The family and supporters of a Gomeroi teenager found dead on train tracks near Tamworth 35 years ago say they're confident a fresh inquest will be called into his death.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains images and names of people who have died.
The body of 17-year-old Mark Haines was discovered eight kilometres south of the city on January 16, 1988.
No investigation has yet determined how or why he died.
Now, after decades of campaigning, his uncle Don Craigie said he hoped a fresh inquiry would bring his family closure.
"There will be a coronial inquiry, and we are very hopeful it will be this year," he said.
"We're still looking for justice, but first of all we want the truth of what has happened to our boy Mark."
Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame took over the matter late last year after a previous coroner fell ill.
Mr Craigie said the prospect of a new inquest had become apparent in the time since then.
Greens MLC Sue Higginson said she was working with the family's legal team and said they had received very positive news from the NSW Coroners Court.
"The coroner is supporting an inquest, the legal teams have been appointed to guide that inquest, and we are very much positive there will be a roundtable with the family very early this year," she said.
She said 35 years was a long time to wait.
Police reopened the case into Mark's death after the ABC's Walkley Award-winning podcast Blood on the Tracks, which investigated his passing when it was published five years ago.
A statement from Oxley Police Superintendent Bruce Grassick said detectives were making inquiries into Mark's death under Strike Force Puno.
"A full review of investigative records by the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad concluded in February 2022," it read.
"This information has been sent to the State Coroner for consideration."
The $500,000 reward pledged for new information in 2018 remains in place – but Mr Craigie wants it boosted.
"I would say to the NSW police – the local command and the police commissioner – you've got nothing to lose by increasing that reward to $1,000,000," he said.
The Coroners Court has been contacted for comment.
