Lynette Dawson's former colleague claims mother felt positive about her future before she vanished
A former colleague of Lynette Dawson has claimed the mother was feeling very positive about her future just a day before she vanished.
Susan Strath said today she felt great about giving evidence in the murder trial of Chris Dawson after waiting more than 40 years to speak about Lynette's disappearance.
"I am here to see justice done... so let's hope that happens," Strath said outside court.
READ MORE: China's ominous threat over Biden remark
Sue Strath, a former childcare colleague of Lynette Dawson, leaves the NSW Supreme Court. Peter Rae
The pair worked together at a childcare centre inside the Warriewood shops on Sydney's Northern Beaches on what would be Lynette's last shift before she disappeared in January 1982.
Strath said Lynette confided in her about issues at home, including the troubled teenage babysitter moving in and being caught naked in the backyard pool.
She also claimed Lynette told her about Dawson leaving the family over Christmas in 1981 before reappearing a few days later.
Strath told the court she believed things had turned around after seeing the couple walk hand-in-hand following marriage counselling.
"I asked how did it go? And Lyn said, 'Oh it was really good, really positive and I am hoping we can move forward and work together'," Strath told the court.
The day after this conversation, Dawson alleges Lynette ran away.
READ MORE: Anthony Albanese facing fuel cost time bomb
Chris Dawson (right) leaves court in Sydney. Renee Nowytarger
Three years after Lynette vanished, Strath said she lodged a formal complaint with the NSW Ombudsman as she was concerned police had failed to investigate what she thought to be suspicious circumstances.
"I was never interviewed, no one ever came looking for her," Strath said outside court.
"I just said what's happened, what have the police done to look for my friend?"
READ MORE: NSW faces 'triple threat' as almost 15,000 flu cases reported
Chris and Lynette Dawson on their wedding day. Supplied
Anna Grantham considered herself Lynette's best friend and also gave evidence during the trial today.
Grantham told the court of a time when Lynette agreed she could have been killed when Dawson allegedly grabbed her by the hair and pressed her face into the mud.
Dawson has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife.
The trial continues.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in Australia
Unpopular policies could be what’s needed to stop ‘blunt’ rate rises
Dan Anstey to co-host Weekend Today, join Today team as weather presenter
Warning months left for inflation battle ahead of forecast rates rise
A $130 million change was meant to hit your supermarket shelves. Then the government backflipped
