Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher, has today announced a reward of $100,000 for information concerning a sexual attack upon a nurse in Bourke last year.

At about 7pm on 25 March 2010, Kirsten Williams was on her nightly exercise walk around the township of Bourke when she noticed two, possibly three, male occupants in a red sedan following her.

The 26-year-old nurse was struck on the back of the head with an unknown object and was dragged by two men into a laneway off Coomah Street where she was held down and sexually assaulted.

During the attack she was also punched in the face and head, and her wrist was dislocated.

The attackers were frightened off by an approaching car and Ms Williams was able to run to a nearby home for help.

Despite extensive inquiries during the past 14 months police have been unable to identify those responsible for the assault upon Ms Williams, who is the daughter of a long-serving local police officer, Sgt Mick Williams, APM.

Kirsten, a mother of three, today bravely spoke out about her ordeal and joined police in making a public appeal for information.

“I honestly thought I was going to die that night and I still have nightmares about what happened,” Ms Williams said.

“This is my home town and it saddens me to think this could happen to anyone here.

“And it saddens me that there may be people with information who haven’t come forward because there is a possibility that they (the offenders) are from this community.

“I just want to know who did this to me so that I can finally begin to put this behind me.”

Her father, Sgt Mick Williams, said he was confident those responsible will ultimately be identified.

“I would urge anyone with information to break their silence and come forward so that Bourke, too, can begin to heal because this has been a devastating incident for the entire community, not just my family,” Sgt Williams said.

Darling River Local Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Michael Thomas, said the overwhelming majority of residents have been outraged and dismayed by this cowardly attack.

“The Williams family is well-known and respected within this community and the assault upon Kirsten was an affront to every decent resident of Bourke,” Supt Thomas said.

“I would urge anyone with information about any aspect of this matter to come forward and contact police – even anonymously via Crime Stoppers – so that we can bring to justice those responsible.”

Police have re-issued Comfits of two men, both described as being of Aboriginal appearance.

The first man is described as aged between 17 and 25 years, about 160-170cm tall of thin build.

The second man is also described as being aged between 17 and 25 years; about 170-185cm tall, and of a muscular build.

Supt Thomas said police also wanted to speak to anyone who may have information about a late-model red Ford Falcon sedan which was seen in Bourke on the night of the attack.

“It is possible the occupants of that red car were not involved in this incident but may be witnesses who hold another piece of the puzzle that can help us solve this crime,” Supt Thomas said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Do you have information that can help police with this case?

Any information you have about this is worth giving to police, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

You can provide information to police via any of the methods below:

Any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Your help may give police the clue they need to close this case and provide some comfort for the families of victims.

How to claim your reward

  1. Contact Crime Stoppers or your local Police Station.
  2. Identify yourself and indicate you have information about a crime and that you wish to claim a reward.
  3. You will then be put in contact with a police officer involved in the investigation of that case.