THE apparent murder-suicide of a man and three young children near Eden during the weekend highlights the need for improved service systems in the Bega Valley Shire.

A neighbour discovered the bodies of Gary Bell, and his children - Jack, 8, Maddie, 7, and Bon, 16 months - on Friday at the commune-style property in Fulligans Road, Pericoe, 50 km west of Eden.

The property is a one-hour drive over dirt roads from Eden with no mobile phone reception and no mains power or electricity.

Bega based South East Women and Children Service (SEWACS) manager Cheryl Nelson said “It was a tragic loss”.

SEWACS will be opening a Family/Domestic Violence Service in Eden on August 4.

“At the moment there is no support facility of this type in the town. Even the most basic support services are very limited.”

Ms Nelson said “The new Eden facility will provide support to victims of domestic violence in Eden and outlying areas.”

“Clients will also be able to receive advice and referral to other

government and non-government support services.

“Unfortunately, there is an increasing need for these types of services.”

“Assistance is currently available on a 24 hour basis by telephoning our crisis number 64923597.

The Staying Home Leaving Violence program initiated by SEWACS that aims to enable women experiencing domestic violence to remain safely in the family home will also be available from the new Eden facility.

Funding for the new service has been made available through the Department of Community Services (DoCS) and Family and Community Services (FaCSIA).

Meanwhile, The Mayor of the Bega Valley Shire, Cr Tony Allen, said the community was shocked by the tragedy.

“This is a close-knit community and a tragedy like this affects everyone,” Cr Allen said.

He said he was unable to comment on any details of the case as police were still investigating but extended his condolences and those of the council to the family concerned and to the Pericoe community.