Snowtown Murders - Community Impact

Community Impact

Bunting and Wagner have been described, alongside the "backpacker murders" killer Ivan Milat, as Australia's worst serial killers.

The details of the case, particularly the manner in which the victims were found, horrified and fascinated the public. The murders garnered Snowtown much unwanted attention, and the town is now best known for the murders. According to local residents, following the discovery in the disused bank vault, a steady stream of unwelcome visitors would stop to look at and photograph the building. This continues today with tourists regularly photographing themselves in front of the building, with one shop selling locally made souvenirs. Props used in the filming of the Snowtown movie, including barrels and black plastic sheeting, remain in the vault.

At the time, the local press reported a suggestion that the town's name be changed to avoid the stigma now associated with it, although this suggestion was rejected. One suggested new name, according to press reports, was "Rosetown". Locally, the murders are referred to as "the situation".

The house in Salisbury North, owned by the South Australian Housing Trust, was demolished and a block of units for the elderly was built in its place. The bank, with a four bedroom attached house, was placed on the market in February 2012 but only reached half its reserve price of $200,000. After holding an open day which raised $700 for charity through charging an entrance fee, the property sold on 27 September for just over $185,000 with the new owners intending to live in the house while running a business from the bank. A plaque will be installed to commemorate the victims.