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$500,000 reward announced to find out what happened to Wollongong woman 30 years ago - Strike Force Anthea

Thursday, 07 March 2024 11:01:43 AM

The NSW Government, together with the NSW Police Force, has announced a $500,000 reward for information, into the suspicious disappearance of Pauline Sowry, more than 30 years ago.

The last confirmed sighting of Pauline, also known as Pauline Lawrence by marriage, then aged 49, was by family in the northern suburbs of Wollongong in December 1993. Despite extensive investigations since, her whereabouts remain unknown.

In 2008, a Coronial Inquest found that Pauline had died, most likely after an unconfirmed sighting in 1994.

Strike Force Anthea was established in 2022 to re-examine the circumstances surrounding Pauline's suspected disappearance.

To assist with ongoing investigations, the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, has announced a $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the disappearance or death of Pauline Sowry.

"NSW Police are so committed to finding answers for Pauline Sowry's family and I hope this reward goes a long way in bringing forward more information," Minister Catley said.

"If you know something, there are now five hundred thousand more reasons to contact police."

Acting Assistant Commissioner Southern Region Darren Brand, said he hoped the reward announcement would lead to a breakthrough in the investigation.

"We believe there are people in the community who know exactly what happened to Pauline. Maybe their personal circumstances have changed and they're now in a position to come forward and provide that crucial piece of information we need to find Pauline," Acting Assistant Commissioner Brand said.

"It is never too late to provide police with information and give Pauline's family answers about what happened to their beloved mother, wife and daughter."

Pauline's son Jason Lawrence, who has flown from WA for today's appeal, said he hopes the reward will prompt someone who knows something to come forward.

"Mum has missed the birth of her five grandchildren and my niece. There is a lot of happy memories that she has missed in the last 30 years and we want to bring her home, or know what happened to her," Jason said.

"My family and I plead with the public if you have any information, to please come forward and give our family answers."

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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