Victoria Stone-Meadows

HUNDREDS of people turned out at the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill on Sunday morning in tribute to murdered woman Toyah Cordingley.

The event was organised by the team at the Bar and Grill in conjunction and with the approval and consent of Ms Cordingley’s family and close friends.

Members of communities from all over Far North Queensland came together in a show of solidarity and support for the deceased’s family and to search the area of Wangetti Beach where her body was found.

Restaurant manager of the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill, Dave Jeskie, said about 300 people turned out to get involved in the walk and search.

“It all went really well,” Mr Jeskie said.

“We initially set up the Facebook event for catering purposes because we didn’t know how many people would attend.

“There was a really beautiful atmosphere and everyone was really happy and grateful for the show of support.”

Mr Jeskie said Ms Cordingley and her partner Marco Heidenreich were regulars at the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill and were always a welcome sight to staff and locals.

“They would usually come in on weekends with their dogs and get a coffee or breakfast,” he said.

“She was a lovely girl and will be dearly missed.”

After a complimentary breakfast, the group moved to Wangetti Beach, where Ms Cordingly was found on Monday, 22 October.

It was there the group scoured the area in the hopes of finding some clue that would help police in piecing together the mystery surrounding the 24-year-old’s death.

Metal detectors were provided by Cairns Prospecting World to those partaking in the walk and megaphones were provided by members of the community.

Other local businesses also got behind the cause with coffee, food, and water stations set up during the event to keep participants fed and hydrated while they combed the area.

“From everyone, local business and community, we are all extremely grateful for everyone that turned out and hopefully we can all get some answers from this,” Mr Jeskie said.

Following the walk, messages of support and love for Ms Cordingley’s family were posted to the event’s Facebook page.