Victoria Police announce $1 million reward in 'suspicious disappearance' of Cherie Westall in 2000

It's been 22 years since Mooroolbark girl Cherie Westell was last seen in Wantirna South on December 12, 2000 - just days before her 16th birthday at the time.

Today, Victoria Police have announced a $1 milllion reward for information that helps solve the cold case.

A coroner found in 2003 that Cherie had most likely died, with police believing foul play was involved.

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Despite speaking to several witnesses over the past two decades investigators are still chasing new leads.

Detective Acting Inspector Tony Combridge of the Missing Persons Squad has labelled the missing person's case "every family's worst nightmare".

"22 years ago, a young teenage girl called her family to let them know she was on her way home, and that was the last time they ever spoke to her," Combridge said.

"She was loved by her family and friends, who are all hoping they can find some answers as to what happened to her.

"Those responsible for Cherie's disappearance have had to live with this secret for over two decades. 22 years is a very long time to be looking over your shoulder."

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Police are hoping the money provides some incentive for people to come forward.

"It doesn't matter how insignificant you think the piece of information is, it could be exactly what our investigators need to make a breakthrough in this case," Combridge said.

"Now is the time to do the right thing and come forward. Any information received by police will be investigated thoroughly, and we will continue to search for the truth of what happened to Cherie to provide those answers to her loved ones and the community."

The reward of up to $1 million will be paid for information leading to a conviction of the person or persons responsible for Cherie's disappearance.

Last movements

Cherie was dropped off at Knox Dental Group at about 12pm for a dentist appointment. Cherie attended the dentist and left the practice at around 12.30pm.

At 1.58pm, Cherie telephoned home from a public telephone box situated on the corner of Selkirk Avenue and Wantirna Road, approximately five kilometres from the dentist.

Cherie spoke to a family member to let them know she intended to catch a train home to Ringwood. That was the last known contact anyone had with her.

At the time of her disappearance, Cherie was a ward of the state, which complicated the investigation initially.

Her previous foster mother, Frances, tried to make a police report immediately but was told a biological family member was required for that to occur.

Therefore, a missing persons report was not filed until six days later and any trace of the teen was gone.