Rainbow Serpent Festival

Organisers have issued a statement.

"If by chance the attacker is reading this message we implore him to turn himself into police immediately."

"Hands down, there is not another festival in the Southern Hemisphere that provides this level of safety and medical support for patrons."

The death is the second at the festival in five years.

"The effects of this tragedy will be felt right throughout our staff, volunteers and patrons for a long time to come."

"We couldn’t have achieved a successful 20 years without the overwhelming support of our patrons and the local community..."

The event says authorities "commended" its planning; Vic Police say the number of drug arrests was "frightening"

"We need some progressive and brave politicians who recognise the current approach isn't working"

Organisers are pulling out all the stops for the event's 19th annual Australia Day weekend party

In the areas of community arts, environmental initiatives and more

"We ... are saddened and disturbed that violence would occur within our amazing festival"

More than 10,000 punters converged north-west of Ballarat for the event