peace and space” to allow families and communities to move forward, and committed to continuing love, support and prayer for all affected.
How can the community support those affected?
Support can come through practical help, attending memorial and support services, checking in on grieving neighbours, and backing local counselling or pastoral programs that assist long-term recovery.
Conclusion
Curranborough’s Baptist congregation has offered a measured, compassionate response to a moment of legal closure. Their statement recognises the limitations of justice and places the emphasis on memory, prayer and community care. While sentencing is a critical milestone, the path to healing is ongoing — and the church has signalled it will remain part of that journey.
