A volunteer team utilizing human remains detection canines to search for the remains of a British child who vanished in Australia half a century ago has discovered an "significant location".
The team anticipates their finding represents a significant development in Cheryl Grimmer's case and have reported the area to New South Wales Police, who are now on the scene.
Investigators theorize the toddler, who had moved from Bristol with her family, was taken from Fairy Meadow beach in Wollongong in January 1970.
"A examination will be performed tomorrow with the help of specialist officers as part of ongoing inquiries," authorities stated.
Historic Search
Today, illuminated by sunlight, the beach appears as charming as it must have been decades ago. From the beach mounds, looking inland, the landscape gradually climbs into thick vegetation.
A brief journey up into the higher ground, there's a small pocket of forest on the border of an residential area that could uncover a heartbreaking reality.
Balgownie was the location mentioned in a statement made by a teenage boy - also from England - a year after the toddler vanished. Much later, a court official disallowed that statement.
Relative's Viewpoint
Cheryl's brother Ricki Nash was a child of seven when his younger sibling vanished. He most recent view was in the bathroom facilities at Fairy Meadow.
"This should have been done 55 years ago," he said as the expert group with animals specialized to identify human remains began its work. "My concern is, why wasn't it?"
He has devoted decades desiring answers, but prefers not to locate them here among the tall trees, stream and undergrowth.
"We always maintain the belief that someone took her that was unable to have a child, cared for her properly. One day she'd grow up, learn she didn't belong. We've had people over the years do that: visit our residence and say that they are Cheryl and your pulse goes at a extremely high rate."
Current Developments
Nine-year-old Rufus is the principal search dog. His trainer is Chris D'Arcy, the president of Search Dogs Sydney, a charity, who had volunteered to assist the Grimmer family after being present at a search methodology presentation in Wollongong.
The dog unit has had positive results in earlier unsolved investigations dating back over fifty years. Last year, they discovered human remains in a reservoir in northern New South Wales.
Now, Mr D'Arcy's team considers it has made a significant development in the Grimmer case.
"What we consider we have located is an potential site and will pass the information on to the officials," he said. "The dog demonstrated a noticeable difference in response."
Emotional Impact
Ricki Nash said the news made him "quake".
"If it is Cheryl out there – she has been there for 55 years now – she shouldn't have been," he said.
Balgownie was primarily agricultural in 1970. Frank Sanvitale, a ex-law enforcement officer who handled the Grimmer case, has come to support members of Cheryl's family.
"To discover something after 55 years, I'm desiring we do, but the chances are one in a million," he commented. "It would be like winning four lotteries in a row. You've got to use a bit of practical thinking and be sensible and rational about it."
Ongoing Search
Tragedy generates impacts of grief through families. Ricki Nash's daughter, Melanie Grimmer, has multiple children. She is also anxiously waiting news of the search at a field station on the side of the road.
"I know my dad wishes that no evidence is found. I wish she's found, I desire the baby girl comes home. My family has been through such difficulty and it is a persistent battle," she stated. "I feel unwell in my stomach being here."
Much has evolved since 1970. But one thing remains constant - the determination of a grieving family to discover the truth.
