Arrest in missing campers case a sigh of relief for high country residents

The alpine community has endured sleepless nights worrying about a potential murderer in their midst, but an arrest now gives them some reprieve.

Victoria’s high country is a place of many secrets.

For the past 20 months, it has held close its most baffling secret – what happened to Russell Hill and Carol Clay?

The mystery began to unravel early on Tuesday as news of a breakthrough arrest filtered through nearby towns.

Some locals said they could breathe easier finally knowing a man was in custody.

Others remained too fearful to speak, saying they could not feel safe until police had charged and locked up the person responsible.

Many in the alpine community have endured sleepless nights worrying about a potential murderer in their midst.

One local living in a remote area of the region got himself a guard dog, just in case.

It came as a relief to some that the 55-year-old man taken into custody on Monday afternoon was not a local, but a resident of Caroline Springs in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Missing Melbourne campers Carol Clay and Russell Hill.

Still, knowing the man — believed to be an experienced outdoorsman — had possibly frequented the area since Mr Hill and Mrs Clay disappeared was unnerving.

Emily Theodore, from the Dargo Hotel, located 83km southeast of Wonnangatta, said his arrest would be the talk of the town for a long time to come.

“We were quite surprised when we heard. It’s really good to hear something is evolving,” Ms Theodore said.

“We are all so interested about what will happen from now. People are always asking questions about it around here so it’s good to finally know and hopefully get some answers.”

A Wonnangatta resident, who did not wish to be named, said the months without answers had left him feeling uneasy but that he could sleep more soundly from here on.

“I am very happy they have someone and can hopefully put the matter to rest,” the local said.

He thought it was “a bit strange” for the man to return to the region amid a clear escalation in the police investigation.

The damaged campsite belonging to Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

Police Search and Rescue officers on the Great Alpine Road in Mount Hotham. Picture: Jason Edwards

“It’s a bit strange to come back and camp in the area.

“I think the heat was on him and they knew who he was for a while and have been working on him and waiting for him to make a move,” the local said.

A hunter who frequents the High Country region said he would feel no comfort until charges had been laid.

“I’m not getting too excited yet. Let’s see if he gets charged,” he said.

Meanwhile, friends of Mrs Clay, a former state president of the Country Women’s Association (CWA), shared their relief at news of the breakthrough.

Vicky Birch of the Pakenham CWA said the arrest was a very welcome development.

“It’s great news,” she said.