Homicide Squad detectives are renewing their appeal for public information ahead of the first anniversary of Christine Neilan's death in the state's north west.
Just before 8am on Thursday 9 January 2020, emergency services were called to bushland near Sunflash Street and Black Prince Drive at Lightning Ridge, following the discovery of a woman's body.
The woman was formally identified as 39-year-old local, Christine Neilan.
A post-mortem examination revealed she died from serious head injuries.
At the time her body was located, Christine was wearing an orange and blue short-sleeved shirt with an Indigenous pattern and black shorts.
Detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad and Central North Police District established Strike Force Bullarook to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Christine had lived at Lightning Ridge with her mother since late 2019 and was known to walk around the local area with her small white dog 'Sooky'.
As investigations continue, police have released a CCTV image of Christine at a Lightning Ridge supermarket at about 10.40am on Wednesday 8 January 2020.
Police have been told Christine was last seen leaving her Lightning Ridge home for a walk without 'Sooky', between 11am to 11.30am the same day.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said detectives were continuing to explore several lines of inquiry to identify those involved in Christine's suspected murder.
"It has now been a year since this investigation began, and police wish to extend their sincere appreciation to those in the local community who have already come forward and spoken to police.
"As our inquiries continue, we are urging anyone who may have information – not matter how small – to please come forward.
"This includes details relating to Christine's associates prior to her death, or any sightings of Christine after 10.40am on Wednesday 8 January 2020.
"From the information we have already gathered, it's likely there are people who know what happened, even if they weren't directly involved.
"Christine's family are still without answers, and we hope a member of the local community may be able to assist us in obtaining justice for Christine," Det Supt Doherty said.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Bullarook detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
