Medical Registration Suspended for Byron Bay Osteopath Facing Serious Charges

Health authorities have suspended the medical registration of Stina Wangqvist, a 48-year-old yoga instructor and osteopath based in Byron Bay, Northern NSW. The action comes after Wangqvist was arrested earlier this month and subsequently charged with producing child abuse material, committing animal sexual abuse, and possessing animal sexual abuse material.

Wangqvist was taken into custody during a police raid on her residence in Lennox Head. She was later released on bail under stringent conditions. These conditions include a prohibition on approaching, contacting, or attempting to contact any individual under the age of 18. Furthermore, she is forbidden from using social media, must surrender her passport, and is required to report to police daily.

Co-Accused Faces Separate Charges

Wangqvist is also subject to a bail condition preventing contact with her co-accused, Tore Milazzo, 47. Police allege that Milazzo engaged in sexual gratification with his own dog. Milazzo is facing a total of nine charges, including producing and possessing child abuse material, committing and sexually touching an animal. He also faces charges related to prohibited drug possession and improper firearm storage.

Milazzo was granted strict conditional bail, which prohibits him from owning or possessing any animals. He must also report to police daily and is limited to using only one mobile telephone service and SIM card. Within 24 hours of acquiring or resuming any phone service, he must provide officers with the password or PIN code, service, and IMEI numbers.

Osteopathy Council Acts to Protect Public

The Osteopathy Council of NSW formally suspended Wangqvist’s registration on June 19. In a statement, the council confirmed that Wangqvist faces charges of producing child abuse material and animal abuse offences. The council emphasized its obligation to safeguard public health and safety, as well as maintain community confidence in the osteopathy profession, noting that the matter was urgently reviewed.

Due to legal confidentiality obligations, the council stated it could not provide further details. Wangqvist has the right to appeal the council’s decision to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal or request a review by the council itself.

Community Impact and Future Court Dates

The arrests have reportedly caused concern within the Northern Rivers community, where Wangqvist is known for her yoga instruction and at-home osteopathy services aimed at pain management and functional restoration. Last Christmas, Wangqvist shared an Instagram post emphasizing the importance of creating a space where people feel seen and protected.

The Osteopathy Council of NSW is responsible for managing complaints against registered osteopaths and ensuring practitioners adhere to professional standards. The council can impose restrictions on practitioners or take immediate regulatory action, such as suspension, when there is an unacceptable risk to public health and safety or when deemed in the public interest.

Wangqvist is scheduled to appear before Ballina Court on August 20. Milazzo’s case is listed for Byron Bay Local Court on August 3.