Personal Details
Last seen: Sunday, 24 August 2003
Year of birth: 1972
Height: 160cm
Build: Medium
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Auburn/Light Brown
Complexion: Fair
Gender: Female
Distinguishing Feature:
Circumstances: On 22/08/2003 the Missing Person left a note for her boyfriend stating she was going to school and would be home in the evening. Missing person did not return home. Enquiries made show that Missing Person did not turn up at school.
Friday, August 22, 2003
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Theresa Binge
Reward of $100,000 to solve murder of Theresa Binge
| Theresa Binge |
The New South Wales and Queensland Governments are offering a $100,000 joint reward for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Theresa Binge.
The 43-year-old Boggabilla woman was last seen alive about midnight on 17 June 2003, leaving the Victoria Hotel at Goondiwindi in Queensland with a man. She was wearing running shoes and a yellow football jersey.
Mrs Binge was reported missing by family members to Queensland Police on 21 June 2003.
On 29 June 2003, Theresa's body was found approximately 10 kilometres south of the Queensland border on Boomi Road. Forensic evidence indicates the crime was committed elsewhere before her body was dumped.
The Barwon Local Area Command (NSW Police Force) established Strike Force Flair to investigate the murder but after extensive inquiries, police have not been able to gather sufficient evidence to launch a prosecution.
The substantial sum of money is on offer in the hope of finding new leads in the case.
Investigators believe someone in the local community might be able to assist them with further knowledge and any information provided to police will be treated with the strictest confidence.
It's hoped the reward will encourage those with information to come forward and provide Theresa's daughter Daylene Barlow with closure on her mother's death.
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Louisa WAWN
Personal Detail
Sex: Female
Year of Birth: 1970
At Time of Disappearance on 14 May 2003
Age: 32
Height (cm):
Build: Thin
Hair Colour: Blonde
Eye Colour:
Complexion: Fair
Nationality:
Racial Appearance: Caucasian
Circumstances Louisa was last seen in Lewisham. Daughter of Brian and Christine WAWN and older sister of Michael and David.
_______________________________________________________________
From ABARE to Shell
Member profile: Louisa Wawn
By Philip Hobbs from Energy News
Louisa Wawn has a very simple reason for being fascinated by the energy sector. “For me,” she said, “energy fuels human well-being; heat, light, transport, electricity allow people to live their dreams.”
It’s a notion that perhaps escapes many, but it is what guided Louisa into the energy industry where she is now Commercial Manager of Shell’s Clyde Refinery in Sydney—a business which supplies 40% of NSW’s petrol, diesel and aviation fuels.
“I’m trained as an economist,” Louisa said. “When I graduated from the Australian National University in Canberra I was not entirely clear about what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to do macro economics, things such as fiscal policy or work at the Reserve Bank or any of the private banks. It’s interesting, but it’s not me.
“My interest is in things micro. What makes companies and industries tick. What they do. How do they react? But I had no idea in which industry I wanted to work.”
Louisa then did what she describes as the traditional economist’s stint in the public sector. She chose the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) in Canberra.
“I joined ABARE in 1994 where I was a minor cog in the energy area doing stats and some market forecasting in electricity and gas. It was about the time that deregulation was starting in the electricity industry.
“It was absolutely fascinating being exposed to the energy industry. But I wasn’t wedded to the public sector. Although I enjoyed my time at ABARE I had a yearning for a bottom line, it’s discipline and focus. So I looked for opportunities in the private sector energy. I had no preference for any company other than that it have an international view.”
This desire led Louisa to Shell through its graduate employment program. An element of the rigorous selection process was having to write a 1500-word essay on a topic of choice.
“Being an unashamed pro-market individual, my topic was the funding of education,” she said. “Most of the others wrote about greenhouse and nuclear issues.”
Her essay and deft analytical skills got Louisa through the Shell door.
“Since then I have been blessed with a variety of project and operational experiences. Much of my first four years at Shell were spent working on power privatisation, looking at buying existing power stations and building new ones. In the mid-90s, Shell made the strategic decision globally to get into power generation. I was fortunate to be part of the team that progressed this vision in Australia.”
In particular this involved economic evaluation of Callide C power station in Queensland, an $800m joint venture between Shell and the Queensland Government.
“After Callide, I wanted more operational experience.” Louisa said. “I’m now lucky to be part of the team running Clyde refinery. My role as Commercial Manager has three main strands: delivering budgets and management information systems; managing interfaces with internal customers—Shell’s marketing arms; and managing quality systems.”
“I don’t pretend to be a technical expert. My role is to work with skilled technical people to deliver good business outcomes. A big part of that is significantly reducing our $75m annual operating budget. Cost minimisation is a constant challenge in commodity businesses.”
On a broader energy perspective, Louisa believes there are three main issues facing the Australian energy sector.
Translating our greenhouse commitments into action is a big issue. “We know that full delivery of Kyoto would be crippling on the Australian economy, but there are plenty of no regrets things that we can do.
“I think we’ll end up with nothing like the Kyoto agreement, but people will be more aware and sensitive about the environment and what they can do as individuals to reduce greenhouse impacts.”
On the deregulation journey, “we’re hearing a lot of noise at the moment. The problem will sort itself out. I’ve no doubt that Australia will get to a more deregulated energy market, but it’ll take longer than most businesses and consumers want. Incomplete deregulation can be more dangerous than none at all as Californian energy consumers are currently finding out. By 2005 – 2010, when the regulatory scene is more open and competitive, fuel quality specifications and alternative energies will dominate the energy debate.”
