RECLAIM THE BEACH
Volunteers help Toyah investigation as Wangetti takes a stand
AN ARMY of volunteers who searched Wangetti Beach yesterday, looking for clues to help solve the murder of Toyah Cordingley, have made a powerful statement.
The beach, where the 24year-old was found dead two weeks ago, has been “reclaimed” as a safe space, with more than 200 people showing they will do anything to help find the killer.
Volunteers joined police and State Emergency Service, with some using metal detectors to comb through sand and scrub for a trace of a clue.
Several unusual items were found, including a bullet casing.
While police say nothing of interest was found, they are grateful for the immense public support they have received for their homicide investigation, and hope it continues as they extend their own search.
WANGETTI Beach has been “reclaimed” as a safe space by hundreds of volunteers who helped comb the 4km stretch of coastline for any clues about Toyah Cordingley’s murder.
Police yesterday praised the efforts of more than 200 people who volunteered their Sunday to join them and State Emergency Service workers for combined search at the beach, 42km north of Cairns, to find anything that would point authorities in the right direction towards the 24-yearold’s killer.
Toyah’s father Troy Cordingley made the tragic discovery of his daughter’s body in sand dunes at Wangetti Beach on Sunday, October 22, a day after she was reported missing.
She had driven to the popular spot for an afternoon walk with a dog.
The slaying of the muchloved pharmacy worker has caused an outpouring of sorrow and shock across the Far North.
Volunteers used metal detectors and dug through sand and scrub to find all manner of objects during the search – ranging from old pairs of thongs and jewellery, through to a bullet casing, and a Foster’s beer can from World Expo ’88.
While there were no fresh leads found at the beach yesterday, Cairns CIB Detective Sergeant Brad McLeish said they were grateful for the extra support from the community.
“I think today is as much about community support as it is about solving a murder,” he said.
“But nothing of interest has been found, to date, that I’m aware of.”
Wangetti resident Christine Fry, who joined in the search, said it was important for locals to “reclaim the beach”.
“It’s a cleansing thing, as well as providing support for Toyah’s family,” she said.
“None of us knew her personally, but it’s important for us to be here.”
One searcher, who only wanted to be known as Rob, said he wanted to do what he could to help make the area safer.
“I’ve got a 24-year-old daughter, and she walks her dog on the beach here all the time,” he said.
“This whole thing is just gut-wrenching.”