Major update on Victoria's deadly mushroom case as mushroom expert speaks out

A fungi expert has revealed why so many Aussies are taking magic mushrooms after a mother-of-two died from suspected poisoning at an alternative health clinic. 

Rachael Dixon, 53, became critically ill and later died from a suspected heart attack after allegedly drinking a mushroom tonic at Soul Barn in Clunes, near Ballarat, western Victoria, about 12am on Saturday night. 

Investigations are continuing into the death of the Melbourne mother of two sons, who was herself a health practitioner. 

Natalie Barr asked Dr Alistair McTaggart from Symbiotika Lab why people were so keen to get their hands on magic mushrooms. 

'I think because of the hype around the [reported] improvements to [people's] mental health,' the mycologist told Sunrise on Thursday. 

He said magic mushrooms actually contain an evolutionary form of slug poison, which is made up of a series of psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin. 

'When people and celebrities take mushrooms, instead of us being like a slug and getting poisoned, we have these amazing benefits,' he explained. 

'So maybe we'll have a revelation, or we'll increase our empathy, or maybe we'll look at a problem we've been dwelling with a new perspective. 

'Psilocybin has been classified as a breakthrough therapy for treatment of mental health disorders, anxiety, addiction, depression and PTSD.

'People get very interested in trying magic mushrooms to see what it's all about.'

But he stressed that magic mushrooms are illegal in Australia and are classified a Schedule 9 prohibited drug in Australia, on a legal par with heroin. 

'You can be penalised by quite draconian laws for their possession,' he said.

'The TGA announced that psilocybin would be downgraded to a Schedule 8 for treatment-resistant depression.

'But [magic mushrooms] are still illegal to have in your possession.'

The mycologist said despite this, there was still a 'large community' taking magic mushrooms recreationally. 

'As a community, we have to acknowledge there is a growing, swelling, number of people who are interested in magic mushrooms, that probably won't be accommodated in a clinical and therapeutic space,' he said.

Michelle Mullins, the owner of the alternative health clinic Soul Barn, revealed a private event was being held at the clinic when Ms Dixon fell ill and died. 

'There are no words to express the deep sorrow and shock we are feeling here at Soul following the tragic incident that occurred on April 13th,' her statement read.

'Soul Barn hires out workshop space to external businesses and facilitators. 

'The event which took place on April 13th was a private event, and those facilitating the event do not work for or represent Soul Barn in any way. None of our regular therapists, staff or facilitators were present at any point during this event.'

Ms Dixon's heartbroken son, Matthew, wrote on Sunday: 'To the most loving, most caring person I've ever known can't thank you enough for everything you ever did for me and all the support you gave me.

'Words can't begin to describe how much I will miss you, wish I could give you one last hug.'

Ms Dixon's sister, Penny Muller-Dixon, added:'Words cannot express the heartbreak we are all feeling' in a statement on social media. 

'Matthew your NZ family love you, we will see you soon. Life is so f*n short please hug and love those around you,' she wrote. 

Ms Dixon and two other Soul Barn customers were rushed from the wellness centre to hospital after the possible poisoning.

The two other patients were released from hospital on Tuesday. 

One line of inquiry police will investigate is if the trio consumed a drink with magic mushrooms.

It is currently mushroom season in Australia's south and Clunes, located some 30km north of Ballarat, is surrounding by forests.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that detectives from its Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit were investigating the death.

'It is believed a woman was at a retreat on Fraser Street when she became ill after ingesting a drink about 12pm,' she said in a statement.

'Investigations remain ongoing and police will prepare a report for the coroner.'