Rebecca Anne Monk, born on 14 February 1972 in Broken Hill, New South Wales, is a young woman marked by intellect, curiosity, and ambition. The daughter of John and Mei-Lin Monk, Rebecca grew up in a household that celebrated both her father’s Australian heritage and her mother’s Chinese ancestry. Her father, John, worked as a civil engineer, while her mother, Mei-Lin, was a local business owner, running a popular café in the town centre. This blend of cultures and the hardworking ethos of her parents deeply influenced Rebecca’s outlook on life.

Rebecca attended Broken Hill High School from 1984 to 1989, where she quickly earned a reputation as a dedicated and brilliant student. Known as the “bookworm” among her peers, she was often found with her nose buried in a fascinating novel or engrossed in a scientific experiment. Her passion for learning was evident in her exceptional performance in all her subjects, particularly in science and literature. Rebecca's dream was to attend the prestigious University of Melbourne to study Medicine, driven by a desire to become a doctor and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Beyond academics, Rebecca found solace and inspiration in literature. She adored the works of Jane Austen and George Orwell, often losing herself in the intricate worlds they created. Her love for reading was matched by a passion for nature. She enjoyed hiking in the Australian Outback, finding peace in its vast, rugged beauty. These hikes not only provided a physical escape but also fuelled her creative and intellectual pursuits.

Rebecca’s journey through high school was not without challenges. As a young woman of part-Asian descent with ambitious aspirations, she often faced societal expectations and stereotypes that sought to limit her potential. However, she was determined to break through these barriers, challenging conventions and proving that intelligence and ambition know no boundaries. Her perseverance and resilience were inspired by the unwavering support of her parents, who instilled in her the values of hard work and determination.

Family was of utmost importance to Rebecca. Her bond with her parents was strong, and she was particularly close to her younger brother, Thomas, born in 1975. The Monk family valued education and community service, principles that guided Rebecca throughout her life. Her mother’s café was a second home to her, where she often helped out and learned the importance of community and connection.

Rebecca’s close circle of friends included Violet Dallow, Michelle Richards, and Mandy Glasson. The four girls shared a tight-knit bond, supporting each other through the trials of teenage life. They often gathered at Michelle’s cosy home, sharing dreams, laughter, and the occasional adventure. This friendship was a cornerstone of Rebecca’s high school experience, providing her with the support and companionship she needed.

In late September 1988, Rebecca and Violet uncovered a dusty, forgotten diary in the Broken Hill Public Library. The diary belonged to Emily Sullivan, a woman who vanished in Silverton in the late 1800s. Its contents revealed striking parallels between Emily’s notes and the recent disappearances, leaving the girls excited and unnerved. This discovery ignited Violet’s determination to uncover the truth, a quest that Rebecca supported wholeheartedly.

On the night of 30 September 1988, Rebecca and her friends, including Violet, sneaked out of their sleeping quarters during a Girl Guides camping trip in Silverton for a late-night cigarette. They discussed their dreams of escaping their small town and discovered a mysterious fire in the distance. This adventure, however, took a sinister turn when they encountered Gordon Richards and Liam Abernathy, who shared unsettling stories about a murdered backpacker, leading to a frightening prank that left the girls shaken.

The following morning, Violet was reported missing. Despite their efforts to find her, Violet’s body was discovered weeks later, strangled, a victim of the Silverton Strangler. This tragedy profoundly impacted Rebecca and her friends, marking a dark chapter in their lives. They plastered the town with missing posters and continued to seek justice for Violet, their determination mingled with growing fear and desperation.

Rebecca's ambition and resilience did not wane despite the tragedy. She continued to excel academically and graduated from Broken Hill High School in 1989. She was accepted into the University of Melbourne, where she pursued her dream of studying Medicine. Rebecca's journey through university was marked by her dedication to her studies and her desire to honour Violet’s memory by making a positive impact in the world.