New information in the hunt for Pauline Sowry leads to bushland search near Figtree

Police have searched bushland in the escarpment as they continue investigations into the suspicious disappearance of a Wollongong mother 30 years ago.

Strike Force Athena was established in 2022 to re-examine the circumstances surrounding Pauline Sowry’s disappearance.

Pauline, who was also known by her married name, Pauline Lawrence, was 49 years old when last seen by her family in the northern suburbs of Wollongong in December 1993.

Despite extensive investigations since then, her whereabouts remain unknown.

A coronial inquest in 2008 found that Pauline had died, most likely after an unconfirmed sighting in 1994.

In March and May 2023, police searched the Illawarra escarpment at Figtree, south of Wollongong, as part of their investigations into Pauline’s suspicious disappearance.

Officers and detectives attached to the Wollongong and Lake Illawarra Police Districts, with help from the Southern Region Operation Support Group and the NSW Police Dog Unit, were involved in the search.

In March 2024, the NSW Government and NSW Police announced a $500,000 reward for information.

In May 2024, police issued an appeal for information about a vehicle Pauline may have been travelling in, south of Wollongong, around the time of her disappearance.

It was described as a white 1968-model Holden HK Kingswood sedan, which was said to be in “pristine” condition.

As a result of further information received, the bushland search resumed in the Illawarra escarpment at Figtree in early October 2024.

Officers and detectives attached to Wollongong and Lake Illawarra Police Districts, with assistance from Southern Region Operation Support Group and Southern Region Enforcement Squad were involved in the search.

Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar said the latest search showed NSW Police remained committed to finding out what happened to Pauline.

“We don’t want to leave any stone unturned. This latest search is another step in trying to find crucial answers for Pauline’s family,” he said.

“Someone out there knows what happened to her and we believe this search could help unlock some vital information as to where Pauline is.”

Pauline’s son Jason Lawrence said it had been incredibly difficult for the family not knowing what happened to their mother and sister.

Jason said the searches provided renewed hope they may find answers.

“We’ve been robbed of not knowing my mother, I’ve been robbed of [her] not seeing what I’ve become over the years, how strong I’ve been, my career, my children,” he said.

”I’ve been robbed of a mother and robbed of a grandmother to my children. I’ve been robbed of a normal life. I don’t wish it on anybody.

“It would be really good to get some closure and know that she didn’t leave us and something had happened … if something has happened to her, say OK you are there and we can put you in a place where you can rest.”

Anyone who has information about the suspicious disappearance of Pauline Sowry is urged to contact Wollongong Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. You can do so anonymously.

Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.