In between looking after Shell’s Clyde bottom line, Louisa is a member of the AIE organising committee for the institute’s annual conference in Sydney in November (see story Page 117).
She also takes much interest in AIE affairs and looks forward to seeing stronger commercial representation among the membership.
In the meantime Louisa is keeping a weather eye on next opportunities within the Shell world. “My hope is to spend some time in Asia….Shanghai would be fascinating, but time will tell….”
_______________________________________________________________
Editor: There is very little information available about Ms Louisa Wawn please provide any details possible in the comment section available below. Thankyou.
Sex: Female
Year of Birth: 1970
At Time of Disappearance on 14 May 2003
Age: 32
Height (cm):
Build: Thin
Hair Colour: Blonde
Eye Colour:
Complexion: Fair
Nationality:
Racial Appearance: Caucasian
Circumstances Louisa was last seen in Lewisham. Daughter of Brian and Christine WAWN and older sister of Michael and David.
_______________________________________________________________
From ABARE to Shell
Member profile: Louisa Wawn
By Philip Hobbs from Energy News
Louisa Wawn has a very simple reason for being fascinated by the energy sector. “For me,” she said, “energy fuels human well-being; heat, light, transport, electricity allow people to live their dreams.”
It’s a notion that perhaps escapes many, but it is what guided Louisa into the energy industry where she is now Commercial Manager of Shell’s Clyde Refinery in Sydney—a business which supplies 40% of NSW’s petrol, diesel and aviation fuels.
“I’m trained as an economist,” Louisa said. “When I graduated from the Australian National University in Canberra I was not entirely clear about what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to do macro economics, things such as fiscal policy or work at the Reserve Bank or any of the private banks. It’s interesting, but it’s not me.
“My interest is in things micro. What makes companies and industries tick. What they do. How do they react? But I had no idea in which industry I wanted to work.”
Louisa then did what she describes as the traditional economist’s stint in the public sector. She chose the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) in Canberra.
“I joined ABARE in 1994 where I was a minor cog in the energy area doing stats and some market forecasting in electricity and gas. It was about the time that deregulation was starting in the electricity industry.
“It was absolutely fascinating being exposed to the energy industry. But I wasn’t wedded to the public sector. Although I enjoyed my time at ABARE I had a yearning for a bottom line, it’s discipline and focus. So I looked for opportunities in the private sector energy. I had no preference for any company other than that it have an international view.”
This desire led Louisa to Shell through its graduate employment program. An element of the rigorous selection process was having to write a 1500-word essay on a topic of choice.
“Being an unashamed pro-market individual, my topic was the funding of education,” she said. “Most of the others wrote about greenhouse and nuclear issues.”
Her essay and deft analytical skills got Louisa through the Shell door.
“Since then I have been blessed with a variety of project and operational experiences. Much of my first four years at Shell were spent working on power privatisation, looking at buying existing power stations and building new ones. In the mid-90s, Shell made the strategic decision globally to get into power generation. I was fortunate to be part of the team that progressed this vision in Australia.”
In particular this involved economic evaluation of Callide C power station in Queensland, an $800m joint venture between Shell and the Queensland Government.
“After Callide, I wanted more operational experience.” Louisa said. “I’m now lucky to be part of the team running Clyde refinery. My role as Commercial Manager has three main strands: delivering budgets and management information systems; managing interfaces with internal customers—Shell’s marketing arms; and managing quality systems.”
“I don’t pretend to be a technical expert. My role is to work with skilled technical people to deliver good business outcomes. A big part of that is significantly reducing our $75m annual operating budget. Cost minimisation is a constant challenge in commodity businesses.”
On a broader energy perspective, Louisa believes there are three main issues facing the Australian energy sector.
Translating our greenhouse commitments into action is a big issue. “We know that full delivery of Kyoto would be crippling on the Australian economy, but there are plenty of no regrets things that we can do.
“I think we’ll end up with nothing like the Kyoto agreement, but people will be more aware and sensitive about the environment and what they can do as individuals to reduce greenhouse impacts.”
On the deregulation journey, “we’re hearing a lot of noise at the moment. The problem will sort itself out. I’ve no doubt that Australia will get to a more deregulated energy market, but it’ll take longer than most businesses and consumers want. Incomplete deregulation can be more dangerous than none at all as Californian energy consumers are currently finding out. By 2005 – 2010, when the regulatory scene is more open and competitive, fuel quality specifications and alternative energies will dominate the energy debate.”
In between looking after Shell’s Clyde bottom line, Louisa is a member of the AIE organising committee for the institute’s annual conference in Sydney in November (see story Page 117).
She also takes much interest in AIE affairs and looks forward to seeing stronger commercial representation among the membership.
In the meantime Louisa is keeping a weather eye on next opportunities within the Shell world. “My hope is to spend some time in Asia….Shanghai would be fascinating, but time will tell….”
_______________________________________________________________
Editor: There is very little information available about Ms Louisa Wawn please provide any details possible in the comment section available below. Thankyou.
