COVERED in a thick fog this morning the normally quiet Riverina town of Hay is still abuzz as police search for the body of anti-drugs campaigner Donald Mackay.
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Police arrived in the western Riverina town yesterday after executing a search warrant for a residential property on Maude Road.
They have focused on a mine shaft and former pig sty, which is now a lettuce patch.
Hay resident Mary-Anne Towler is among those that hope that the latest development could be the end of the 36-year murder mystery.
“I hope they do find his remains for his family’s sake,’’ she said
“My personal feeling is that it is great.
“The general feel around town is one of excitement,’’
Mrs Towler was 11-years-old when Mr Mackay was murdered and still remembers the time clearly.
“I remember it being absolutely devastating. It was a terrible, terrible thing,” she said.
“It brings up sad feelings because he was a hero of his time.
“He was the only one how stood up to the mafia.”
“I was only young when it all happened – do I think they’ll find him? I just don’t know.”
Hay mayor, Bill Sheaffe, who lives on a property about 85km from the town, said the first he heard of the investigation was on last night's news.
While the town has been thrust into the national spotlight, Cr Sheaffe said the only good thing to come of the search would be closure for the family.
"We've just got to wait and see what comes up," Cr Sheaffe said
"There's not much point in speculating, it just adds to the rumours and fuels them.
"It'll be nice for his family and close friends to have closure."
Cr Sheaffe said he'd never heard of any other investigations in the Hay area.
Mr Mackay was last seen having drinks at the Griffith Hotel on July 15, 1977.
Blood and bullet cases were found near his mini-van which was parked in the hotel’s car park, but his body was never recovered.
His widow Barbara died in 2001 without ever knowing what happened to her husband.
Police are continuing to search the property with investigations expected to continue throughout the week.
Anyone with information about Mr Mackay’s murder should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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