Quanne Diec could have Granville playground named after her

The western Sydney community where missing schoolgirl Quanne Diec was raised has offered a sympathetic gesture towards her family 21 years after she disappeared.

Quanne Diec at her aunt's wedding before she disappeared in 1998.

• Vinzent Tarantino found not guilty of Quanne Diec murder
• Tarantino’s jail term for knife crime after murder acquittal

A playground in the same neighbourhood where schoolgirl Quanne Diec lived with her family before she vanished 21 years ago could be named in her honour.

Next week, Cumberland Council will consider naming the playground at New Glasgow Park in Granville after Quanne, whose body has never been found after she left her Seventh St home on July 27, 1998, and vanished while walking to Clyde train station.

Cumberland councillor Joseph Rahme at the playground he want to rename in Quanne Diec’s honour. Picture: Angelo Velardo

The proposal comes shortly after former Kings Cross bouncer Vincent Tarantino, 52, was acquitted of murdering the 12 year old.

The Supreme Court jury found him not guilty after deliberating for nearly six days.

In November 2016, Tarantino walked into Surry Hills police station and told police he had abducted and killed Quanne.

Quanne Diec grew up in Seventh St, Granville. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Cumberland councillor Joe Rahme, who has suggested naming the playground after Quanne, grew up a street away and would often see the Strathfield Girls’ High School student walking to Clyde station.

Quanne Diec, who has not been since leaving her Granville home to catch a train to Strathfield.

“I’ve always had a close affinity with this case,’’ Cr Rahme said.

“I grew up in the street next to Quanne Diec and in 1998 I was in Year 11. On most days of the week I’d see her walking to Clyde station as well and when it happens as a kid, it really resonates with you.’’

Last week’s acquittal also inspired the father of three him to suggest the playground name.

Quanne Diec's cousin Christine Woo reads a statement outside Granville police station after Vinzent Tarantino was found not guilty of abducting and murdering her. Picture: James Gourley

Quanne Diec.

“I can’t imagine losing a little one and not knowing where they are for 20 years,’’ he said.

Joe Rahme remembers growing up near Quanne Diec. Picture: David Swift

Quanne Diec aged six.

After the acquittal, Quanne’s cousin, Christine Woo, made a statement after the verdict and expressed the family’s devastation.

“We are still trying to process the words not guilty and it is difficult for us to understand how the jury has come to this decision,’’ she said.

Vinzent Tarantino was found not guilty. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

“We wanted justice for Quanne and we haven’t got that. The worst part is Quanne’s body has never been found. Someone out there knows where she is and to that person — you have shattered our family.’’

Council officers are liaising with Quanne’s parents about the Factory St proposal, which is due to be discussed on Wednesday.