Friday, April 11, 2003
Rose Rain HOWELL
Personal Details
Sex: Female
Year of Birth: 1984
At Time of Disappearance on 11 April 2003
Age: 18
Height (cm): 160.0
Build: Thin
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Green/Hazel
Complexion: Olive
Nationality: Australian
Circumstances: Rose has olive skin and is approximately 160-165cms tall, short dark brown/black haircut on top and sides of head shaved (zero cut). She has hazel/green eyes and thin eyebrows. Rose has 2 small moles on her left forehead about 1cm apart below hairline an a small mole on left side of neck. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, dark grey jeans, black belt with silver buckle and black boots.
When Rose was last seen she was in the Bellingen town-ship on Friday the 11th of April 2003. She was in good spirits and was organising her birthday party. She has not been spoken to or sighted since.
Sex: Female
Year of Birth: 1984
At Time of Disappearance on 11 April 2003
Age: 18
Height (cm): 160.0
Build: Thin
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Green/Hazel
Complexion: Olive
Nationality: Australian
Circumstances: Rose has olive skin and is approximately 160-165cms tall, short dark brown/black haircut on top and sides of head shaved (zero cut). She has hazel/green eyes and thin eyebrows. Rose has 2 small moles on her left forehead about 1cm apart below hairline an a small mole on left side of neck. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, dark grey jeans, black belt with silver buckle and black boots.
When Rose was last seen she was in the Bellingen town-ship on Friday the 11th of April 2003. She was in good spirits and was organising her birthday party. She has not been spoken to or sighted since.
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Kath BERGAMIN
Personal Details
Status: Missing believed Murdered
Reward: $100000
Last Seen: 715 PM Sunday August 18th 2002
Occupation: Disability Worker
Age:37
Gender: Female
Year of birth: 1965
Height: 175cm
Build: Medium
Eyes: green
Hair: short fair. Complexion: Fair
Circumstances: Kath was last seen wearing three-quarter length, red Adidas gym pants with white stripes, a white Tommy Girl t-shirt with a red and blue logo and a red-colored, hooded windcheater-type jacket.
Wangaratta resident Kath Bergamin, 37, went missing from her home in Brien Crescent on August 18 2002. She has not contacted friends or relatives, including her three children. She has not taken any personal items and her bank accounts have not been accessed. Police said the case is now being treated as a murder inquiry.
________________________________________________________________
7 years on and still no answers
DI THOMAS 19 Aug, 2009 12:00 AM
THE family of Kath Bergamin marked yesterday’s seventh anniversary of her disappearance with a renewed plea for information about the Wangaratta woman’s fate.
Sister-in-law Maria Russell spoke yesterday from Melbourne where she and her husband, Roger, Mrs Bergamin’s brother, moved a year ago after several years living in Victoria’s Western District.
“We have heard nothing since the inquest finding a year ago and that was pretty comprehensive,” Mrs Russell said.
“Aside from bringing those responsible to justice, we still haven’t got closure.
“That is definitely important for Roger and his mother, Margaret.
“They have been getting on with their lives but it doesn’t go away, it doesn’t get any easier.
“If anything it becomes deeper.”
In June last year coroner Peter White found Mrs Bergamin had been the victim of foul play with her remains secretly dumped.
But he could not determine who had murdered the Wangaratta mother of three after she vanished from her Brien Crescent home on August 18, 2002, aged 37.
Mr White dismissed the idea that Mrs Bergamin had killed herself, finding instead that in spite of her being under pressure from her estranged husband, John, she had retained a positive attitude to her life and her children.
But he also said Mr Bergamin had tormented his wife after they separated in May, 2002, and she had moved from the King Valley to Wangaratta.
Mrs Russell said she, her husband and mother-in-law had spoken again in recent weeks about asking the public again to come forward with any details about the disappearance.
A $100,000 reward announced two years ago still stands for information offered to police.
“At some point someone has got to say something or dob someone in,” Mrs Russell said.
“There are more than two or three people who know exactly what’s gone on and we want them to know that we haven’t forgotten and the community hasn’t forgotten.”
Anyone with details should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
_______________________________________________________________
Wangaratta mum Kath Bergamin was murdered, says coroner
Jane Metlikovec AAP From: Herald Sun June 04, 2008 12:00AM
A VICTORIAN coroner has found mother-of-three Kath Bergamin was murdered, but has been unable to determine the identity of her killer.
In the Victorian Coroner's Court today, coroner Peter White found the Wangaratta mother was killed by an unknown person or persons after she disappeared from home on the evening of August 18, 2002.
Mr White delivered an open verdict at the conclusion of her inquest this afternoon.
He said after considering evidence from family and friends, much of it unreliable, he found Ms Bergamin was taken from her home on the night of her disappearance and killed soon after.
Her remains have never been found.
______________________________________________________________
Kath Bergamin inquest update VIC POLICE
Release date: Tue 11 September 2007
The inquest relating to the death of missing Wangaratta woman Kath Bergamin has been adjourned until 26 October 2007.
Kath Bergamin disappeared during the evening of Sunday 18 August 2002 from her Brien Crescent home that she shared with a female friend.
A reward of up to $100,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of anyone responsible for the death of the 37-year-old mother of three.
Detectives believe members of the community may have information in relation to this incident and are urging them to come forward.
Investigators particularly want to speak to anyone that anonymously contacted police recently, but did not directly speak to Homicide Squad members.
Any person with information is urged to contact the Homicide Squad on
9865 2362 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Senior Constable Brett Adamson
Media Officer
_______________________________________________________________
$100,000 Reward
Announced June 2007
A reward of up to $100,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of anyone responsible for the death of 37-year-old mother of three Kath Bergamin.
Ms Bergamin disappeared during the evening of Sunday 18 August 2002 from her Brien Crescent home that she shared with a female friend.
Investigations by Homicide Squad detectives have established Ms Bergamin was wearing three quarter length red Adidas gym pants with white stripes, a white ‘Tommy Girl’ t-shirt with a red and blue logo, a red coloured hooded windcheater-type jacket and red Nike gym socks.
Ms Bergamin had separated from her husband, with whom she had previously resided in the Cheshunt area, just a few months before her disappearance.
Extensive enquiries were conducted in and around the Wangaratta and Cheshunt areas to identify those responsible for her disappearance.
A large search of bushland area in Cheshunt South was also conducted in an attempt to locate her body.
Kath Bergamin’s remains have never been recovered.
Detectives believe members of the community may have information in relation to this incident and are asking them to come forward.
“The investigation needs that vital piece of information that will enable us to prosecute those responsible and resolve this case,” Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Steve Clark said.
“We hope this reward will encourage anyone to come forward - any piece of information could help. We particularly want to speak to anyone with information who has not yet contacted us.”
The reward is payable at the Chief Commissioner’s discretion and any information received is treated as strictly confidential.
Anybody with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
_______________________________________________________________
$100,000 reward for missing mum
The Age Mark Russell June 24, 2007
A CORONER will investigate the suspected abduction and murder of mother-of-three Kath Bergamin, who disappeared from her Wangaratta home almost five years ago.
The prime suspect — Mrs Bergamin's estranged husband, John — is expected to be called as a witness.
Police have claimed in court the couple's son, Steven, 24, helped his father murder Mrs Bergamin.
The State Government will announce a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Mrs Bergamin's killer.
John Bergamin, a prominent grape and tobacco grower, was charged with his wife's murder in March last year and spent a month in jail before being released on bail.
The charge was dropped in January because of a lack of evidence.
Mrs Bergamin's family hopes the inquest, which starts on July 31, will provide answers. "We're just hoping things will become a little clearer," her brother, Roger Russell, said yesterday.
Homicide detective Senior Constable Damian Jackson said the inquest, in Wangaratta, was set down for three weeks, with more than 60 witnesses.
"The main focus for the reward is we believe people in the community may have information … and we're asking them to come forward," he said.
The police case against Mr Bergamin and his son has been outlined in court documents obtained by The Sunday Age.
Granting bail to Mr Bergamin last year, Supreme Court judge Betty King said that police claimed he killed his estranged wife so he would not have to sell the family farm and business to pay her if they divorced. The farm at Cheshunt, 55 kilometres south of Wangaratta, had been inherited from Mr Bergamin's parents.
Justice King said police claimed Mr Bergamin:
■Had continued before the murder to contact, stalk and harass Kath Bergamin, despite an intervention order.
■Became aware, on or about August 16, 2002, that Kath Bergamin had initiated proceedings, including spousal maintenance and property settlement.
■Was unable to pay her and could potentially lose the farm.
■Had threatened to kill Kath Bergamin in the past.
■Wanted Kath Bergamin dead to protect the farm.
■Was aware that she was alone at her rented home in Wangaratta on the night of August 18, 2002.
■Abducted her on August 18, 2002, between 7.26pm and 10.10pm, with the help of his son, bundled her into a car, took her to an unknown location and murdered her.
■Disposed of her body at an unknown location and deliberately set fire to the car to destroy any evidence.
■Lied to investigators.
■Disposed of her body at an unknown location and deliberately set fire to the car to destroy any evidence.
■Lied to investigators.
Justice King said the case against Mr Bergamin, 46, was entirely circumstantial and revealed how Mrs Bergamin, on February 11, 2002, attempted to commit suicide with a .22 calibre rifle. The bullet fragmented in her rear lower skull without damaging her brain or other vital organs.
Mrs Bergamin was treated at The Alfred hospital and transferred to the Albert Road Clinic where she was treated for depression.
When police interviewed Mr Bergamin and his son, they denied they had murdered her.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestoppers.com.au
_______________________________________________________________
Status: Missing believed Murdered
Reward: $100000
Last Seen: 715 PM Sunday August 18th 2002
Occupation: Disability Worker
Age:37
Gender: Female
Year of birth: 1965
Height: 175cm
Build: Medium
Eyes: green
Hair: short fair. Complexion: Fair
Circumstances: Kath was last seen wearing three-quarter length, red Adidas gym pants with white stripes, a white Tommy Girl t-shirt with a red and blue logo and a red-colored, hooded windcheater-type jacket.
Wangaratta resident Kath Bergamin, 37, went missing from her home in Brien Crescent on August 18 2002. She has not contacted friends or relatives, including her three children. She has not taken any personal items and her bank accounts have not been accessed. Police said the case is now being treated as a murder inquiry.
________________________________________________________________
7 years on and still no answers
DI THOMAS 19 Aug, 2009 12:00 AM
THE family of Kath Bergamin marked yesterday’s seventh anniversary of her disappearance with a renewed plea for information about the Wangaratta woman’s fate.
Sister-in-law Maria Russell spoke yesterday from Melbourne where she and her husband, Roger, Mrs Bergamin’s brother, moved a year ago after several years living in Victoria’s Western District.
