Call in Braddy-Whyte cold case for police to search well

Teenagers Maureen Braddy and Allan Whyte went missing on November 23, 1968.

Decades later a coroner ruled foul play was most likely involved in their disappearance, but there was not enough evidence to lay charges.

Family members of the teenagers have written to Victorian authorities calling for them to search a well at the family's former home at Vinton Street.

Related content:

They have long believed the well is among two sites that might hold a key to revealing Maureen and Allan's fate.

But it was paved over in the early 1970s, now sitting under the loungeroom of a weatherboard home.

Authorities have previously said there was not enough evidence to justify digging up the well.

Family member Jodie MacDonell said the well would be easier to dig up than police said, as it was only 12 feet deep and structurally sound.

Maureen's nephew's wife, Mrs MacDonell said all the families wanted was for police to at least try.

She pointed to an account from Maureen's sister Lynette given at the inquest into the pair's disappearance, that she saw her father Stanley Braddy and one of his friends "holding something" which was "covered with blood".

"We believe that something happened at that house that night," Mrs MacDonell said.

She said searching the well could lead to new evidence, such as Maureen's handbag which had not been found.

Mrs MacDonell said Maureen and Allan's families had had enough of not knowing what happened to the pair.

She had sent letters to Premier Daniel Andrews, Police Minister Lisa Neville, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, Attorney General Jaclyn Symes and Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien outlining the family's concerns.

Mrs MacDonell said grief at Maureen and Allan's death remained crippling for their families, even 50 years on.

"It's taken an emotional toll on both families. We don't feel that there's been really enough done to actually find the kids," she said.

Inquest reports:

Victoria Police recently released a photo of a couple resembling the missing teenagers, believed to be taken in Geelong in 1968.

Facial recognition analysis came back inconclusive, but police have called for anyone with more information about the couple pictured to come forward.

Mrs MacDonell said it was confusing for public perception of Maureen and Allan, that police one minute treated them as runaways, the next as murder victims.

She said Victoria Police didn't seem to act on information from new witnesses, unearthed in recent years.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said investigators assessed any information received, and if validated, actioned it.

They said police had received information from the public regarding the photo resembling the missing teenagers, which investigators were assessing.

The spokesperson encouraged anyone with information to come forward, saying the investigation was ongoing.

Details of the time, date and location of the planned rally are still to be confirmed.

Mrs MacDonell said Bendigo residents could stay up to date online at: facebook.com/maureenalan.braddywhyte

A $1 million reward remains on offer for information relating to the disappearance of Maureen Braddy and Allan Whyte.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: