Western Australian police have offered a $250,000 reward for information leading them to a man they believe violently assaulted a backpacker at a beach rave.
The 31-year-old woman was punched in the head and sexually assaulted in the sand dunes at Cable Beach, Broome, on May 29, 2022, police allege.
The woman had been partying with around 200 people at the psy-trance ‘bush doof’, when she was approached by an unknown man while she was relieving herself in the nearby sand dunes between 4.30am and 5am.
He then hit her on the head with a rock several times and sexually assaulted her.
She suffered serious facial injuries during the assault.
“This was a random and cruel attack on a young woman, and she continues to live with the after-effects of the incident every day,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Fowler of WA’s Special Crime Squad.
“Someone in the community knows something. This amount of money has the potential to change someone’s life while helping police and the victim get much-needed answers.”
The Special Crimes Squad described the man as dark-skinned, thin build, between 170 and 177 cm tall.
A 31-year-old woman was assaulted at a rave party attended by around 200 people in 2022
Woman was beaten and sexually assaulted in the dunes near a party at Cable Beach, Broome
“It happened practically in plain sight, right behind a sand dune where the event occurred, just a few feet away from where people were gathering to listen to music,” Sgt. Bryan Beck said at a news conference at the time.
Despite her extensive injuries, the woman managed to return to the party and alert organisers before being taken to Broome Hospital in a critical condition as the party continued.
The man is believed to have fled immediately and disappeared into the dunes.
More than 100 people reportedly told police they attended the event in 2022.
One man told the Daily Mail Australia in 2002 that he and others did not learn of the attack until the next day.
“It’s just shocking what happened,” he said.
“People come together from different countries and have a good time, and there is usually a good, positive atmosphere.”
A person present at the event said the backpacker was in severe pain after the attack.
Images show the serious injuries the woman suffered during the brazen attack by ‘Bush Doof’
So-called ‘Bush Doofs’, loosely organised outdoor parties in regional areas, are popular in Broome.
The resort town regularly hosts events held on its beaches and in the mountains.
The 2022 event is believed to have been organised via Facebook’s messaging app.
Partygoers were hesitant to talk about the attack in 2022, and residents of the small town made sure to avoid the media.
When asked who organised the event, one man said: “It’s none of your business.”
She then suggested that “everyone knows” who the alleged rapist is, but others said that was simply not true.
WA Police have released footage from the party as they launch a $250,000 appeal for any information.
In 2022, Senior Sergeant Beck said people may have been hesitant to approach police because of the potential drug and alcohol use at the event, but assured the public that the investigation is focused solely on the assault.
He also said police have no information to suggest the perpetrator was a guest at the party.
However, Sgt Beck told the ABC the incident meant local police could take an interest in future raves.
“Behind the scenes, we have had discussions with the organisers and the local council on matters relating to the mount,” he said.
“Since something quite serious happened at this event, we are interested in learning more about these events and the people who attend them.”
A new $250,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
Anyone who can help is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by phone or through their anonymous online portal.