Anniversary of agony: families never give up the search for missing Australians
People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one.
As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members.
The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case".
Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said.
That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day.
The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home.
Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons.
The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025
The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items.
He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone.
The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare.
Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared.
Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north.
Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead.
For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said.
Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found.
Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025.
Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA.
Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said.
He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany
His family said the disappearance was "out of character".
Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months.
Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas.
He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023.
He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes.
Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000.
People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one.
As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members.
The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case".
Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said.
That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day.
The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home.
Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons.
The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025
The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items.
He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone.
The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare.
Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared.
Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north.
Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead.
For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said.
Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found.
Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025.
Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA.
Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said.
He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany
His family said the disappearance was "out of character".
Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months.
Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas.
He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023.
He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes.
Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000.
People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one.
As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members.
The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case".
Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said.
That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day.
The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home.
Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons.
The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025
The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items.
He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone.
The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare.
Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared.
Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north.
Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead.
For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said.
Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found.
Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025.
Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA.
Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said.
He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany
His family said the disappearance was "out of character".
Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months.
Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas.
He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023.
He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes.
Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000.
People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one.
As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members.
The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case".
Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said.
That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day.
The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home.
Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons.
The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025
The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items.
He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone.
The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare.
Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared.
Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north.
Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead.
For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said.
Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found.
Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025.
Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA.
Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said.
He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany
His family said the disappearance was "out of character".
Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months.
Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas.
He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023.
He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes.
Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000.
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Perth Now
14 hours ago
- Perth Now
Tributes flow for cop killed on duty
A Tasmania Police officer who was killed in the line of duty on Monday will be honoured with a police funeral for his service to both the force and the community. Constable Keith Smith has been remembered as a dedicated officer who loved his job and cherished the community he was privileged to serve. Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams has announced a police funeral would be held next Friday, June 27. Tasmania Police have confirmed the identity of the police officer killed during a shooting in Tasmania's north. Credit: Supplied Premier Jeremy Rockliff paying respect to Tasmania Police Constable Keith Smith in Ulverstone today. Jeremy Rockliff Facebook Credit: News Corp Australia 'This week has been an incredibly difficult time for our Tasmania Police family,' she said on Friday. 'For many Tasmania Police officers, Keith was more than a colleague – he was a friend, a mentor and a true embodiment of what it means to serve.' A memorial website created by Tasmania Police has received dozens of messages of support from emergency service officials, politicians, community figures, colleagues, locals, and even members of the international policing community. Police on the scene near a property in Tasmania's north west where a police officer was shot dead. NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker Credit: News Corp Australia Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff posted on X that 'the love of an entire state' was with Constable Smith's loved ones. 'You will have every possible support made available as we come to grips with this heartbreaking tragedy,' he said. South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the death was a reminder that 'policing is an inherently dangerous profession'. 'Our officers accept the risks of performing their duty to protect the community. Despite this understanding, the impact is always significant and wide reaching when a police officer is tragically killed,' the Commissioner said. 'Please know that our thoughts are with all members of the Tasmania Police, and of course, in particular, Constable Smith's family.' The scene of the shooting was an isolated rural property. NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker Credit: News Corp Australia Tongan Police Commissioner Geoff Turner expressed his sympathies to Constable Smith's family, saying he hoped they would 'draw comfort' from the knowledge that the international police community was standing by them. 'Support for Keith's family extends beyond the borders of Australia to the wider blue Pacific policing family. Faka'apa'apa atu'. Jyron Flannery, a 19-year old aspiring chef who was raised in the area, said that words could not express 'the deep sorrow felt by all of us who knew Keith'. 'He wasn't just a police officer, he was a guardian, a mentor and a true friend to many in the community,' Mr Flannery said. 'Whenever I'd come across him around town, especially when I was younger and in trouble … he had a way of calming me down and looking out for me … making sure I stayed on the right path.' A police SUV sits idle near the crime scene. NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker Credit: News Corp Australia Tasmania Police said the funeral would only be open to family, friends, invited guests and police. Constable Smith was killed earlier this week while serving a repossession warrant to a home on a rural property near North Motton in Queensland's northwest. Tasmania Police allege Constable Smith and a colleague were approaching the property when he was 'shot and killed' by 'a member of the public'. A man has been charged with murder and a slew of other charges related to the incident, and is due to appear in Launceston Magistrates court in early July.