“We have heard nothing since the inquest finding a year ago and that was pretty comprehensive,” Mrs Russell said.
“Aside from bringing those responsible to justice, we still haven’t got closure.
“That is definitely important for Roger and his mother, Margaret.
“They have been getting on with their lives but it doesn’t go away, it doesn’t get any easier.
“If anything it becomes deeper.”
In June last year coroner Peter White found Mrs Bergamin had been the victim of foul play with her remains secretly dumped.
But he could not determine who had murdered the Wangaratta mother of three after she vanished from her Brien Crescent home on August 18, 2002, aged 37.
Mr White dismissed the idea that Mrs Bergamin had killed herself, finding instead that in spite of her being under pressure from her estranged husband, John, she had retained a positive attitude to her life and her children.
But he also said Mr Bergamin had tormented his wife after they separated in May, 2002, and she had moved from the King Valley to Wangaratta.
Mrs Russell said she, her husband and mother-in-law had spoken again in recent weeks about asking the public again to come forward with any details about the disappearance.
A $100,000 reward announced two years ago still stands for information offered to police.
“At some point someone has got to say something or dob someone in,” Mrs Russell said.
“There are more than two or three people who know exactly what’s gone on and we want them to know that we haven’t forgotten and the community hasn’t forgotten.”
Anyone with details should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
_______________________________________________________________
Wangaratta mum Kath Bergamin was murdered, says coroner
Jane Metlikovec AAP From: Herald Sun June 04, 2008 12:00AM
A VICTORIAN coroner has found mother-of-three Kath Bergamin was murdered, but has been unable to determine the identity of her killer.
In the Victorian Coroner's Court today, coroner Peter White found the Wangaratta mother was killed by an unknown person or persons after she disappeared from home on the evening of August 18, 2002.
Mr White delivered an open verdict at the conclusion of her inquest this afternoon.
He said after considering evidence from family and friends, much of it unreliable, he found Ms Bergamin was taken from her home on the night of her disappearance and killed soon after.
Her remains have never been found.
______________________________________________________________
Kath Bergamin inquest update VIC POLICE
Release date: Tue 11 September 2007
The inquest relating to the death of missing Wangaratta woman Kath Bergamin has been adjourned until 26 October 2007.
Kath Bergamin disappeared during the evening of Sunday 18 August 2002 from her Brien Crescent home that she shared with a female friend.
A reward of up to $100,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of anyone responsible for the death of the 37-year-old mother of three.
Detectives believe members of the community may have information in relation to this incident and are urging them to come forward.
Investigators particularly want to speak to anyone that anonymously contacted police recently, but did not directly speak to Homicide Squad members.
Any person with information is urged to contact the Homicide Squad on
9865 2362 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Senior Constable Brett Adamson
Media Officer
_______________________________________________________________
$100,000 Reward
Announced June 2007
A reward of up to $100,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of anyone responsible for the death of 37-year-old mother of three Kath Bergamin.
Ms Bergamin disappeared during the evening of Sunday 18 August 2002 from her Brien Crescent home that she shared with a female friend.
Investigations by Homicide Squad detectives have established Ms Bergamin was wearing three quarter length red Adidas gym pants with white stripes, a white ‘Tommy Girl’ t-shirt with a red and blue logo, a red coloured hooded windcheater-type jacket and red Nike gym socks.
Ms Bergamin had separated from her husband, with whom she had previously resided in the Cheshunt area, just a few months before her disappearance.
Extensive enquiries were conducted in and around the Wangaratta and Cheshunt areas to identify those responsible for her disappearance.
A large search of bushland area in Cheshunt South was also conducted in an attempt to locate her body.
Kath Bergamin’s remains have never been recovered.
Detectives believe members of the community may have information in relation to this incident and are asking them to come forward.
“The investigation needs that vital piece of information that will enable us to prosecute those responsible and resolve this case,” Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Steve Clark said.
“We hope this reward will encourage anyone to come forward - any piece of information could help. We particularly want to speak to anyone with information who has not yet contacted us.”
The reward is payable at the Chief Commissioner’s discretion and any information received is treated as strictly confidential.
Anybody with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
_______________________________________________________________
$100,000 reward for missing mum
The Age Mark Russell June 24, 2007
A CORONER will investigate the suspected abduction and murder of mother-of-three Kath Bergamin, who disappeared from her Wangaratta home almost five years ago.
The prime suspect — Mrs Bergamin's estranged husband, John — is expected to be called as a witness.
Police have claimed in court the couple's son, Steven, 24, helped his father murder Mrs Bergamin.
The State Government will announce a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Mrs Bergamin's killer.
John Bergamin, a prominent grape and tobacco grower, was charged with his wife's murder in March last year and spent a month in jail before being released on bail.
The charge was dropped in January because of a lack of evidence.
Mrs Bergamin's family hopes the inquest, which starts on July 31, will provide answers. "We're just hoping things will become a little clearer," her brother, Roger Russell, said yesterday.
Homicide detective Senior Constable Damian Jackson said the inquest, in Wangaratta, was set down for three weeks, with more than 60 witnesses.
"The main focus for the reward is we believe people in the community may have information … and we're asking them to come forward," he said.
The police case against Mr Bergamin and his son has been outlined in court documents obtained by The Sunday Age.
