New South Wales Police investigators have searched multiple properties near Newcastle to piece together what happened to missing teenager Gordana Kotevski.
Police said Gordana, then 16, was last seen being forced into a vehicle at Charlestown, south of Newcastle, in November 1994.
The teenager from Lake Macquarie was walking from a shopping centre at Charlestown to her aunt’s home nearby when she was abducted on Powell Street.
NSW Police said investigators under Strike Force Bambil searched properties in Edgeworth and West Wallsend last month.
A statement from NSW Police said “several” properties were searched, with officers “seizing items that are currently undergoing forensic examination”.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander Superintendent Tracy Chapman said police “know people have information”.
Superintendent Tracy Chapman says a $1 million reward is available for information that leads to an arrest. (ABC Newcastle: Romy Stephens)
“It may be something that seemed insignificant at the time, or something someone has kept to themselves for years,” she said in a statement.
“That information could be the missing piece investigators need.
“With renewed investigative efforts, forensic examinations underway and a $1 million reward on offer, now is the time for anyone with knowledge – whether in Lake Macquarie, the Hunter, or elsewhere – to come forward.
“If you know something, tell us. You could help provide long-overdue answers for Gordana’s family and bring those responsible to justice.”
Gordana’s mother, Peggy Kotevski, said in a statement she believed there were people with information that may be “frightened” to come forward.
“Knowing that her case has not been forgotten gives our family renewed hope after so many years,” she said.
“As a mother, you never stop waiting. You never stop hoping that one day someone will come forward and tell the truth about what happened to your child.
Family of missing teen Gordana Kotevski hope mural will bring answers
“Even the smallest piece of information could help us finally understand what happened to Gordana.
“I believe there are people who know something but may be frightened or unsure. I ask them to find it in their heart to speak up now.
“Your information could bring the answers we need and allow our family to finally begin healing.”
Police investigations into the abduction have previously looked into a white, single-cab Toyota Hilux with a silver work tray.
Officers have not been able to locate the vehicle since and have not received any more information about it.
A mural at a shopping complex in Cardiff was painted by Reuben Broughtwood last year. (Supplied: Andrew J Monger, AJM Photography)
Almost three years ago, NSW Police announced a $1 million reward for information into Gordana’s disappearance and suspected murder.
Last year, a large mural of Gordana was painted at Cardiff, west of Charlestown, in the hope it could lead to someone coming forward with information about what happened to the missing teenager.