Friends and family have paid tribute to ‘wonderful soul’ Cheryl Taylor who was killed when a backyard balcony collapsed during a work Christmas party in Melbourne.

The 59-year-old Tupperware manager was one of two women tragically killed when an overloaded timber deck collapsed at a Doncaster East home at 10.30pm.

Her daughter Melissa paid tribute to her mother on Facebook, sharing a photo of the two of them, saying: “There is a light and it never goes out.”

The first victim killed when a backyard balcony collapsed on Saturday has been identified as Tupperware manager Cheryl Taylor. (Facebook)

A friend, and fellow Tupperware employee, who did not wish to be named told News Corp: “To lose a loved one is one of the hardest things in life but at this time of year, (it) is something you just can’t fathom”.

The friend said Ms Taylor would “do anything for anyone” and “had a natural talent for speaking in front of crowds”.

Another Tupperware colleague, Gemma Kalmer, posted to Facebook: “I go to bed with a heavy heat. You will be missed, Cheryl.”

Cheryl Taylor was a manager at Tupperware. (Facebook)

The balcony as seen in a real estate listing for the property. (Domain)

Another friend wrote: “I’ll miss the fun and laughter that you brought into my life. My heart is hurting.”

Chris and Eve Nunn were hosting an end-of-year party for their staff at Tupperware when the tragedy occurred at their rental home on Saturday.

About 30 staff members were gathering for a photo on one side of the L-shaped balcony when the flooring vanished beneath them.

Ms Taylor and a 37-year-old woman died, and 17 others were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

Tupperware vehicles remained parked outside the property yesterday. (AAP)

Manningham Council’s municipal building surveyor inspected the construction of the deck at the home yesterday. (AAP)

The reason why a backyard balcony collapsed and killed the two women is being investigated by Manningham Council.

The council’s municipal building surveyor inspected the construction of the deck at the home yesterday.

But due to the ongoing investigation and the death of two women, the council is refusing to comment on details relating to the incident.

“We urge all home and property owners to ensure they comply with the relevant legislative requirements for any building works,” chief executive officer Warwick Winn said.

Jade Moana sustained a broken leg and dislocated ankle in the incident. (Facebook)

“It is important that home and property owners regularly check and maintain their balconies, decks and balustrades.”

The building permit system was privatised in Victoria in 1994, with most building permits now issued by private building surveyors.

The property was built in 1985 and was advertised online for rental last year.

Ten women and seven men, ranging in age from 20 to 69, were taken to a number of nearby hospitals with soft tissue injuries, fractures and lacerations.

The name of the 37-year-old women who died is yet to be released but a number of victims have spoken out about the ordeal on social media.

A total of 17 people, ranging in age from 20 to 69, were taken to nearby hospitals and others were treated at the scene. (9NEWS)

“Thank you for all the messages of support, I'm not ignoring anyone, just processing,” Jade Moana wrote on Facebook today.

“Andy is home and understandably sore and I am due for surgery this afternoon as long as my swelling goes down.

“It's only a broken leg and dislocated ankle. I am thankful.”

Casey Leerentveld, who was also at the party, said: “Just an update. “I’m still in Austin (Hospital) but doing okay.

“I can’t sleep. Every time I shut my eyes it just comes flooding back. Hence. Haven’t slept. Off for more scans soon.”

Neighbour Andrew Stone has told reporters the group had gathered to take a group photo when the balcony came crashing down.

"The crash was biblical. It was like nothing I'd heard before," Mr Stone said.

"People were bringing out chairs, pillows and blankets just to help out people who were injured."