Granting bail to Mr Bergamin last year, Supreme Court judge Betty King said that police claimed he killed his estranged wife so he would not have to sell the family farm and business to pay her if they divorced. The farm at Cheshunt, 55 kilometres south of Wangaratta, had been inherited from Mr Bergamin's parents.
Justice King said police claimed Mr Bergamin:
■Had continued before the murder to contact, stalk and harass Kath Bergamin, despite an intervention order.
■Became aware, on or about August 16, 2002, that Kath Bergamin had initiated proceedings, including spousal maintenance and property settlement.
■Was unable to pay her and could potentially lose the farm.
■Had threatened to kill Kath Bergamin in the past.
■Wanted Kath Bergamin dead to protect the farm.
■Was aware that she was alone at her rented home in Wangaratta on the night of August 18, 2002.
■Abducted her on August 18, 2002, between 7.26pm and 10.10pm, with the help of his son, bundled her into a car, took her to an unknown location and murdered her.
■Disposed of her body at an unknown location and deliberately set fire to the car to destroy any evidence.
■Lied to investigators.
■Disposed of her body at an unknown location and deliberately set fire to the car to destroy any evidence.
■Lied to investigators.
Justice King said the case against Mr Bergamin, 46, was entirely circumstantial and revealed how Mrs Bergamin, on February 11, 2002, attempted to commit suicide with a .22 calibre rifle. The bullet fragmented in her rear lower skull without damaging her brain or other vital organs.
Mrs Bergamin was treated at The Alfred hospital and transferred to the Albert Road Clinic where she was treated for depression.
When police interviewed Mr Bergamin and his son, they denied they had murdered her.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestoppers.com.au
_______________________________________________________________
Friday, July 19, 2002
Susan Goodwin
Personal Details
Last seen: Friday, 19 July 2002
Year of birth: 1962
Height:
Build: Slim
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Collar length brown hair
Complexion: Fair
Gender: Female
Distinguishing Feature: Tattoo of a purple rose on left hip.
Circumstances: Her disappearance is described as out of character.
_______________________________________________________________
The Disappearance of Susan Goodwin
Sunday Mail 28-12-2003 By: Anna Merola with Peter Haran
EVERYWHERE Susan Goodwin went she look her toothbrush and a small bottle of water.
But the Port Lincoln woman took neither with her the day she disappeared.
She had ignored her obsession with dental hygiene, a fact that gave police reason to worry about her safety.
Police said events from years ago ruted out the likelihood of suicide - Susan had survived an horrific car crash in which her three siblings were killed.
"She considered life precious," Major Crime investigator Detective Sergeant Mick Standing said.
There had been no falling out or altercation with her partner, Michel Peterson, with whom she lived, but something had distressed her on the day she vanished.
Susan had arranged to pick up Ms Peterson from a Port Lincoln fish processing plant at 4.30pm on July 19.
She had shopped for food for the evening meat and was seen in town by people who later told police she was "distressed" or "distraught".
Why Susan was upset is not clear. She drove her four-wheel drive back home and apparently unpacked her groceries.
At 4.30pm Ms Peterson arrived home and became alarmed after finding the four-wheel drive locked and parked in the drive- way.
Inside the couple's home meat had been unpacked and left on the kitchen bench for the evening meal.
Investigators built up a picture of Susan and concluded foul play was involved. One detective said "the whole picture is not right".
The following week police and SES volunteers scoured 25sq km of dense scrub near Port Lincoln for clues or a grave.
Susan carried $140 with her but had not used her bank accounts.
Seventeen months on, her disappearance - listed as a major crime - still mystifies all concerned.
Her father, Don Goodwin, who lives in rural Victoria, told the Sunday Mail his daughter had "been to hell and back" after the tragedy ot the car smash.
"She was very close to me and this has set me back," he said. "I've come to the conclusion she's not alive."
Susan's mother, Margaret, said: "If she was alive we would have heard from her - somebody knows something."
Last seen: Friday, 19 July 2002
Year of birth: 1962
Height:
Build: Slim
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Collar length brown hair
Complexion: Fair
Gender: Female
Distinguishing Feature: Tattoo of a purple rose on left hip.
Circumstances: Her disappearance is described as out of character.
_______________________________________________________________
The Disappearance of Susan Goodwin
Sunday Mail 28-12-2003 By: Anna Merola with Peter Haran
EVERYWHERE Susan Goodwin went she look her toothbrush and a small bottle of water.
But the Port Lincoln woman took neither with her the day she disappeared.
She had ignored her obsession with dental hygiene, a fact that gave police reason to worry about her safety.
Police said events from years ago ruted out the likelihood of suicide - Susan had survived an horrific car crash in which her three siblings were killed.
"She considered life precious," Major Crime investigator Detective Sergeant Mick Standing said.
There had been no falling out or altercation with her partner, Michel Peterson, with whom she lived, but something had distressed her on the day she vanished.
Susan had arranged to pick up Ms Peterson from a Port Lincoln fish processing plant at 4.30pm on July 19.
She had shopped for food for the evening meat and was seen in town by people who later told police she was "distressed" or "distraught".
Why Susan was upset is not clear. She drove her four-wheel drive back home and apparently unpacked her groceries.
At 4.30pm Ms Peterson arrived home and became alarmed after finding the four-wheel drive locked and parked in the drive- way.
Inside the couple's home meat had been unpacked and left on the kitchen bench for the evening meal.
Investigators built up a picture of Susan and concluded foul play was involved. One detective said "the whole picture is not right".
