The Sapphire City was chosen as the first White Ribbon community in Australia, and for mayor Paul Harmon, the devastating act highlights the fact that no-one and no community is ever immune to domestic violence.

Inverell Acting Inspector Ross Chilcott like all levels of police, cannot comment on any aspect of the tragic events which saw two lives lost and another battling in hospital.

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He wishes to repeat the message to the community which is the same as it's always been: "stop it, report it, don't hide it".

"Domestic violence is a topical issue in our society - and the more we report it the better those outcomes will be," he told the Times.

"Those matters that remain behind closed doors cannot be helped by the many services in our community. If it's not the victim as such, those close to the victim need to come forward so we can investigate what can be done."

While reporting is a crucial aspect to law enforcement's ability to tackle the crisis in a community, he said it's vital that perpetrators are held to account.

"Those who are offenders need to assess where they are at and what they're doing - domestic violence should never be tolerated," he said.

"They need to take ownership of what they've done and seek help themselves."

Cr Harmon was left "extremely saddened" by the domestic violence assault and the murder suicide.

"It is such terrible news no matter what community it's in, and it highlights the fact that Inverell is not immune to domestic violence.

"We are Australia's first White Ribbon community. We are well aware of the facts and how we can mitigate domestic violence.

"Its such a terrible thing, and I'm a bit stuck for words.

"It's a terrible act. No excuses."

Cr Harmon said it shows and highlights the fact noone can ever "rest on their laurels".

"Once you have programs, and great support networks in the community, you can still never take your eyes off the road," he said.

"Once the police sort out the report for coroner - and whether anything comes out of that - as a community we can learn from that to prevent it ever happening in our community again."

"We encourage everyone to report domestic violence and we will investigate and take the appropriate steps," Acting Inspector Chilcott finished.

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