A well-known Melbourne photographer with a prominent presence in the city's rave and nightclub scene has been charged with rape following a four-year police investigation. Calum Sim, 26, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday accused of raping a woman in Hawthorn in July 2022, when he was 22. The case has reportedly shocked members of Melbourne's close-knit party community, where Sim is recognised for his street-style photography and flamboyant social media presence.

Police allege Sim raped the woman by non-consensual penile penetration; the matter was investigated by Box Hill Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team before he was charged on 15 August this year. Magistrate Brett Sonnet granted Sim conditional bail, requiring him to notify investigators of any address change within 48 hours, avoid contact with prosecution witnesses, and reside on High Street in Windsor. The court also approved unopposed media access to the charge. Prosecutors have until 26 September to hand over the evidence brief, and Sim is due back in court on 6 November for a committal mention.