The following week police and SES volunteers scoured 25sq km of dense scrub near Port Lincoln for clues or a grave.
Susan carried $140 with her but had not used her bank accounts.
Seventeen months on, her disappearance - listed as a major crime - still mystifies all concerned.
Her father, Don Goodwin, who lives in rural Victoria, told the Sunday Mail his daughter had "been to hell and back" after the tragedy ot the car smash.
"She was very close to me and this has set me back," he said. "I've come to the conclusion she's not alive."
Susan's mother, Margaret, said: "If she was alive we would have heard from her - somebody knows something."
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Amber Michelle HAIGH
Personal Details
Status: Suspected Murder
Reward: $100,000.
Sex: Female
Year of Birth: 1982
At Time of Disappearance on 5 June 2002
Age: 19
Height: 160.0 Build: Thin
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Green/Hazel
Complexion: Fair / Caucasian
Circumstances: Amber was last seen at Campbelltown. Ms Haigh was reported missing on 19 June, 2002 by a married couple who she had been living with in the rural town of Kingsvale in southern NSW. The couple told police that they dropped Ms Haigh off at the Campbelltown railway station on 5 June, 2002 and never heard from her again.
David Williams, a former abattoir worker, told the inquest he had heard rumours Ms Haigh’s body was "hidden in grapevines".
An inquest into the disappearance of a Young district teenager is scheduled to start almost nine years to the day after she was reported missing.
Amber Michelle Haigh, 19, from Kingsvale, had been staying with a couple in Sydney who reported her disappearance on June 19, 2002.
An inquest has been set down for five days at Parramatta starting on June 20 next year before deputy state coroner Scott Mitchell.
Local police have said they have provided details of Ms Haigh's missing person case to Strikeforce Hixson which is investigating the discovery of bones in the Belanglo State Forest.
NSW Police Force Missing Persons
A $100,000 reward is on offer to solve the mysterious disappearance and suspected death of 19 year old Amber Haigh in 2002.
It is hoped the reward will prompt someone to come forward with new information.
Ms Haigh was reported missing on 19 June, 2002 by a married couple who she had been living with in the rural town of Kingsvale in southern NSW.
The couple told police that they dropped Ms Haigh off at the Campbelltown railway station on 5 June, 2002 and never heard from her again.
Police believe that Ms Haigh met with foul play, but they have been unable to find enough evidence to prosecute anyone over her dissappearance.
Despite extensive searches of the Kingsvale area, she is yet to be found.
Someone within the tight-knit community of Kingsvale could hold the key to solving the mysterious disappearance.
The smallest piece of information may allow police to close this case.
Strike Force Villamar was set up to investigate the case, but police say they have exhausted all avenues of enquiry.
There are still many unanswered questions in the Amber Haigh case and it is only with help from the public that police can expect a breakthrough.
Status: Suspected Murder
Reward: $100,000.
Sex: Female
Year of Birth: 1982
At Time of Disappearance on 5 June 2002
Age: 19
Height: 160.0 Build: Thin
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Green/Hazel
Complexion: Fair / Caucasian
Circumstances: Amber was last seen at Campbelltown. Ms Haigh was reported missing on 19 June, 2002 by a married couple who she had been living with in the rural town of Kingsvale in southern NSW. The couple told police that they dropped Ms Haigh off at the Campbelltown railway station on 5 June, 2002 and never heard from her again.
__________________________________
Sick 'jokes' around missing girl: courtJun 23 2011 By ninemsn staff
An inquest into the disappearance of Amber Haigh has been told the 19-year-old was killed and put through a farm shredding machine. Ms Haigh was reported missing by Robert and Anne Geeves, who lived on a farm with her at Kingsvale, near Young, in New South Wales, in 2002.
A witness, Adam Blundell, told the inquiry on Thursday he had heard rumours of Ms Haigh’s body being put through a shredding machine but he also believed the comment was made as a joke. the ABC reports
At one point the coroner became enraged and castigated Mr Blundell, telling him "It's not a joke.... it's not funny."
Only five months before she was reported missing, Ms Haigh, who experts said had the mental age of a ten-year-old, gave birth to Robert Geeve’s baby. It has been alleged she was acting as a surrogate mother for the couple.David Williams, a former abattoir worker, told the inquest he had heard rumours Ms Haigh’s body was "hidden in grapevines".
But he added he was drunk and stoned at the time and the conversation had started as a "practical joke."
__________________________________
Teen missing since 2002 'used as surrogate mother'
AMBER Haigh and Robert Geeves were a most unlikely couple.
When Ms Haigh moved in to his NSW farmhouse in 2001, she was just 18, and he, a married father of one, was in his early 40s.
Stranger still, his wife, Anne, approved of the union and remained under the same roof with her husband and his new girlfriend in the marital property near Young, in southern NSW.
Nine months after moving in with the Geeves, Ms Haigh, who had a mild intellectual disability, was pregnant. And six months after giving birth to a baby boy, she disappeared and has not been seen since. Her family and the police accept she is almost certainly dead.
Almost nine years to the day since Ms Haigh was last seen on June 5, 2002 -- when the Geeves say they dropped her off at Campbelltown train station in Sydney's southwest -- her family and Mr Geeves yesterday sat just metres apart in Parramatta Local Court on the first day of the inquest into the young mother's disappearance. It is the belief of the family and the police that the Geeves used Ms Haigh as a surrogate mother. Mrs Geeves had lost a baby girl not long before Ms Haigh moved in with them and was thought to be unable to conceive another child.
