THE family of the Filipina woman who died in Wagga last week has spoken about the heartbreak of losing a loved one and called on both governments to return her body as soon as possible.
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Mhelody Polan Bruno, 25, died at Wagga Base Hospital last Sunday after emergency services found her unresponsive at a Tarcutta Street unit the previous day.
On Thursday, Wagga police charged a 31-year-old man with manslaughter in relation to the incident.
Speaking from the Philippines, Ms Bruno's sister-in-law Janet Bruno said the incident has left the family devastated and that they still do not have the full details surrounding the death.
"We don't have any idea about what happened to Mhelody," she said.
"We haven't been given a lot of details, but we just want to bring Mhelody's body back to the Philippines.
"The community's gone to the government to bring her body back."
Philippines-based website Rappler reported that the 25-year-old transgender woman was in Australia for at least two months and died one week before she was set to go home.
Her brother, Leonel Bruno, told Rappler that they were pleading with the Philippines government to bring his sister's body back.
"There is no one handling our case. We were already expecting her to come home, but this happened. We hope she is given justice," Mr Bruno said.
He described his sister as their de-facto breadwinner and that she had been sending money to the family.
In a statement on Friday, NSW Police said the incident should not "give rise to concern that members of Wagga's trans and gender-diverse community - or any community - are at ongoing risk of violence or harm".
"While police continue to examine the circumstances, there is no residual risk to public safety arising from it," the statement reads.
"The Riverina is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place to live and visit for all."
Aian Caringal, first secretary and consul general at the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, told The Daily Advertiser that the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney is coordinating with local authorities.
He said that the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with the family.
"The repatriation of the remains will also be subject to completion of the relevant reports and local requirements," Mr Caringal said.
A spokesperson for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said: "This matter is best addressed to state police and the Embassy of the Philippines".
The man charged with manslaughter is set to face court in November.
