Out from the Cold: Searching for Elaine

The Sisters’ Search

Out from the Cold: Searching for Elaine

Show Notes

Helen and Wendy have never forgotten their sister, Elaine.

In the early days after Elaine went missing they relied on news from family and friends about her whereabouts.

As the sisters got older, they broadened their search.

Many of the leads Helen and Wendy have chased down suggest that Elaine met with foul play.

But others have given them hope that their sister might still be alive.

The first glimmer of hope came one day in 1999 when Wendy had a visitor to her home.

Searching for Elaine is a series from Out From The Cold, part of Happy Tuesday Productions.

If you have information about Elaine Johnson or Kerri Ann Joel, you can get in touch at Help Find Elaine Johnson or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Searching for Elaine was produced by Kate Kachor and Sally Spicer, editing by Dan McHugh and Matt Haywood, artwork by Nic Watts.

'Wildflowers' by Jess Ribeiro.

More from Out from the Cold: Searching for Elaine

Nov 18, 2025

Everything is thrown into uncertainty over the June long weekend in 2024, when Elaine Johnson’s younger sister, Helen, receives a stream of unexpected text messages.

Nov 13, 2025

The year is 2004. It’s the year NSW Police made what Elaine Johnson’s family believe was the first official contact they had with them about her disappearanc.

Nov 4, 2025

Elaine and Kerry’s disappearances were not the first to unsettle The Shire.

Oct 21, 2025

There’s a place in Sydney famed for being a hippy haven with a chequered past.

Oct 14, 2025

Flashes, the pinball arcade where Elaine and Kerry hung out with friends, wasn't just a place for kids to play games and grab a burger.

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