Search continues for Alison
POLICE have doorknocked the area where a 23-year-old woman went missing on the 10th anniversary of her disappearance hoping to uncover evidence which could finally lead to answers.
Allison Neridine Bernard was last seen on February 10 in 2013 about 11pm at the Exchange Hotel in Coen with Archer River Quarry caretaker Thomas Byrnes.
A detective senior constable told an inquest into her disappearance last year that he suspected she was murdered but no charges had been laid.
The inquest heard in 2013 Mr Byrnes reportedly told police he took Ms Bernard back to his place after drinking at the hotel.
He claimed she urinated on herself, had a shower and the pair had a consensual sexual encounter before Ms Bernard walked off into the night wearing nothing but a towel, never to be seen or heard from again.
At the time, she had been expected to travel to Kowanyama but never arrived.
Mr Byrnes did not call police to report Ms Bernard missing.
The inquest heard police ultimately visited the quarry three days later, after Ms Bernard’s family reported her missing.
No trace of Ms Bernard has ever been found and no charges have been laid over her disappearance. In a statement on Friday Queensland Police said: “A large scale search of the quarry and surrounding area failed to locate any sign of Ms Bernard.
“New drone and camera technology was utilised for a systematic search of the area in 2021.
“The target search operation, along with further searches in the Coen area in late 2022, unfortunately did not advance investigations.”
A decate later, Acting Superintendent Kevin Goan remains determined someone knows something that could provide answers to the Allison’s disappearance.
“Allison would now be 33, she could have lived a full life and had a family – but instead her loved ones are left wondering,” Acting Superintendent Goan said.
“We will not give up. Allison’s disappearance has had a devastating impact on this community and together we won’t stop until we find answers.
“That’s why we are in Coen today, with a dedicated group of volunteers, doorknocking the community in the hope anyone with information, no matter how small, may prove to be the key to locating Allison.”
Allison is described as First Nations, approximately 155cms tall, with a slim build and brown hair.
“We urge members of the public to continue to spread the word – anyone with information should immediately contact police.”