Supplied: Sky Louise
)Tributes are flowing to the family of a two-year-old girl found drowned in a dam after a tragic ending to a large search at Tara on Queensland's Western Downs.
Police said divers found the body of Ruby Gulliver submerged in the dam in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Ruby and her mother had been staying with friend Katherine Larkins at the property in recent weeks.
"Losing their little girl is hard, I couldn't imagine it.
"It's heartbreaking losing your child."
ABC Southern Qld: Jon Daly
)Ms Larkins said everyone was struggling with the news.
"We'll get there a day at a time," she said.
"She was very energetic, a very happy, playful little girl."
"She liked playing with the dogs, she was great.
"I want to say thank you to everyone for helping search for Ruby."
ABC Southern Qld: Jon Daly
)Queensland Police search and rescue coordinator Inspector Terry McCullough said Ruby was last seen playing with a dog near the house.
"Unfortunately the dam was only about 70 metres from the house," he said.
"Our condolences obviously go out to the family and the community at large."
Community tributes flow
Two rural supplies shops are collecting donations and vouchers for local stores, which will be distributed to both families.
"She was a beautiful little thing," business owner David Gunther said.
"Her father used to work for us ... we watched those little kids come into the business quite regularly.
Supplied: Sky Gulliver
)Mr Gunther said the family would be well supported by the tight-knit community.
"Everyone knows everyone and everyone tries to help each other out in the good times but when something like this happens, we all rally together and try and help people the best way we can.
"Everyone is devastated, it could have happened to any one of us.
"Unfortunately dams are one of those things.
"They would just be gutted."
Other community members have been paying their respects and sending messages to Ruby's family on social media.
"Sky and Trent my heart cries for you. RIP beautiful girl angels have you now," Sharon Taylor said.
"I am lost for words this is absolutely devastating," Kris Kinnish said.
"My heart is breaking for them. I couldn't even begin to imagine the pain," Carmen Ashford said.
"I was awake all night waiting for the call to help with the search."
"Fly high little princess."
"RIP Ruby. Our deepest condolences to her family," Paulena Trevor said.
ABC Southern Qld: Jon Daly
)Be 'extra vigilant' around water
Police urged people with small children to be vigilant around unsecured bodies of water.
Police and army helicopters, dog squad, State Emergency Service volunteers and members of the public had been involved in the search on the 1500-hectare property after the toddler had not been seen for half an hour on Monday afternoon.
Parts of the terrain were thick and quite difficult for searchers.
"So many locals turned out to help, well in excess of 100," Inspector McCullough said.
"Everyone will be offered support should they need it."
The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
