About 10 minutes after a man was struck by a car on Memorial Drive at Corrimal, another man unhooked the receiver of a public payphone at Berkeley, about 15kms away. 

It was 2.11am on August 12 – still dark as he brought the phone to his ear.

He spoke softly, so the operator had to ask him three times to repeat where it was that she should send help – “Towradgi”. 

“It’s on the main highway, the uh – Memorial Drive … The street is Memorial Drive … near the speed camera,” the man said. 

“Is that where you’re ringing from?” 

“Yes.”

“OK ... it says you’re ringing from 7 Devon Street at Berkeley.” 

“OK.” 

“OK you’re ringing from the payphone … Is that where you want the ambulance to come to?” 

“No, it’s just at Towradgi, thanks,” the man said, then hung up. 

The caller got the suburb wrong, but he was correct in his belief that the injured man on Memorial Drive was in dire need of help.

The 48-year-old man was treated at the scene, but later died in Wollongong Hospital.  

Police Crash Investigation Unit acting inspector Naomi Lyall said the roadway was all but empty at the time of the collision, providing police with few leads. 

In the months that have since passed, someone may have come across information that could advance the police investigation, she said. 

“We’re trying to find closure for the victim’s family and help give them some answers to what has happened,” she said. 

“It’s a sad case. The family are still struggling with what has occurred and are dealing with it in their own way.

“Any new information can make a huge difference in our investigation. Even pieces of information that may seem trivial, may be crucial.” 

Insp Lyall said the mystery caller may not have been involved in the collision. 

“It’s unusual that the call was made so far away. The person [calling] may have been traumatised by what they’ve seen. We just need to solve the mystery.” 

A reward of up to $1000 is payable for information which leads to an arrest. CrimeStoppers: 1800 333 000