The small western Victorian town of Donald is preparing to farewell teenager Layla Jeffery, with a public funeral service planned as the community continues to mourn her tragic death.
Layla Jeffery, aged 13, was reported missing from Donald on 5 July 2026 after she was last seen in the town. Four days later, human remains believed to be those of Layla were discovered in bushland near the Richardson River area. A 16-year-old boy has since been charged with her murder and is due to face court.
The funeral service will take place at the Donald Memorial Hall, allowing family, friends and members of the wider community to come together to remember Layla and support one another through the grief. The service will also be streamed online for people unable to attend in person.
Community members have been invited to wear items connected to Layla’s personality, including Hello Kitty clothing or black hoodies, which were among her favourite styles. The gesture is intended to celebrate her life and the things she loved rather than focus only on the circumstances surrounding her death.
Senior pastor Lisa Woods from Wheatland District Church will lead the funeral service. She said the loss had deeply affected Donald, describing the town as a close-knit community where many people knew Layla or her family.
Ms Woods said the funeral would aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where Layla’s mother, brother, grandparents, relatives and friends could grieve together. She said gathering as a community was an important part of supporting families during moments of extreme loss.
The tragedy has had a significant impact on Donald, a regional town where residents have rallied around Layla’s family. Earlier community gatherings saw hundreds of people attend meetings to receive updates from police and discuss the ongoing investigation.
Victoria Police detectives remain involved in the investigation and are continuing to gather evidence. Authorities have previously advised the community that police operations in Donald would continue for an extended period while investigations progress.
The 16-year-old boy charged over Layla’s death is scheduled to appear before the children’s court. Because the matter is before the courts, authorities have limited the information they can release publicly.
The case has generated widespread attention across Victoria, while community leaders have urged people to respect the privacy of Layla’s family and avoid spreading misinformation during the investigation.
Residents of Donald have created memorials with flowers, cards and messages remembering Layla. The displays have become a place for people to reflect, grieve and show support for a family and community experiencing an unimaginable loss.
As Donald prepares for Layla’s funeral, the focus remains on remembering her life, supporting those closest to her and allowing the community to begin the long process of healing.
