THE state government has pledged $50,000 to help continue the search of an Avoca mine for the remains of missing Maryborough boy Terry Floyd.
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Premier Daniel Andrews personally phoned Terry’s brother Daryl this week to offer the funding, which will go a long way in the search of the disused Morning Star Mine at Bung Bong Hill, believed to be where the then 12-year-old’s body was dumped more than 40 years ago.
Terry disappeared from the corner of the Pyrenees and Sunraysia highways on June 28, 1975. In 2001, a coroner determined Terry was abducted and murdered. But his body has never been found and despite having people of interest in the case, no-one has been convicted.
Mr Floyd had been in negotiations with the state government for further funding and had met with Premier Andrew’s parliamentary secretary Colin Brooks earlier this year at the mine site.
A state government spokesman on Wednesday described the disappearance of Terry as “a sad and tragic case”.
“We hope these extra funds can help support the family of Terry Floyd recover his body and reach closure in this matter,” the spokesman said.
“There still remains a substantial reward regarding information relating to Terry's disappearance.
“We encourage anyone who has information on this matter to contact Victoria Police and help give the family of Terry the answers they so desperately need.”
Over the past six years, Mr Floyd has painstakingly searched for Terry’s remains at the disused mine.
Already found during the search is a silver necklace, identical to the one Terry was wearing the day he disappeared.
Mr Floyd, who estimates he has spent more than $120,000 of his own money in the search, has welcomed the latest state government funding.
“Mr Andrews seemed genuinely touched by Terry’s story … (the funding) was no political stunt,” he said.