The AFP is shining a light on long-term missing women this National Missing Persons Week (NMPW), calling on the Australian public to come forward with new information that could help provide answers to their loved ones.
About 50,000 missing persons reports are made to police every year, and about 2500 people remain missing long-term.
AFP Commander Forensics Joanne Cameron said this year's National Missing Persons Week theme shined a spotlight on the commitment of police across all states and territories to follow every lead.
"With the important ongoing conversation and public focus on combating violence against women, the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre has chosen these cases to remind the public that the police are committed to following every lead to bring justice for the families of missing loved ones.
"Police from around Australia work tirelessly to resolve these cases and find missing people. I encourage anyone who may have information about a missing person to share it via Crime Stoppers, either on their website www.crimestoppers.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000. This can be anonymous."
Eight missing women were nominated by the AFP's state and territory counterparts to be featured in this year's campaign.
- Laura Haworth - missing since January, 2008, last seen in Queanbeyan, NSW.
- Anne Marie Jeffery - missing since August, 2020, last seen in Lake Arragan, NSW.
- Angie Lee Fuller - missing since January, 2023, last seen in Alice Springs, NT.
- Tanya Buckland - missing since August, 2013, last seen in Warwick, Queensland.
- Susan Goodwin - missing since July, 2002, last seen in Port Lincoln SA.
- Nancy Grunwaldt - missing since March, 1993, last seen in Scamander, Tasmania.
- Julie Garciacelay - missing since July, 1975, last seen in North Melbourne, Victoria.
- Chantelle McDougall - missing since July, 2007, last seen in Nannup, WA.
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.
National Missing Persons Week
Members of the community who share their stories and support online throughout National Missing Persons Week 2024 are encouraged to use the hashtag #NMPW2024 and follow NMPCC on Facebook, Instagram and X for the launch of Always Searching.
Media is encouraged to read the Counselling Framework for guidance when working with families of missing people.
Anyone with information relating to a missing person should contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
About the NMPCC
The AFP's National Missing Persons Coordination Centre plays an active role in coordinating national police efforts and educating the Australian community to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia.
The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre is a non-operational arm of the AFP, which put simply, means the team is not involved in the investigation of missing persons. All investigations are undertaken by the relevant state and territory police.
In support of NMPW, the AFP NMPCC coordinates 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 profile 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.
