Police investigate disappearance of Allison Bernard 10 years on

On the 10 year anniversary of Allison Bernard’s disappearance, police and Crime Stoppers volunteers are returning to Coen, to continue to appeal for information to help provide her loved ones answers.

Allison was last seen at Archer River Quarry on Sunday, February 10 in 2013 at about 11pm.

She had been seen at the Exchange Hotel in Coen that evening, and was expected to travel to Kowanyama, but never arrived.

A large scale search of the area utilising police on foot, quad bikes and vehicles along with helicopters, SES, Defence Force personnel and the police dive squad failed to locate any sign of Allison.

New drone and camera technology which was unavailable in 2013 was utilised for a systematic search of the area in 2021, along with officers on horseback and in four wheel drives.

This targeted search operation, along with further searches in the Coen area in late 2022, unfortunately did not advance investigations.

10 years on, Acting Superintendent Kevin Goan remains determined that someone out there has the missing piece of the puzzle that may help find Allison.

“Allison would now be 33, she could have lived a full life and had a family – but instead her loved ones are left wondering,” Acting Superintendent Goan said.

“We will not give up. Allison’s disappearance has had a devastating impact on this community and together we won’t stop until we find answers.”

”That’s why we are in Coen today, with a dedicated group of volunteers, door knocking the community in the hopes anyone with information, no matter how small, may prove to be the key to locating Allison.” Acting Superintendent Goan said.

Allison is described as First Nations, approximately 155cms tall, with a slim build and brown hair.

“We would like to thank the local community who continues to support our ongoing investigations, and urge members of the public to continue spreading the word – anyone with information should immediately contact police.”