“If your conscience won’t make you act, maybe $2 million will.”
That’s the message from Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott after the NSW Government, together with the NSW Police Force, announced on Monday 16 August two $1 million rewards for information regarding the disappearances and suspected murders of Lake Macquarie teenagers Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson more than 40 years ago.
He said the increased “incentives” demonstrated how strongly the NSW Government was supporting the Lake Macquarie Police District investigators.
“For far too long, Robyn and Amanda’s families have lived with the pain of losing a child but without any idea of how it happened or who is responsible,” Mr Elliott stated.
“They have been in limbo for four decades not knowing.
“They deserve answers now and we believe that offering these new rewards should be sufficient incentive for those with information to come forward.”
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearances and suspected murders of Hickie, Robinson and Gordana Kotevski.
Hickie, aged 18, left her home around 7.15pm on Saturday 7 April 1979.
She was last sighted standing at a bus stop on the Pacific Highway, Belmont North.
A fortnight later, Robinson, aged 14, was last seen walking along Lake Road, Swansea, on Saturday 21 April 1979, after attending a dance at her high school in Gateshead.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, neither of the girls have been located.
A subsequent Coronial Inquest into their disappearances found that the teenagers were deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
As investigations continue, police are renewing their appeal to the community to come forward with any information that may assist detectives with their inquiries.
Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Steve Benson hopes the latest reward will encourage those who have been holding onto vital details since 1979 to share what they know with police.
“The disappearances of these teenagers triggered every parent’s worst nightmare,” he said.
“The Hickie and Robinson families have been fighting for the truth for four decades.
“And, they deserve to know what happened to their girls.
“Our dedicated detectives under Strike Force Arapaima have re-examined all the evidence compiled over the past 40 years and are hoping this government reward will result in further material being provided to detectives to follow up and investigate.”
Anyone with information, which is treated in strict confidence, about Strike Force Arapaima is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
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