Grandmother's Death in Cattle Dip Follows Bitter Eviction Battle and Stolen Pet Claims

A 73-year-old grandmother, Yvonne Whear, whose body was discovered in a disused cattle dip trough eight months after she vanished, had reportedly been engaged in a fierce dispute over her home and claimed her pets had been stolen in the months prior.

Ms. Whear disappeared in February from her property near Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales. Detectives are investigating her death as a murder and are appealing for information from the community.

In the months leading up to her disappearance, Ms. Whear had reportedly been involved in a protracted legal battle to remain at the rural property where she had lived for several years. She was due to appear before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal the week after she went missing, according to reports.

Social media posts attributed to Ms. Whear detailed her distress, including one on January 1, 2025, in which she pleaded for help to find suitable accommodation for herself and her pets, stating she had been illegally evicted by a "nasty man." She reportedly made around 11 posts on an online group focused on spirituality and guidance, expressing concerns about her health due to the stress of the impending eviction.

Ms. Whear had been living at the property under an arrangement with its owner, Bill Campbell. Trouble reportedly began in September 2024 when she expressed concerns for Mr. Campbell's welfare, noting his absence and his nephew's refusal to allow her to see him. Mr. Campbell died later that year, and his great-nephew, Allan Campbell, inherited the property. Ms. Whear was subsequently served with a termination notice, which she contested, asserting a long-term agreement with the Campbell family.

Allan Campbell told media outlets that he had followed proper legal channels and advised his lawyers not to comment on Ms. Whear's social media posts. He stated he had treated Ms. Whear civilly and had no knowledge of her whereabouts or what may have happened to her. Allan Campbell has not been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to Ms. Whear's disappearance or death.

Around the same time her tenancy troubles began, Ms. Whear also reportedly posted in a local Facebook group claiming her pets had been stolen and seeking assistance in finding them.

Ms. Whear was last seen at a petrol station not far from her home. In September, her gold Ford Escape wagon was found submerged in the Rous River at Dulguigan.

Authorities have not linked Ms. Whear's death to Vaughn Scott Cummings, 34, who was the subject of a lengthy police manhunt and was sighted at a property southeast of Murwillumbah within days of Ms. Whear's disappearance. Cummings died in April after suffering critical injuries during an alleged confrontation with residents attempting a citizen's arrest. Two men have been charged with manslaughter in relation to Cummings' death, and a third person faces charges of hindering the discovery of evidence.

Ms. Whear's family has expressed their grief and their determination to find answers regarding her death. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.