"There appeared to be some kind of motive of the Geeves to be rid of Amber. It was our concern that she was some kind of surrogate mother," Detective Sergeant David Cockram told the court yesterday. About a year after Ms Haigh's disappearance, police raided the Geeves home and seized a doona that contained bloodstains consistent with the DNA of a relative of Roslyn Wright, Ms Haigh's mother.
The doona was taken from the bedroom once shared by Ms Haigh and Mr Geeves. A further police raid of the property in 2005 found similar blood samples on the carpet. Neither Mr Geeves, nor Mrs Geeves -- who was too sick to attend yesterday's inquest -- have been charged with any crime relating to the disappearance of Ms Haigh.
The court was told Mr Geeves had been acquitted of the murder of another girlfriend, 29-year-old Janelle Goodwin, whose naked body -- tied with twine from her ankles to her neck -- was found at the Geeves farmhouse in June 1993.
Ms Goodwin had moved in with Mr Geeves and his wife in the early 1990s, and became pregnant with his child. But on the night of June 20, 1993, she died from a bullet wound to her head. Mr Geeves told police that during a drunken argument, Ms Goodwin "introduced" a firearm to the dispute and was shot in the struggle.
In his opening remarks yesterday, counsel assisting the Coroner, Peter Hamill, said Ms Haigh's family members would tell the inquest that Amber had feared she would be "discarded" by the Geeves after she gave birth.
Ms Haigh's aunt, Patricia Haigh, told the inquest her niece had confided to her that she had been "raped and videotaped" by Mr Geeves and he and his wife had used the existence of the tapes to blackmail the teenager into promising to hand over the baby to them when it was born.
The inquest continues.
__________________________________
Baby 'taken', then mother vanished
Malcolm Brown June 21, 2011 SMH
A COUPLE who gave accommodation to a teenage girl in Kingsvale, near Young in southern NSW, might have agreed that the man should make the girl pregnant and they would then take the baby, Parramatta Coroner's Court heard yesterday.
The Deputy State Coroner, Scott Mitchell, inquiring into the disappearance of Amber Michelle Haigh in June 2002, heard that Anne Geeves, whose husband Robert Geeves made the girl pregnant, had lost a baby of her own and could not conceive again.
Peter Hamill, SC, counsel assist-ing the inquiry, said Amber, 19, gave birth to a baby boy in January, 2002. On June 5 of that year, Robert and Anne Geeves, on their later account to police, had taken Amber to Campbelltown railway station, where she was to catch a train to Mount Druitt to visit her father. She was never seen again. Robert and Anne Geeves reported her missing on June 19, 2002.
Amber, who suffered from epilepsy and had a mental disability, had formed a relationship with Robbie Geeves, son of Robert and Anne Geeves, but Robert Geeves had become interested in her as well and had asked her to stay with them.
Sergeant Andrew Cochrane, who investigated the disappearance, said Mr and Mrs Geeves had been suspects from the outset of the inquiry. He said he had taken note of the fact that Mr Geeves had been tried and acquitted of the murder of another girl in 2006 and he had also been acquitted of the abduction and sexual assault of a teenage girl in 1986.
Patricia Haigh, an aunt of Amber, said her niece had told her about terrible abuse, including rape, she had suffered at the hands of Robert and Anne Geeves.
''She [told me that] she had been tied to a bed and his wife took a video about it and they held that against her so she would not tell anybody anything otherwise they would use it against her,'' Ms Haigh said.
''Amber told me that Mrs Geeves had had a death of her own child, she wanted to have another baby, she could not fall pregnant, and they had held on to Amber so they could get the baby off her.''
The hearing resumes today.
_________________________________
Date set for Amber Haigh inquest
ABC Australia Riverina Online: September 22, 2010
Amber Michelle Haigh, 19, from Kingsvale, had been staying with a couple in Sydney who reported her disappearance on June 19, 2002.
An inquest has been set down for five days at Parramatta starting on June 20 next year before deputy state coroner Scott Mitchell.
Local police have said they have provided details of Ms Haigh's missing person case to Strikeforce Hixson which is investigating the discovery of bones in the Belanglo State Forest.
__________________________________
Reward of $100,000 to solve disappearance of Amber HaighNSW Police Force Missing Persons
A $100,000 reward is on offer to solve the mysterious disappearance and suspected death of 19 year old Amber Haigh in 2002.
It is hoped the reward will prompt someone to come forward with new information.
Ms Haigh was reported missing on 19 June, 2002 by a married couple who she had been living with in the rural town of Kingsvale in southern NSW.
The couple told police that they dropped Ms Haigh off at the Campbelltown railway station on 5 June, 2002 and never heard from her again.
Police believe that Ms Haigh met with foul play, but they have been unable to find enough evidence to prosecute anyone over her dissappearance.
Despite extensive searches of the Kingsvale area, she is yet to be found.
Someone within the tight-knit community of Kingsvale could hold the key to solving the mysterious disappearance.
The smallest piece of information may allow police to close this case.
Strike Force Villamar was set up to investigate the case, but police say they have exhausted all avenues of enquiry.
There are still many unanswered questions in the Amber Haigh case and it is only with help from the public that police can expect a breakthrough.
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