Flashes

Flashes, the pinball arcade where Elaine and Kerry hung out with friends, wasn't just a place for kids to play games and grab a burger. It doesn’t exist anymore, but when it did, Flashes was in a string of shops tucked away in a laneway off Cronulla’s main street and opened up to a local park. Picture pool tables and coin-slot games, playing pinball as your mates hung over the sides watching on and friends sat opposite each other frantically steering Pacman away from ghost gangs.There was a front counter where coins were doled out and food and drinks were bought. There were booths at the back where diners could chow down on burgers or slink away for some privacy.Though, it wasn’t always a happy place.Searching for Elaine is a series from Out From The Cold, part of Happy Tuesday Productions.If you have information about Elaine Johnson or Kerri Ann Joel, you can get in touch at Help Find Elaine Johnson or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Searching for Elaine was produced by Kate Kachor and Sally Spicer, editing by Dan McHugh and Matt Haywood, artwork by Nic Watts.'Wildflowers' by Jess Ribeiro.

Om Podcasten

It was early 1980 when Elaine Johnson left her family home in southern Sydney.The eldest of five children, Elaine had lived in Kurnell and Cronulla after her family moved to Australia from the UK as Ten Pound Poms.She grew up riding bikes, sunbaking and watching Monty Python on TV.In the weeks leading up to her disappearance, Elaine left home after an argument over a house party.It is believed she stayed with her friend, Kerry Anne Joel.Neither Elaine nor Kerry has been seen since February 1980.For more than 40 years, Elaine’s family has been searching for answers. This is their story.