Police are re-appealing for information as the search continues to locate a Coffs Harbour grandmother who was last seen in the state's north four years ago.
In August 2020, Anne Marie Jeffery, aged 73, was camping at the Lake Arragan campground, north of Brooms Head, about 75km east of Grafton, with her husband and friends.
She was last seen walking between the campground and a public toilet about 9am on Tuesday 25 August 2020.
Officers from Coffs Clarence Police District – along with the SES, RFS, National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS), and local volunteers – searched the area for three days but found no sign of Anne.
Anne is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with a slim build and grey hair. She was last seen wearing a red and pink top, woollen leggings, red shoes, and a beanie at the time she disappeared.
Anne has not been seen or heard from since, and as inquiries continue into her whereabouts, her family and police are urging anyone that may have been in the area at the time and may have seen a woman matching this description, to contact police.
Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim, Manager of the Missing Persons Registry, hopes this reappeal will trigger memories of those at the campground when Anne Marie went missing.
"Anne's disappearance was sudden and devasting for her family, friends and the community.
"On all accounts Anne was a wonderful person who enjoyed camping with her loved ones; making her disappearance all the more devasting." Det Insp Ritchie Sim said.
"I hope this reappeal will trigger memories of those who were in the area when Anne Marie disappeared. The information you have may be missing puzzle piece that helps detectives find Anne.
"Sadly, people go missing every year in NSW bushland, so I also want to remind the public to keep an eye on each other when they go camping or for a bushwalk." Det Insp Ritchie Sim said.
"This includes the use of 'Trip Intention Forms' which are for use when exploring the National Parks in NSW. The National Parks and Wildlife Service provide the use of these forms, both electronically via their website, the NP&WS App, or in hard copy, so should you need help, emergency services can find you."
Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday 28 July and Saturday 3 August 2024.
This year's 'Always Searching' campaign focuses on the continuing efforts of police to solve missing persons investigations.
If you have been reported as missing it means that someone is concerned about your safety and welfare. It is not a crime to go missing. You should attend the nearest police station with identification so that Police can ascertain that you are safe and well.
For more information on the campaign visit www.missingpersons.gov.au
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with information that may assist investigators to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
