Flippa death mystery
Cold case detectives desperate for new leads in murder
NO ANSWERS: Christian ‘‘Flippa’’ Brouwer was a homeless pensioner whose body was found in grassland at Point Henry 10 years ago. The cause of his death remains a mystery.
COLD CASE
POLICE HOMELESS pensioner Christian Flippa Brouwer was known to locals as a humble bloke who chose to call the streets of Geelong home.
He frequented local hotels and TABs and was described by those who knew him as a real character with hardy survival skills.
But on November 23, 2003, innocent teenagers walking their dog stumbled across his rotting corpse in swampy bushland at a Point Henry beach.
In a case that baffled police and sent ripples through the wider Geelong community, Flippa’s murder remains unsolved.
Cold case detectives said the case remains on their desk and are desperate for new leads.
Those that knew the grey- haired punter said Flippa simply walked out of the Sir Charles Darling Hotel on Bellerine St and vanished in July 2003.
The divorced father-ofthree was said to have enjoyed a beer and punt on the horses at various different local hotels, including the National Hotel, The Carlton Hotel and Sir Charles Darling Hotel.
His unusual nickname was believed to have been coined following the fiery car crash that left Flippa with burns and unable to wear anything other than thongs.
At the time of his shocking death, a former bar attendant said she would often strike up a friendly conversation with the wanderer - he even called her Peaches.
But little made sense when the grisly find was made with police unsure whether the murder took place at the bushland site or at another location.
Accidental death couldn’t be ruled out either, they said.
The Geelong Advertiser reported in 2008 that an inquest into Mr Brouwers death was inconclusive.
Material from the hearing was suppressed from publication.
Little light has been shone on the tragic case since.
Anyone with i nformation should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.