By SOPHIE DOUEZ
CRIME REPORTER
Thursday 4 January 2001

Cherie Westall's brother and sister Pierre and Tanya yesterday.
Picture: EAMON GALLAGHER

The last time Cherie Westell spoke to her family, she was brimming with excitement about plans for
her 16th birthday party.

But that was more than three weeks ago and now her family, and the police, hold grave fears for the
safety of the Mooroolbark girl. Cherie has not been seen since she went to the dentist at the Knox
Towerpoint shopping centre about 1.30pm on Tuesday, December 12.

Pleading for information yesterday, her sister Tanya, 22, said she had spoken to Cherie a few days
before her disappearance when she had been excited about her birthday and starting year 11 at
TAFE next year.

"She was really happy. She couldn't wait to see us for her birthday shopping," Ms Westell said, adding
that Cherie's disappearance was out of character. "She's very quiet, very shy at first (but) she likes
to be around people. She doesn't like being out on the streets. She's not the type of person to just
go out and not say a word."

Police said yesterday they held grave fears for Cherie's safety as she had not made any contact,
used her bank accounts or taken clothes with her.

Detective Senior Constable Bruce Rowe of Boronia police said: "It was her birthday party on the 19th
of December, she was having people over to her house, the invitations had gone out and she'd
organised the party herself. She'd made arrangements for Christmas where she'd organised presents
and cards.

"We have no idea whether she's met with foul play. There's no indication at this stage that she's
gone of her own accord because why wouldn't she take clothes or access her bank account?"

Senior Constable Rowe said records showed that Cherie had visited the dentist on December 12 and
was supposed to have made her own way home.

Cherie's brother Pierre, 17, said his family was desperate for information about his sister. "It's very
distressing because you don't know what's happened to her," he said. You don't know if you're going
to see her again."

Cherie is 167 centimetres tall, of medium build, fair complexion with shoulder-length brown hair and
was last seen wearing a grey windcheater and dark blue jeans. She has a pierced tongue and a gap
between her front teeth.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Boronia police on 9760 6600.

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