Numurkah man granted bail amid explosive device discovery

Murray Matthews, age 66, was taken into custody on Saturday, October 29th, after authorities investigated an incident in the town. He faces charges including reckless conduct endangering serious injury and various weapons, explosives, and cannabis-related offenses.

Shepparton Magistrates’ Court viewed CCTV footage showing Matthews leaving his property with a weapon and firing a golf ball at a passing vehicle. Prosecutors identified the weapon as a bead blaster. The vehicle was occupied by 19-year-old Oakley Austin and his friend, Tyson Gray, who were driving a work vehicle. Austin reported the incident to Numurkah police, providing the CCTV footage. Police confirmed no damage was visible on the car.

During a search of Matthews’s residence on Saturday, October 31st, at 11:43 am, police located an improvised explosive device within a shed. The bomb response unit was dispatched to the scene, and nearby residents were instructed to remain indoors. Other items seized included slingshots, a samurai sword, a crossbow, a Victoria Police uniform, and cannabis plants. Matthews reportedly admitted to constructing the device using a pipe, which police characterized as a “pipe bomb.”

The prosecution argued against bail, citing the seriousness of the firearm and explosive offenses and a perceived lack of remorse during Matthews’s interview. Defense lawyer Briana Zito presented evidence of Matthews’s significant health and mental health challenges, noting his service in the Australian army from 1977 to 1990 and ongoing counseling through the Department of Veterans Affairs for post-traumatic stress disorder. She emphasized there was no indication of Matthews being linked to any organized group.

Magistrates granted bail with conditions prohibiting contact with witnesses, possession of firearms or explosives, and purchase of a bead blaster. Matthews is scheduled to appear in court again in January 2027.