The Advertiser
17 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Anniversary of agony: families never give up the search for missing Australians
People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000. People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000. People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000. People go missing in Australia every day, and while many return home, some families continue to wait for their lost loved one. As each year passes, anniversaries act as agonising reminders of missing friends or family members. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre said "the anniversary of the date someone went missing is an opportunity to remember them and raise awareness of their case". Around 50,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year, the centre said. That equates to more than 130 people being reported missing each day. The coordination centre, operated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said that 99 per cent of people reported missing are found. But some never return home. Police urge anyone who may have information about a missing person to contact investigators. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article may contain images of deceased persons. The search for NSW missing man Andrew Olphert, 41, has entered its sixth year, in June 2025 The stay-at-home dad left his Little Bay home in Sydney on June 17, 2019, without his wallet or any other personal items. He has not accessed his bank accounts or mobile phone. The New Zealand-born man has not seen or contacted family or friends since that day and police hold concerns for his welfare. Friends and family saw Tasmanian woman Angela Jeffrey for the last time on June 1, 2016, before she disappeared. Two days later, on June 3, investigators found her car in remote bush in the Bakers Beach area of Tasmania's north. Ms Jeffrey's disappearance was reported to the Coroner, who in 2019, found that the 62-year-old was dead. For many years, she had received extensive support from psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and her loving family, the Coroner said. Despite intensive searching and ongoing investigations, Ms Jeffrey has not been found. Family and friends of Western Australian man Tremaine Reid have been searching for the 39-year-old for two years as of June 2025. Mr Reid was reported missing on June 24, 2023, after he was last seen a week and a half earlier, on June 12 in Lockyer, WA. Despite extensive searches, Mr Reid has never been located, police said. He is known to frequent the Perth metropolitan area, as well as regional locations of Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany His family said the disappearance was "out of character". Russell Wright was reported missing on June 26, 2024 after family members and friends hadn't seen the 56-year-old in 18 months. Mr Wright had no fixed address at the time of his disappearance but was known to frequent Penrith, Lithgow, Katoomba, the Illawarra and south coast areas. He was last seen on CCTV at Mount Druitt railway station on January 20, 2023. He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, of medium build, with white hair and brown eyes. Do you know the whereabouts of these people? Reach out to investigators through Crime Stoppers Australia on 1800 333 000.
News.com.au
18 hours ago
- News.com.au
Update on investigation into Brisbane baby coffee attack
Queensland police have revealed they have not given up on finding the man responsible for pouring scalding hot coffee on a baby boy last year. The random attack on nine-month-old Luka at a Brisbane park in August sparked a public outcry and a police manhunt for the assailant, who is believed to have fled the country. On Thursday, Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy told radio station 4BC that investigations into the 'horrible incident' were ongoing almost one year on. 'This isn't something we've parked in a corner; this was a very serious offence, and we're working hard on it,' he said. 'What I can say is we're still working with our international partners to progress this matter and to get a resolution here. 'We've got a range of investigative strategies.' Acting Commissioner Chelepy said the incident 'struck our investigators pretty hard' and paid tribute to their efforts in finding the culprit. The man is believed to be a 33-year-old Chinese national who left Australia and returned to China via New Zealand shortly after the incident. Radio host Peter Fegan asked the acting commissioner if Queensland Police had sent detectives to China, which he declined to answer. 'I don't want to compromise investigative strategies,' he said. Luka sustained burns to 60 per cent of his body when the man tipped a thermos of hot coffee onto the boy's face during a picnic at Hanlon Park on August 27. The man was captured on CCTV footage fleeing the scene but authorities were unable to track him down before he left the country. It is believed the man had been in Australia on multiple visas and worked at various sites along the East Coast, according to Chinese media reports. Luka's mother told the Courier Mail in November that her little boy had become 'a bit wary of people' since the incident. 'In those first few weeks, we had no idea what his future was going to look like, especially because the burns were so significant,' she said. 'He's healed really well and baby skin is amazing and the synthetic skin graft that they did worked really well.' His father said the prominent burns seen on Luka's body after the incident had healed 'better than we ever thought'. 'Hopefully by the time he becomes a teenager you won't even be able to see the scars anymore,' he said.
