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Lisa Govan mystery: WA Government considers offering multiple million-dollar rewards to catch killer

Headshot of Ben Harvey
Ben HarveyThe West Australian
VideoAn untamed town, an unsolved crime, a new investigation. The ruthless bikie code of silence can’t hide the truth forever. The net is closing on Lisa Govan’s killer. Rated M: Some violence, Sexual references, Mature themes.

The WA Government will consider giving multiple rewards of up to $1 million for information about Lisa Govan’s suspected murder 21 years ago.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts today said the Government would look at shelling out more money if multiple witnesses came forward with credible tips about what happened to Ms Govan after she vanished from Kalgoorlie on October 8, 1999.

She was last seen around 7.45am outside the Boulder Road headquarters of the Club Deroes bikie gang.

Lisa Govan was last seen October 8, 1999.
Camera IconLisa Govan was last seen October 8, 1999. Credit: Supplied

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The 28-year old had been drinking at the clubhouse after leaving the Safari nightclub on Hannan Street around 4.45am.

“Consideration can always be given if more than one person comes forward,” Ms Roberts said when asked about what would happen if more than one person came forward with information.

“That’s something my Government will be prepared to consider. We really want to solve this case.

If more than one person finds themselves eligible for all or part of that money I know our Government would give consideration to the payment of that money.

Today’s news about the reward jumping from $250,000 to $1 million comes as a documentary, Catching Lisa’s Killer: Fear and Murder in Kalgoorlie, delves into WA’s criminal underbelly to reveal fresh information about the long-running mystery.

The seven episodes break open the case to reveal new clues, including:

The decision to boost the reward from $250,000 to $1 million, and news that more than one person might claim the money, will heap further pressure on the Club Deroes.

Lisa Govan went missing on October 8, 1999.
Camera IconLisa Govan went missing on October 8, 1999. Credit: Supplied

The secretive gang has refused to speak to police about what happened at the clubhouse that morning.

Mrs Roberts said police could protect witnesses who came forward with information.

“There will be appropriate protection for people that come forward,” she said. “Police are prepared to re-locate people.”

She stressed that it was a “life-changing” amount of money.

The $1 million reward comes four years after the original $50,000 reward was increased to $250,000.

WA State police minister Michelle Roberts.
Camera IconWA State police minister Michelle Roberts. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The Sunday Times

Former Kalgoorlie MP Megan Anwyl, who fought for the initial reward when Ms Govan went missing, applauded the $1 million decision.

“In July 2000 I started lobbying the Court State Government to post a significant reward for information that would help to locate Lisa Govan,” Ms Anwyl said.

“It’s impossible for me to comprehend the level of anguish and grief that Lisa’s parents and sister would have experienced since her disappearance so long ago in October 1999.

“This increased reward and the coverage by Seven West Media is the best chance yet to get information so that the Govans do find their beloved Lisa.”

The WA State government has put $1 million up for information in the case of Lisa Govan. Pictured are Lisa’s parents Ian and Pat Govan.
Camera IconThe WA State government has put $1 million up for information in the case of Lisa Govan. Pictured are Lisa’s parents Ian and Pat Govan. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The Sunday Times

Ms Govan’s parents, Ian and Pat, yesterday fronted cameras as part of a press conference held to announce the $1 million reward. 

It is the third time in 20 years the couple have spoken to media about a new reward for information.

Watch the documentary: Catching Lisa’s Killer - Fear and murder in Kalgoorlie

They stressed they felt “confident” in the cold case squad’s ability to solve the case. Mr Govan said he hoped the new pitch for answers would throw light on where his daughter’s body is hidden.

Lisa with her parents, Pat & Ian Govan.
Camera IconLisa with her parents, Pat & Ian Govan. Credit: Supplied

“This is something we’re pondered over for 21 years,” he said.

“Finding out where Lisa is would be a big stepping stone for us. The Police Force today is far more dedicated than the one from 21 years ago. Back then Kalgoorlie was a cowboy town.”

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