THERE has been an outpouring of grief after police on Thursday arrested and charged a man with the alleged murder of Leeton High School teacher Stephanie Scott.
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Miss Scott is being remembered as a caring and loving person that would always go above and beyond for her friends and family.
Leeton Shire Council mayor Paul Maytom expressed his shock and disbelief.
“It certainly is a dark day for Leeton and Stephanie’s family and friends,” councillor Maytom said.
“It’s a blow for the whole community to have this result.
“Obviously everyone was holding out hope that Stephanie would be okay.
“It’s tragic, it’s sad and it’s just unbelievable that something like this could happen in our town.
“I wish to extend my condolences to Stephanie’s partner and her family and friends.
“It’s just shocking.”
The sentiments were echoed on social media, particularly on the Facebook page “Get Steph Home”, which was created on Wednesday to assist in the search for Miss Scott.
Louise Barwin wrote “RIP Stephanie, today is a very sad in Australia's history. My sincere condolences to Steph's loved ones.”
Father Robert Murphy from St Peter’s Anglican Church also expressed his sympathies.
“We are really just a small community and through that we all have relationships, so we’re all connected to this,” he said.
“It’s a very sad time for our town and for Stephanie’s loved ones. We are all shocked.
“These things don’t happen in Leeton.”
Miss Scott’s disappearance attracted national media coverage throughout the week, with many broadcast and print journalists in Leeton when it was announced a man had been arrested and charged with Miss Scott’s alleged murder.
Member for Murray and Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli said it was an unthinkable crime.
“I was very saddened to learn of Miss Scott’s death,” Mr Piccoli said.
“It’s a tragedy for the tight-knit Leeton community and I know the town is devastated by what has occurred.
“Miss Scott was a respected teacher of English and drama.
“Her colleagues and students at Leeton High School will be hit particularly hard by her loss. I have ensured that the Department of Education will offer whatever support it can to Miss Scott’s family.
“School staff will also be offered access to the department’s welfare services and counselling for students will be provided when school resumes after the current holiday period. As the local MP, I will also offer whatever assistance I can to the Scott family during this particularly distressing time.”
