Far North District detectives are renewing a public appeal for information relating to the suspicious disappearance of Mossman woman Joanne Butterfield who went missing in North Queensland over two decades ago.
Joanne, aged 37 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen around 8pm on Thursday, June 25, 1998, leaving a house in Mowbray near the Captain Cook Highway. She told friends she was planning on hitchhiking south.
Three days later, on June 28, 1998 personal property belonging to Joanne was found near Innisfail between a public lookout and bank of a cane train track at Henderson Drive, Pin Gin Hill (near Currajah) (pictured). This included an embroidered bag that Joanne took everywhere with her.
On July 8, 1998 an envelope containing Joanne's Medicare card, bank cards and personal documents was delivered to her Mossman home.
Joanne was last seen wearing a short black dress with shoulder straps, black flat shoes, and carrying her floral embroidered bag. She is described as Caucasian, approximately 160cm tall, with long auburn hair and blue eyes.
Detectives are confident more information could lead to a breakthrough in the case.
Specifically, detectives are wanting to speak with anyone who may have seen a woman hitchhiking between Port Douglas and the South Johnstone area between Thursday, June 25 and Sunday, June 28, 1998.
Anyone who travelled along Henderson Drive, Pin Gin Hill and saw any other vehicles, or any people, near the lookout on that road (pictured) between those dates, are also urged to come forward.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
