The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is calling on the public to help solve eight long-term missing persons’ investigations as part of marking National Missing Persons Week 2020
In Australia, a missing person is defined as anyone who is reported missing to police, whose whereabouts are unknown, and where there are fears for the safety or concern for the welfare of that person. A long-term missing person is someone who has been missing for more than three months.
The initiative – titled ‘I’ll see you later’ – has been developed by the AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) and includes a series of short videos which describes the emotions felt by the families of long-term missing people.
NMPCC Coordinator Jodie McEwan said she hopes the initiative gives both families and investigators answers to long-held questions, as well as provide the community with insight into the unresolved grief and loss felt by the loved ones of missing persons.
“In telling the stories of these missing people via social media, outdoor advertising spaces and traditional media, we hope to draw out new leads and piece together these sad and enduring puzzles,” Ms McEwan said.
“The short videos illustrate these are real people, with hobbies and dreams, who continue to live in the memories of those left behind. They are more than just statistics or photos on a missing persons poster.
“We hope the community connects with these stories and if you have any piece of information – no matter how small – please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Gary English, whose son Peter went missing in February 2019, says “campaigns like this are invaluable and allow families, who like us, are seeking answers to tell the story of their missing loved one.”
“Peter was a very loving father who enjoyed his children very much and loved spoiling them with gifts. We just want answers and to know he is safe and well.”
Please scroll through and share our album of Long Term Missing Persons in Northern NSW: HERE
LONG TERM MISSING PEOPLE
Simon Harrington
Missing since: Monday, January 10, 2011
Last seen: Coogee WA
Responsible jurisdiction: WA
Year of birth: 1976
Age now: 44
Gender: Male
Height: 173cm
Build: Medium
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Grey
Circumstances
Simon Harrington was last seen at his home in Coogee Western Australia 10 January 2011.
Simon was driving a 1996 green Ford Fairmont sedan registration 9KK809.
An ATM transaction was made from Simon’s bank account later that same day in Geraldton.
If you have information that may assist police to locate Simon please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
BRIAN CAIRNEY
Missing since: Thursday, June 17, 2010
Last seen: Salisbury SA
Responsible jurisdiction: SA
Year of birth: 1979
Age now: 41
Gender: Male
Height: 175cm
Build: Solid
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Blue
Complexion: Fair
Distinguishing Features: “Scotland” on his right ankle.
Reward offered: $200,000
Circumstances
Brian Cairney, aged 31 years, resided with his mother at Carey Street, Salisbury.
On the evening of Thursday 17 June 2010, Brian was at the Elizabeth Shopping Centre waiting to catch a bus home when he struck up a conversation with a man and woman. They all caught the bus together and swapped phone numbers, he arranged to see them both later that night.
At about 10pm that night, Brian told his mother he was catching the bus to go and visit these friends. He was mildly affected by alcohol when he left the unit.
He did not catch the bus and has not been seen since. There has been no activity on his bank accounts, mobile phone or Medicare card.
At the time of his disappearance, Brian was on parole after recently being released from prison. It is not known if his criminal associations played any role in his disappearance.
Police suspect he has been murdered.
If you have information that may assist police please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
LAURA HAWORTH
Missing since: Saturday, January 5, 2008
Last seen: Queanbeyan NSW
Responsible jurisdiction: ACT
Year of birth: 1984
Age now: 36
Gender: Female
Height: 177cm
Build: Slim
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Complexion: Fair
Distinguishing Features: From last image, Laura’s hair was cut short and dyed red
Circumstances
Laura Haworth, then aged 23, was last seen on 5 January 2008 at a friend’s house in Queanbeyan, NSW.
After telling her friend she was going to work, Laura left the house in her red Mazda 121. Laura did not attend work and has not made any contact with family or friends since. Lack of contact with family is very out of character.
On 19 January 2008 Laura’s vehicle was located parked at the Kanangra Court car park, ACT. Police enquiries in the area were unable to locate her. Police have conducted extensive enquiries into the whereabouts of Laura and hold serious concerns for her safety and welfare.
