Amid the first days of the Coronial Inquest the grief from everyone in the courtroom was palpable. As we began to hear the words of those first on the scene on that tragic day and in the days that followed, a light filtered through the darkness we all felt – it came from the hearts of the people of the small community of Kendall.

“Men, women, children, neighbours, strangers, police, off-duty police and their children rushed to help search for William as a little girl being pushed in her stroller by her mother, called out his name. As the minutes and hours ticked by and as word that a child was missing spread, one-by-one they came in whatever clothes they were wearing to comb the streets, drains and rugged, lantana-dense bush surrounding Benaroon Drive.”

“They came in the dozens, then the hundreds joining Police, Firies, SES and Surf-Lifesavers to search for William. Again and again they walked, eyes down, conducting line searches back and forth, shoulder-to-shoulder along the streets and through the scrub meticulously looking for any signs of William in his Spider Man suit while the people of Kendall continued to do whatever they could to help. Some searched from daylight ‘til dark for days on end. Some donated food. Others cooked and prepared meals to feed the hundreds of searchers who’d come from far and wide – all with a single purpose at heart, to help find little William and bring him home.”

“The care and support of the people of Kendall will stay with us always. Our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to you all.” William’s Mum and Dad

For anyone with information regarding William’s disappearance, there is still a $1Million reward for information that will lead Police to William. Call Crime Stoppers NOW on 1800 333 000. Make the call!