Harbourside Police

Harbourside Police are appealing for public information into the disappearance of a teenage girl from her home more than 30 years ago.

Tanya Farrington was only 14 years old when she was last seen at her family home in Nicholson Place at Crows Nest on the night of Thursday 22 March 1979. Tomorrow would mark Tanya’s 45th birthday.

Harbourside Detective Senior Constable Naomi Martin said Tanya’s family later told police she’d gone to bed as usual but the following morning it was apparent her bed had not been slept in. She has not been seen since.

“The family flat and surrounding areas were searched by police; there was no sign of forced entry and none of Tanya’s belongings appeared to have been removed,” Snr Cst Martin said.

“Tanya’s parents, Irene and Anthony Farrington, made appeals for information about Tanya’s whereabouts in the media, and the case received extensive coverage on high-rating TV shows including The Mike Walsh Show but sadly Tanya has not been found,” Snr Cst Martin said.

“Tanya’s family never stopped searching for her; they would walk the streets asking if anyone had seen their daughter. They appeared in many newspaper articles and worked with the Salvation Army to try and find Tanya.

“Sadly, both of Tanya’s parents are now dead but the NSW Police Force investigation remains open and we are hoping someone – even after all these years – may recall something about Tanya which can assist us.

Senior Constable Martin said while Tanya was only 14, she was often mistaken for being older than her years and was an outgoing girl.

“Tanya was described as being rebellious but not out of control. Like many 14-year-old girls she liked music and played the guitar.

Tanya Farrington

“While she had no history of running away for long periods, a few of her friends told police at the time that she would sometimes sneak out of the house at night to meet friends.

“It is also believed that Tanya had a boyfriend about the time she disappeared, although her parents did not know his name.

“Police are very keen to speak with anyone who may have information about her boyfriend, if only to discount him from the investigation.

“Police are also aware that a few months before Tanya disappeared she’d failed to return home overnight and was found with another boyfriend on Manly beach the following morning. We are keen to speak with this person, who we believe may have lived in the Manly area at the time,” Snr Cst Martin said.

When Tanya went missing she was living at home with her parents and older brother, also called Anthony. While Tanya’s parents are now dead, Anthony has never given up hoping he will find his sister.

“Tanya would be 45 years old tomorrow. Her family lives in hope she will be found, and we hope someone in the community will come forward to assist us with this investigation,” Snr Cst Martin said.

Tanya Farrington

Anyone with information about Tanya Farrington, either on the night she disappeared or any information since, is urged to contact Harbourside Police on 9956 3199 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.