If you have information that may assist police to locate Laura please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Peter English
Missing since: Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Last seen: Tennant Creek, NT
Responsible jurisdiction: QLD
Year of birth: 1981
Age now: 38
Gender: Male
Height: 175cm
Build: Heavy
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Complexion: Fair
Circumstances
Peter English, aged 37, last made contact with family on 11 February 2019 while travelling alone from Caboolture, QLD to Mount Isa, QLD. He was travelling in his dark grey Ford FG Falcon sedan with New South Wales registration FPV849. The vehicle was last sighted in Tennant Creek, NT on 12 February 2019. Peter and his vehicle have not been seen since that time. It is out of character for Peter to not remain in regular contact with his family and friends.
If you have any information that may assist Police in locating Peter, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
EILEEN STEWART
Missing since: Friday, November 7, 1958
Last seen: Mount Nelson
Responsible jurisdiction: TAS
Year of birth: 1932
Age now: 87
Gender: Female
Height: 157cm
Build: Medium
Hair: Black
Eyes: Green
Distinguishing Features: Speaks with an English accent
Circumstances
Eileen Jacqueline Stewart was born in 1932 in England. She moved to Tasmania in March 1958 with her husband and four children.
On the 7th of November 1958 Eileen left the family residence at Mt Nelson to ‘do some shopping in town’ and failed to return. She was last sighted by a friend travelling on a bus to Hobart. The friends parted ways in Hobart to undertake their shopping. Eileen was carrying a Moroccan leather handbag containing £40 and wearing a sweater, reversible blue and yellow raincoat and a blue pleated skirt. She was also wearing her wedding ring and a bangle of foreign coins.
Anyone with information which may assist in locating the whereabouts of Eileen is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
PAUL WRIGHT
Missing since: Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Last seen: Heidelberg VIC
Responsible jurisdiction: VIC
Year of birth: 1976
Age now: 43
Gender: Male
Height: 180cm
Build: Solid
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Complexion: Olive
Circumstances
Paul Wright was born Paul Robertson. Paul officially changed his name to Paul Wright on the 09/09/2002. At the time of going missing he was also using the alias name of Brien Hunter (09/09/1976) for 16 months prior to his disappearance.
Paul was formally reported missing on the 06/01/2004 by his father Nick Wright. The last time he had contact with Paul was on the 09/09/2003.
Paul was last sighted by his girlfriend on the 29/09/2003. She had a conversation with Paul via phone on the 30/09/2003. This was the last time anyone has heard from Paul.
It is believed that Paul went missing from his residential address situated on Rosanna Road in Heidelberg Victoria 3084 on or around the 30/09/2003. Paul had purchased this residence in 2002 using the alias Brien Hunter.
At the time of going missing Paul’s vehicle, a blue 1991 Nissan Pintara EMI944 (VIC) also went missing.
At the time of going missing Paul was working in the Security Industry.
Paul has previously gone missing for an extended period in 2001, however he returned home on that occasion. It is believed that he may have travelled to Sydney or the Gold Coast during that period. He was not formally reported missing on that occasion.
If you have information that may assist police to locate Paul please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
DANIEL (DANNY) PLAIN
Missing since: Monday, March 23, 2020
Last seen: Larapinta area, Alice Springs
Responsible jurisdiction: NT
Year of birth: 1961
Age now: 59
Gender: Male
Height: 176cm
Build: Slender
Hair: Grey with Beard
Eyes: Green
Complexion: Fair
Ethnicity: Aboriginal
Distinguishing Features: Walks with a limp
Circumstances
Daniel Plain was diagnosed with dementia in late 2016 and his condition has slowly deteriorated. Due to his dementia, Daniel would walk around town, normally leaving his house in the late afternoon or early evening. In recent months, he appeared to be walking to places from his childhood. He would normally return to his house on his own or a member of the public or family would drive him home.
On the 23rd of March 2020, Daniel had dinner with his wife and daughter. In the early evening, Daniel left the house on foot without any belongings and did not state where he was planning to walk. Daniel has not returned home.
Anyone with information which may assist in locating the whereabouts of Daniel is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Michael Croaker
Missing since: Saturday, October 20, 1973
Last seen: Little Bay, NSW
Responsible jurisdiction: NSW
Year of birth: 1955
Age now: 65
Gender: Male
Height: 170cm
Build: Medium
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Complexion: Fair
Circumstances
Michael Croaker was last seen at Prince Henry Hospital in Little Bay, NSW. He was 18 years old at the time of his disappearance.
If you have any information that may assist Police in locating Michael, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
HELP BRING THEM HOME
Do you have any information? Report information to Crime Stoppers
www.missingpersons.gov.au/search/postcode/new-south-wales