Police have arrested a man after an investigation into the suspicious disappearance of an Illawarra mother more than three decades ago.
Strike Force Anthea was established in 2022 to re-examine the circumstances surrounding Pauline Sowry's disappearance.
Pauline, also known by her married name of Pauline Lawrence, was 49 years old when she was last seen by her family in the northern suburbs of Wollongong in December 1993.
Despite extensive investigations since then, Pauline's whereabouts remain unknown.
A Coronial inquest in 2008 found that Pauline had died, most likely after an unconfirmed sighting in 1994.
In March 2024, the NSW Government and NSW Police announced a $500,000 reward for information.
Officers attached to Wollongong and Lake Illawarra Police Districts – with assistance from Southern Region Operation Support Group and Southern Region Enforcement Squad – searched the Illawarra escarpment at Figtree, south of Wollongong, in March and May 2023 and October 2024, as part of their investigations into Pauline's suspicious disappearance. As a result of the three searches, a number of items of clothing were located and seized.
Following extensive investigations, about 8.30am today (Thursday 29 May 2025), officers attached to Wollongong Police District attended a unit in Murphys Avenue, Gywnneville, and arrested a 64-year-old man. He remains in custody at Wollongong Police Station.
Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM has commended the work of officers leading to today's arrest.
"During last year's renewed appeal for information I made a promise that the NSW Police would leave no stone unturned to seek a resolution, and the persistence and effort by my officers has resulted in today's arrest.
"I commend the tireless commitment of our officers in finding answers for Pauline's family and they continue to work hard to bring this matter before the courts," Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.
Pauline's son, Jason Lawrence, has welcomed today's arrest and thanked officers for their dedication to the investigation.
"We welcome today's news that a person has been arrested in relation to the suspicious disappearance of our beloved mum. We have waited more than 30 years to hear today's news," Jason said.
"We miss her every day and her disappearance has taken a huge toll on myself and our entire family.
"We thank the police officers for never giving up hope and we look forward to the outcome of this investigation," he said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
