Erin Patterson: Lunch survivor Ian Wilkinson’s message after verdict

The survivor of a poisoned beef wellington meal hosted by killer cook Erin Patterson has shared a message as his family continue to grieve the deaths of three loved ones.

Posted on the noticeboard outside the Korumburra Baptist Church on Tuesday, Ian Wilkinson is quoted as saying “life can be hard, but God is faithful”.

The notice comes a day after Patterson, 50, was found guilty of killing three members of her husband Simon Patterson’s family and the attempted murder of Mr Wilkinson.

The quartet fell critically ill after they were served a beef wellington containing death cap mushrooms at Patterson’s home on July 29, 2023.

Don and Gail Patterson and Mr Wilkinson’s wife Heather died in the week following the lunch.

At trial, prosecutors argued Patterson, who pleaded not guilty, intentionally sought out and included the deadly fungi in the lunch, while claimed she did not deliberately poison her guests.

Attributed to the church’s leadership team, where Mr Wilkinson has served as pastor for more than two decades, the message asks for privacy during the “difficult time”.

“We all greatly miss Heather, Don and Gail, whether we were friends for a short time or over 20 years. They were very special people who loved God and lived to bless others,” the messages reads.

“It’s been a long journey, and we continue to lovingly support Ian, Simon and all the Wilkinson and Patterson family members through this difficult time.

“We appreciate all the care from our local communities, special support from individuals and from the Baptist Union of Victoria, and the churches and people from all over the world who have been praying for us.

“As our Pastor Ian has said; ‘Life can be hard, but God is faithful, and He is always with us’.

“The Wilkinson and Patterson families have asked that people respect their privacy at this time. Please also respect the privacy of our church family.”

The morning after jurors returned a unanimous guilty verdict in Morwell following a 46-day trial, the towns of Korumburra and Leongatha, where the Pattersons and Wilkinsons live, were quiet, cold and overcast.

Small contingents of media were posted outside the homes of Simon and Mr Wilkinson from the early hours of the day.At the front of the two properties, notices requesting privacy were fixed to fences.

“Warning: entry to this property by any persons employed by or working on behalf of the media is not permitted,” a sign outside Mr Wilkinson’s home reads.

“Trespassers will be reported to the police.”

Just minutes away at the Korumburra Cemetery, where Don, Gail and Ms Wilkinson are buried, several mourners paid their respects to others interred there.

The sound of wind permeated the hilltop cemetery, punctuated only by the bellows of cattle on three sides of the burial grounds.

A small bouquet of artificial flowers adorned Don and Gail’s grave.

Speaking to media two hours after the verdict came down on Monday, Detective Inspector Dean Thomas requested privacy for the Patterson and Wilkinson families.

“It’s very important that we remember we’ve had three people; three people died and we’ve had a person that nearly died and was seriously injured as a result; that has led to these charges,” he said.

“I ask that we acknowledge those people and not forget them. I ask also that the Patterson family and Wilkinson family have asked for privacy during this time.”