Little Boy Found 65 years ago

Abbey Green Church

11th Feb 2025

February 2025 marks 65 years since the extraordinary community effort that unfolded when young Steven Walls went missing.
The story of Little Boy Lost is a story of more than 3000 people who rallied and searched together in a remarkable display of unity and hope.
Residents, police, and volunteers combed the surrounding countryside around Tubbamurra 20 km north of Guyra, their determination unwavering as they searched for Steven after he was separated from his dad while herding sheep.
Steven Walls was found safe on the 8th of February, 1960, three days after his disappearance. His safe return brought an overwhelming sense of relief and joy to the community, a testament to the power of human compassion and the unwavering hope and community spirit that prevailed during those anxious days.
Steven’s story was told in a hit song by Johnny Ahscroft, and in a film in 1978, “ Little Boy Lost. Steven passed away in April 2020 and Johnny in May 2021.
Last week, James Warren was invited to visit Dorrie Walls, Steven’s mother, at the Guyra Multi-Purpose Service (MPS).
“Mrs. Walls graciously shared some of her poetry and writings with me to archive for public access in the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame,” James said.
“Her words, filled with both the pain of that time and the profound gratitude for her son’s safe return, offered a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster of those three days.”
Inspired by Mrs. Walls’ reflections, James travelled to Tubbamurra and visited the old church, “Abbey Green.” This historic building, which served as the temporary police headquarters during the search for Steven, now stands in a state of disrepair.
“The crumbling walls of the church mirrored the fragility of life and the enduring impact of that community rallying experience. “
As we commemorate this anniversary, it’s a time to remember not only the fear and uncertainty of that time, but also the extraordinary outpouring of community support that demonstrated the vital role each individual plays in times of need.
The Guyra Historical Museum has newspaper articles and memorabillia of this historic event on display. This includes the gold record awarded for the Johny Ashcroft song.
A display of photographs and
information is also on display at the Guyra truckstop.

ABBEY GREEN CHURCH
Out at Tubbamurra there’s a little Church known as “Abbey Green”. It was made famous on the
5th February 1960 when a little boy named Steven Walls, who was only four years old, was lost in
the bush. The police made this Church their headquarters at the time of the search for him.
The Church services came to a stop a few years later. It is marvellous the amount of people who still come out to see that little Church because it is a part of our history.
By Dorrie Walls
December 2024

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Little Boy Found 65 years ago

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