On May 19, 1986, a young boy named Ian Craig Hollis disappeared from his home in Minto. He was just 16 years old. In the days that followed, Ian’s heartbroken mother, Shirley Spaccavento, was met with callous indifference: “He’s 16. Sixteen-year-olds go missing all the time.” Those words—words that dismissed the tragedy of a mother losing her child—still echo in my mind.

It wasn’t until nearly four weeks later, on June 14th, that a radio announcement was finally made, urging local police to be on the lookout for Ian. But by then, the damage was done. Weeks of vital information were lost, and by the time Ian’s case was formally investigated in 2002, it had been almost 16 years. The trail had long gone cold, and the boy who never came home had all but faded from public memory. People had moved on. But Ians mother and family never did.

The investigation that followed led to a coronial inquest that ultimately declared Ian deceased, yet the finding was “open,” leaving us with no answers—no justice. There was insufficient information, and Ian’s family was left without the closure they so desperately needed. While I understand how difficult it must have been for the detectives to piece together a case so many years old, I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of frustration. Ian was never given a fair chance at justice. His family was never given a fair chance at healing.

Now, as we approach the 40th anniversary of Ian's disappearance, the void of unanswered questions remains, and my heart aches for the family that still suffers.

For the past six months, I have been investigating Ian’s case, working formally on behalf of the family. Through my efforts, I have uncovered crucial information that lends weight to the numerous theories surrounding his disappearance. I’ve found people who need to be spoken to, individuals who were never formally interviewed but who hold key information. I’ve compiled these findings extensively and they will be forwarded to the relevant organisations as we cannot afford to let this case slip further into the past.

I understand the complexities of re-investigating a case after so many years, but we are quickly running out of time. Many of the people connected to Ian’s case—those who may hold the truth—are now elderly, and we may never have another opportunity to speak with them if we don't act swiftly.

I truly believe that a monetary reward for new information could make a significant difference. A reward would provide the community with the incentive they need to come forward with information that could solve this case once and for all. From everything I’ve uncovered, I am confident that the public holds the key to Ian’s truth—and they need an incentive to help unlock it.

Ian Hollis was let down in 1986, and for the decades that have followed, both Ian and his family have been failed by the system. Ian deserves justice. His mother, Shirley, and his sister, Debbie, deserve peace. While I know that the actions of those before us are not our responsibility, I believe we hold the power to change the future. You have the power to bring justice to a case that has been unjustly forgotten for far too long.

Please, I implore you to consider the weight of this situation and take action. Time is running out. Ian deserves more than what he has been given, and his family deserves closure.

We are seeking to have Ian's case reopened and re-investigated, with the hope of securing a monetary reward to support this effort. To strengthen our appeal, we kindly ask for your support, if you agree, by signing this petition.

Your signature will help us in our pursuit of justice for Ian and bring much-needed closure to his family. Thank you for standing with us.