A TREE planting ceremony by Jetty Dunecare volunteers at the site where one of their members discovered human remains has achieved a sense of closure for the group.

In the course of tending the weeds in the dunes behind Jetty Beach, Steve Melville came across the human bones on June 18.

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Since then, the volunteers have been hoping for identification of the person and for their family to know their last resting place.

Recent inquiries have established that the remains appear to be those of a 50-60-year-old female, who is believed to have died sometime between 2020 and 2023.

Forensic testing is continuing, however at this stage she remains unidentified.

There are no matches between the human remains and missing person reports in the area.

Jetty Dunecare President Desnee McCosker felt a deep need to pay respects to the unknown woman by planting a tree.

“Once her family has been found they will know we cared,” Desnee told News Of The Area.

“We have been very saddened by this, and we sought healing.”

With the area having “always been a place of healing for the Gumbaynggirr people”, Jetty Dunecare volunteer Lindy Davis said the tree planting was a fitting tribute.

The Coastal Banksia, grown by Desnee from seeds gathered on site, was planted on a sunny bank within the dunes where the discovery was made.

Meanwhile, Police have renewed their appeal for information.

Attending the planting, Superintendent Joanne Schultz, Commander at Coffs/Clarence Police District told NOTA that awareness is key to gaining new insights as to who the woman was.

“We are hoping it might stir someone’s recollections, that they just might remember someone they used to see here, or it triggers a memory,” she said.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos, who attended in his capacity as community representative, said, “Our community is not indifferent to this sad circumstance.”

Officially representing the Garlambirla elders for the first time, Jaslyn Walker gave the Welcome to Country, accompanied by Tina Powell.

Releasing further information in order to help identify the woman, a police statement said the remains were found wearing a ‘Bras N Things’ singlet top and blue denim jeans.

Subsequent searches of the nearby area were conducted, revealing personal items of interest including: silver earrings, hair clips, a Target-branded blue and white striped button up shirt, ‘Harvey World Travel’ backpack, ‘Laura Jones’ brand wallet, reading glasses and a paperback book – ‘The Butterfly Summer’.

Strike Force Osbox continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The team has now extended its search outside of NSW,” said Superintendent Shultz.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Coffs/Clarence Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

By Andrea FERRARI