Ballarat Baby's Death Described as 'Absolutely Tragic'

The death of an eight-month-old baby girl in Ballarat has sent shockwaves through the community, with a family support service describing the tragedy as "absolutely tragic".

Homicide squad detectives are investigating the baby's death after emergency services were called to a residential address in the suburb of Redan on Sunday. The baby was found unresponsive, and CPR was administered before she was taken to Ballarat hospital just after 1pm.

The baby was later moved to a Melbourne hospital, where she died on Tuesday. According to Child and Family Services chief executive Wendy Sturgess, the death has caused widespread hurt in the community.

"It impacts everybody who has been involved with the baby," she said. "[It's] absolute sadness and disappointment that we are here — it doesn’t even sum it up."

"It's our job to keep children safe, especially babies," Sturgess added.

Police have interviewed a 23-year-old man and released him. The Homicide Squad is continuing to investigate the death, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.