New inquest into 1994 murder of model Revelle Balmain

Police will search three new locations linked to the 1994 disappearance of Sydney model-turned-prostitute Revelle Balmain.

A fresh coronial inquest into the disappearance of Sydney model-turned-prostitute Revelle Balmain will begin next year, as police start a new search on Tuesday at three locations linked to her 1994 murder.

It comes as The Daily Telegraph can reveal a new person of interest has been identified over her death.

Ms Balmain disappeared from Kingsford in the city’s east on November 5, 1994, with the investigation into her suspected killing supported by the announcement of a $1 million reward earlier this year.

In the wake of the reward announcement an anonymous tipster provided a photo of a mystery man who it was suggested had information useful to the police investigation into what happened to Ms Balmain.

A fresh coronial inquest into the disappearance of Sydney model turned prostitute Revelle Balmain will begin next year.

Ms Balmain was last seen on Saturday, November 5 1994. Her body has never been found but the NSW Coroner in 1999 returned a finding that she was a victim of homicide.

Police sources confirmed he had now been identified, is still alive and considered a person of interest.

“The coroner is aware of the new lines of inquiry,” Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bell, who is leading the renewed investigation under Strike Force Aramac, said.

“We’re exploring all avenues that we can, I want finalisation for the family. It’s unfortunate that her mother and father have passed away and she only has one living relative left, want to get some closure.”

As part of a Coronial Order ahead of a new inquest into her disappearance, NSW Police will search what was once the Swiss-Grand Hotel (now QT Bondi) at Bondi Beach, as well as the Select Companions brothel in Potts Point where she worked and her former home at Bellevue Hill, on Tuesday.

After a $1 million reward was announced this photo was sent to police who now wish to speak to the man. Picture: NSW Police

“The locations that are being searched today will be subject to an extensive forensic examination by specialist officers attached to the Forensic Evidence and Technical Services (FETS) Command,” Det Ch Insp Bell said.

“When you have new technology, time sometimes doesn’t matter.

“As investigations continue, we are urging anyone with information to contact police so we may provide much-needed answers to Revelle’s family.”

Ms Balmain’s belongings including a make-up bag, keys and a shoe were found scattered on Ainslie Street on the day she went missing.

The then 22-year-old was reported missing later that evening and has not been seen or heard from since.

At the initial Coronial Inquest in 1999 it was determined Ms Balmain had “died at the hands of a person or persons unknown”.

A date for the new coronial inquest has not been set, but it is expected to begin in the second-half of 2022.