Liam Harrington: Local larrikin remembered after Lethbridge workplace death

A talented cricketer is being remembered as a much-loved local larrikin following his shock death on a farm in Victoria’s southwest.

Liam Harrington, 34, died after he became entangled in a machine conveyor belt on Tuesday morning at a property in Lethbridge – a rural township about 30km northwest of Geelong.

Emergency services including police, firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene but he died of his injuries.

The incident is being investigated by WorkSafe, while Victoria Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Tributes have poured in from devastated community members, remembering Mr Harrington as the “life of the party”.

“The Apollo Bay Football Netball Club is shocked and deeply saddened on the passing,” the club wrote on Facebook.

“Liam was a fabulous clubman both on and off the field.

“Liam was the life of the party and he knew how to spend precious time with the ones he loved. Rest in peace Liam. You were loved by so many.”

Others shared messages of support for his family and reminisced on his life.

“Such a genuine young man with a big heart! Condolences to Liam’s family and all his many friends that will miss him terribly,” a friend wrote online.

The Gym at Apollo Bay described Harrington as a “local larrikin”.

“We are very shocked and saddened about the passing of a local larrikin and past gym member Liam Harrington,” it wrote on Facebook.

“Gone far too young.”

His former employer, First National in Golden Plain, said they were shocked by the “deeply disturbing” news.

“Much loved within the community and will be sadly missed by many,” the real estate business said on Facebook.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harrington family at this sad time.”

East Belmont Cricket Club also paid tribute, naming him 12th man in its Men’s 4th XI team ahead of the local grand final this weekend.

They are considering wearing black armbands and holding a o minute’s silence at Winter Reserve in remembrance.

A WorkSafe spokesman said the health and safety regulator would investigate the death – the fifth in Victoria for 2023.

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