NSW Police, government announce $1m reward in probe on cold case murder of Indigenous woman Theresa Binge

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned this article contains mentions and images of deceased persons. Authorities investigating the murder of a woman who was found dumped in a drain near the Queensland-NSW border have vowed to never give up the fight for justice as a new $1m reward for information is revealed. NSW Police announced the massive upgrade for the reward offer on Tuesday as they continue to probe the mysterious death of Theresa Binge in 2003. Ms Binge, 43, was last seen about midday on Friday, July 18 that year at the O’Shea’s Royal Hotel in Goondiwindi, in Queensland. She was wearing a horizontal striped black and yellow football jersey, silver track pants and white running shoes. The Boggabilla woman was reported missing and her body was found on July 29, 2003 in a drainage culvert beneath Mungindi-Goondiwindi Bridge Road – formerly known as Boomi Road – in NSW, approximately 12km south of Goondiwindi. In a statement on Tuesday, NSW Police said detectives from the state’s Homicide Squad had travelled to Moree to announce the reward for information into Ms Binge’s murder was being upgraded to $1 million. “Detectives will spend the week in Moree, Goondiwindi and surrounds raising awareness of the increased $1 million reward and, with assistance from Crime Stoppers, have employed the services of a mobile billboard to assist in spreading the word,” a police spokesman said. “A matter under investigation by the Unsolved Homicide Team is never closed and is continually reviewed for new avenues to progress the investigation.” This reward is a joint offering from the police and NSW government. NSW Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said the renewed appeal was about keeping Ms Binge’s memory alive as her family fight for answers. “For more than 20 years, Theresa’s loved ones have lived with the pain of not knowing what happened to her,” she said. “This $1m reward is a reminder that justice never expires and that every piece of information is critical. Investigators believe this reward could encourage those with information to come forward and provide NSW Police the best opportunity to solve this tragic case.” Moree Police took command of the missing person investigation after Ms Binge’s body was found. In 2007, a coroner found Ms Binge had been murdered. That same year the NSW government announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Ms Binge’s murder. The matter was then referred to State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad Unsolved Homicide Team. No one has ever been arrested and charged over Ms Binge’s death. Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi – the commander of the NSW Police Homicide Squad – said the Binge family deserve answers. “Time can change things. People move on, relationships change, and what felt impossible to say years ago may feel more doable now. If you’ve been holding onto something, this is your chance to speak up,” he said. “As detectives, we don’t ever walk away from these cases. “We keep digging, keep asking questions, and keep showing up – no matter how long it’s been. “This reward isn’t about money, it’s about justice. It’s about giving someone the push they need to do the right thing. If you know something, now is the time.” Anyone with information that may assist investigators are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.