New NSW Police DNA database to help find south coast missing persons

When loved ones go missing, DNA can often be many family’s last resort. Now, a new world-first database is already helping solve the state’s biggest mysteries.

It is the last resort for many Australians searching for missing loved ones, and there are hopes south coast residents can help police solve a growing number of mysterious disappearances.

Following the success of a world-first pop-up DNA collection centre on the Central Coast, NSW Missing Persons Registry Commander, Detective Inspector Glen Browne, said the “quite large” number of unidentified remains on the south coast has made it the focus of the registry.

“There’s all these unidentified bones we need to match up,” he said

“Our scientist used to tell us we needed one DNA profile from a relative, but now we need five or even six.”

Detective Inspector Glen Browne launching the familial DNA collection pilot program in Coffs Harbour.

“We are touring the state as quickly as possible, but in coastal areas we have large numbers of boating accidents, and drownings, so we have focused there so far.

“It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to lose someone close to you and not know where they are.”

More than 38,000 Australians go missing each year, and while most are found within days, the whereabouts of almost 3000 people remain unknown.

Det-Insp Browne said human bones could wash up on beaches decades after someone is reported missing, and pointed to the case of missing man Bill Moran, whose jawbone was found on a Kingscliff beach 10 years ago, as an example of how a south coast database will help solve cold cases.

“It’s extraordinary how many bones wash up on beaches years later,” he said.

Bill and Pippi Moran, who died when their boat sank in 1979 off Evans Head. Remains of Bill's jaw washed up on a beach in 2011 have finally been identified with DNA.

Mr Moran’s DNA was linked to an inmate at Nowra Correctional Centre, who had heard stories of a long, lost uncle.

Since 2019, the Missing Persons Registry has reviewed all 769 long-term missing persons cases in NSW, and identified a lack of direct or familial DNA profiles for a significant number of historical investigations.

South coast author Melissa Pouliot’s cousin Ursula Barwick disappeared in 1987, and it was a case that would change the way police investigate missing persons, after systemic issues were uncovered.

Ms Pouliot said she was “excited” by the changes made by police, which included the shutting down of the state’s missing persons unit, and the formation of the registry.

Melissa Pouliot (left) pictured with her cousin Ursula Barwick before her disappearance.

“The lack of a database was always an issue historically, because there wasn’t any cross-border information sharing, and they needed to make things a lot more user friendly for families of missing people,” she said.

“The trauma of not knowing where someone is makes it difficult for people to navigate the bureaucracy.

“That was my biggest hurdle in getting Ursula’s case reopened. I started a spreadsheet with all the information I had and gave that to Kings Cross police, but even they were caught up in internal bureaucracy.

“They didn’t have access to the whole file.”

An inquest into her disappearance this year heard Ursula’s remains had been confused for that of Jessica Pearce, a missing divorced mother from New Zealand, leading Det-Insp Browne to offer an official apology.

Detective Sergeant Justin Marks has welcomed the south coast pop-up centres. Picture: NSW Police.

Ms Pouliot said feedback from the registry’s Central Coast trial had been used at the inquest, which is set to lay down its findings in August.

“I just hope to see every part of the puzzle come together, and for things families have to go through to be made easier,” she said.

Detective Sergeant Justin Marks said the new database would help with quickly identifying the remains of missing people across Australia, and reassured sceptics the DNA they provide will not be used against them in criminal investigations.

“Traditionally we try to get familial DNA from someone’s next of kin, or a family member, which is much easier than getting possibly degraded samples from say a toothbrush or a hair brush,” he said. “This is much more proactive.

“There are misconceptions, or concerns, it could be used on a criminal database, but that’s not the case.”

He said the recent discovery of missing alleged fraudster Melissa Caddick’s foot at Bournda Beach in February, is an example of how the process can work.

Missing woman Melissa Caddick’s foot was found on the south coast in February.

The database may also help solve the region’s only cold case, the 2014 disappearance of 38-year-old Kelly-Anne Levitski.

While a 2018 inquest found Ms Levitski, who vanished from her family’s rural property at Mount Darragh, was presume dead, Det-Sgt Marks said the case remained open until her body was found.

Det-Sgt Marks said the inquest raised “more questions than answers”, and he hoped Ms Levitski will one day be found.

The database will also be useful to police following natural disasters, like the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, where detectives had to identify the body Richard Steele, who was found dead at Coolagolite, he said.

“We knew who it was, but we couldn’t prove who it was,” Det-Sgt Marks said.

“His next of kin was in Perth, but hesitant to provide us with their DNA. We eventually found another family member who was able to help us identify him.

“We had no other way of identifying him.”

A Central Coast resident provides DNA to the Missing Persons Registry pilot program in February. Picture: NSW Police

He urged people related to anyone missing to come forward to the collection days at the

Bega Valley Regional Learning Centre in Merimbula on May 3, the Batemans Bay Community Centre on May 5, and the Nowra Rural Fire Service fire shed on May 6.

Det-Insp Browne said more than 50 family members of missing persons came forward to provide DNA samples on the Central Coast in February.

Some brought along hair samples and even the baby teeth of missing relatives, allowing the team to have exact DNA profiles. He also urged residents who have already given samples to offer new ones, as the technology is evolving quickly.

“We know this process can be challenging for family members and our officers are grateful that so many came forward to our collection centres earlier this year,” he said.

Melissa Pouliot pictured with her cousin Ursula Barwick, while on a family holiday before her disappearance, is urging residents to come forward.

“Our efforts to further missing persons investigations are continuing, and we are once again calling on relatives of any missing person across the country, who reside on or near the south coast, to consider coming forward and providing a DNA sample.

“Familial DNA samples that are gathered during this program will be uploaded into the Volunteer Limited Purpose Index, where they will be searched against the Unidentified Bodies Index.

“At the same time, interviews will be conducted with family members to capture further information that may assist investigators with ongoing inquiries.

“The team at the Missing Persons Registry are determined to identify these remains and ensure they are safely returned to loved ones so they may finally be farewelled and put to rest.”