A substantial $500,000 reward has been announced for crucial information that could help solve the mystery surrounding the 1995 disappearance and suspected murder of Tammy Dyson, who was known to work in Fortitude Valley.
Tammy Lisa Dyson, who also went by the name Tamela Menzies, was a 23-year-old mother of two from Victoria who had established her life in Queensland. She had moved to Brisbane in 1988, where she and her sister Olivia found employment in the nightlife of Fortitude Valley, particularly at Red Garter.
Under the nickname “Pebbles,” Tammy was associated with individuals involved in illicit activities known to local police.
Detailed Timeline of Events
- 1988: Tammy moves from Victoria to Brisbane, followed by her sister Olivia. They begin working in clubs in Fortitude Valley.
- 1989-1994: Tammy lives intermittently between New South Wales and Victoria with her partner, Natalis. They have two children, Jyles in 1991 and Rainey in 1994.
- Early 1995: Tammy moves to Inala, Queensland, with her new partner, Ricky Devisser, while her children stay with her mother in Victoria.
- Mid-1995: After a distressing call to her sister, Tammy is found assaulted and is taken by her sister to the Currumbin Clinic on the Gold Coast for drug rehabilitation.
- 16 July 1995: Tammy is admitted to the Currumbin Clinic.
- 20 July 1995: She is discharged from the clinic, last seen with an unidentified woman claiming to be her sister.
- 21 July 1995: Tammy signs a statutory declaration at Tweed Heads, transferring custody of her children and her possessions to her mother.
- 8 September 1995: After no further contact, Tammy is reported missing by her mother to Victoria Police.
Renewed Investigation and Reward
The Queensland Police Service, through their Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team, has reopened the investigation, spurred by new analyses that began in 2022. The team is offering a $500,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Dyson’s suspected murder.
Additionally, an indemnity from prosecution is available for any accomplice who did not commit the crime, should they come forward first with information.
Investigators are specifically interested in identifying the woman who collected Tammy from the Currumbin Clinic and in gathering more information about Tammy’s life and associations in Brisbane and the Gold Coast during the time leading up to her disappearance. They stress that every piece of information is too small or irrelevant, encouraging anyone with any knowledge, however minor it may seem, to come forward.
Anyone with information related to the disappearance of Tammy Dyson, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is strongly encouraged to contact the authorities to aid in this longstanding investigation.
Information can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000. Alternatively, details can be submitted online via the Crime Stoppers Queensland website at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Published 20-April-2024