NATIONAL Missing Persons Week was launched on Sunday, with this year’s theme, Forever Loved, honouring the enduring grief, love and hope held by families whose loved ones have vanished without a trace – and whose absence is felt every single day.
Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign, traditionally launched on the last Sunday in July, to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs until Saturday, August 9.
This year’s Forever Loved campaign focuses on acknowledging the experiences of families of missing persons and the impact it can have on their lives.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said Missing Persons Week is about shining a light on long-term cases and reminding the community that behind every missing person is a family left waiting for answers.
“No family should be left in the dark for four decades. If you know something, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact Crime Stoppers and help bring some peace to Heather’s loved ones,” Ms Catley said.
Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook, State Crime Command, said Missing Person’s Week is a chance for police to put long-term missing people back in the public consciousness and continue the search for answers.
“In New South Wales, around 10,000 people go missing every year and sadly, some are never found,” Mr Cook said.
“As Missing Persons Week begins, we stand in solidarity with those still searching for loved ones, and we acknowledge the deep pain carried by families and communities affected by these long-term cases.
“This week is more than a public awareness campaign, it’s a call to action. It’s about reigniting conversations, revisiting unresolved investigations, and reaffirming our ongoing commitment to bringing the missing home,” he said.
“The NSW Police Force remains resolute in its efforts, working tirelessly to reunite families and uncover answers,” he said.
For more information on the campaign, visit Australian Missing Persons Official Site.
National Missing Persons Week is also used to profile long-term missing persons, and to educate the Australian community.
The disappearance of Tony Jones in 1982 was the catalyst for the establishment of National Missing Persons Week in Australia by the Jones family.
The inaugural week took place with a memorial service in Townsville in 1988, where the Mayor of Townsville planted a tree in commemoration of Mr Jones.
National Missing Persons Week continues to this day, and is supported throughout the missing persons sector and within the broader community to bring much needed awareness and hopefully answers for those left behind.
In support of National Missing Persons Week, the AFP co-ordinates an annual police campaign with State and Territory police, highlighting a different theme each year to raise awareness of the significant issues associated with missing persons, and profiling long-term missing persons to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia.
The annual police campaign complements other campaigns, events, initiatives and memorial services run by families with a missing loved one, advocacy networks, government and non-government organisations, and members of the public.
