Police have announced a $500,000 reward for information relating to the 1989 disappearance of central Queensland woman Michelle Lewis in a bid to generate new leads.
Ms Lewis was last seen alive riding her maroon and white bike in Rockhampton 33 years ago.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said it was hoped the renewed appeal for information would solve the cold case.
"Despite extensive investigations at the time and since, Michelle has never been located, nor has her bike, and police now strongly suspect she was murdered around the time she disappeared," she said.
Ms Lewis, then aged 21, was last seen alive riding her bike leaving a friend's house on Stenlake Avenue, North Rockhampton, intending to ride a short distance to her home on Alexandra Street about 10.45pm on Saturday, January 14, 1989.
"The most direct route … would've been no more than one kilometre away and would've taken her only a few minutes," Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
"During National Missing Persons Week, we do believe that with public assistance, irrespective of passage of time, this crime can be solved, offenders can be brought to justice, and we can provide some closure for Michelle's friends and the Rockhampton community."
Detectives urged a person who called police around midday on February 18, 1989 to come forward.
"The male person called Rockhampton Police Station with information about Michelle's disappearance," Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
"Prior to being put through to investigating detectives, the male terminated the call.
"We believe there are people out there with information and with this significant reward announced, now is the time for those people to reconsider 33 years of silence and come forward to police."
A tough upbringing
Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said Ms Lewis had a tough upbringing after being "abandoned by her mum" at a few weeks old, then raised by her grandma.
"When [her grandmother] passed away, Michelle was fortunate to be fostered by a kind lady by the name of Adeline, or Dell, Salhus," she said.
"Michelle lived with Dell and her family at Alexandra Street for approximately four years.
"Dell, who has since passed away, told police at the time that Michelle, a former Glenmore High School student, was very responsible and always phoned if there was a change in plans or she was going to be home late."
Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said Ms Lewis's case was reviewed in 1999 as part of the investigation into the crimes committed by serial killer Leonard John Fraser.
Fraser died in custody in 2007 while serving life imprisonment in relation to three murders and one manslaughter in the Rockhampton area.
"There was no information gleaned at the time to suggest that Fraser was involved in the murder of Michelle," the detective said.
A haunting case
The former lead investigator, retired detective Ann Gumley, said the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Unit began re-examining the case in 2021.
"There are not too many cases that have stayed with me over the years, but after 33 years I still think of Michelle Coral Lewis and as to what happened to her," she said.
Ms Gumley said she was hopeful the reward would lead to a breakthrough.
"I spent a lot of my time as a Rockhampton police officer searching for Michelle and I still remain committed to seeking justice for her," Ms Gumley said.
Ms Lewis is described as 155 centimetres tall, with black shoulder-length hair and brown eyes.
The state government reward is for information that leads to the conviction of a person or people responsible for Michelle's suspected murder.
