$250k reward for information on backpacker's rape at 'bush doof'
In a first for Western Australia, police are offering a $250,000 reward for information on the rape of a 31-year-old woman at an event on a Broome beach two years ago.
The backpacker was attacked while attending a "bush doof" event at Cable Beach in the early hours of May 29, 2022, when she left the crowd of about 200 people.
Police say she left the main crowd to go to the bathroom, walking behind a dune when an unknown man struck her on the head multiple times before sexually assaulting her between 4.30am and 5am.
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The woman suffered serious facial injuries following the assault. WA Police
She suffered wounds from behind her ear all the way around to the front of her face, police said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Fowler said it was the first time the state had issued a reward over a sexual assault, adding that it wouldn't be the last.
"It's been previously issued for unsolved homicides," he said at a press conference this afternoon.
"We're really optimistic about the opportunities that this reward will bring to this investigation and $250,000 is a lot of money, especially in that Broome community, and we believe someone with information will come forward as a result of this reward."
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Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Fowler said this was the first time the state has issued a reward on a sexual assault Nine
Fowler said someone in the small community of Broome, where there are less than 20,000 residents, knows something that could help their investigation.
"(The victim) is a very strong woman, she's very supportive of the investigation," he said.
"She deserves justice, we're doing everything we can ... to bring this matter to a prosecution."
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Police are offering a $250,000 reward for information following the rape of a 31-year-old woman at an event on a Broome beach two years ago. Nine
The man is described by police as being dark-skinned, with a slim build and between 170cm and 177cm tall.
The reward of $250,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
Anyone who can assist is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or also report anonymously online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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