Thousands to Walk for William to mark one year since William Tyrrell disappeared
Today marks one year since one of Australia’s greatest unsolved mysteries first unfolded.
September 12 will mark one year since three-year-old William Tyrrell disappeared from his grandmother’s home in New South Wales.
As Australian’s prepare to ‘Walk for William’ the man closely linked to the case walked to his local police station.
Following his pre-recorded declaration of innocence, Bill Spedding refused to elaborate when questioned by reporters.
Reporting to police daily is a bail condition for unrelated historical child sex charges.
Mr Spedding’s statement was released just two days before the start of Where's William week – which marks a year since the three-year-old vanished from his grandmother's yard in Kendall.
The case has rarely been far from public consciousness; the search, a person of interest, tip-offs, suggestions of a 'paedophile ring', William's birthday, the mystery cars and Spedding's video have all kept the case fresh in the minds of the public.
The anniversary will see walks held in William’s honour, the main one will end at Kendall Showgrounds.
Child protection advocacy group Bravehearts will run the campaign.
Bravehearts Founder Hetty Johnston said Australia shouldn’t tolerate instances like this.
"We never want to be like America where this happens all the time, and it's like, 'what's the next news story?' Let's be a nation that doesn't tolerate this; we'll never tolerate this.. and we'll fight back!” she said.
Local resident Rheannon Chapman, who was preparing for the walk, said it was good to raise awareness about William’s disappearance.
"Those things don't happen here. But they did.. and we've all been faced with the reality of it,” she said.
"Things do go back to normal, but they are a new normal. They're not how they were 12 months ago.
“Is there still hope?" "Yes there's always still hope."
"Around 80 walks have been registered across Australia. There'll even be one in Canada. And many unofficial walks like this one at St Agnes Catholic School in Port Macquarie - communities refusing to give up hope that William will be brought home alive."
Some children will also wear Spider-Man costumes, like the one William was wearing when he vanished.
“We should hold it close to our hearts that he's really close and hopefully he's alright and the family's alright as well,” Year six student Jacob Prince said.
If you'd like to join an official 'Walk For William' visit the official Facebook page here or register for an event near you here.
