Awareness

National Missing Persons Week 2009: 2 - 8 August

Not knowing what has happened to someone you love, where they are and whether they are safe or even have shelter is like living in darkness. This is how it feels for the many families and friends who are left behind when someone disappears.

The focus for National Missing Persons Week this year is on older people with dementia or memory loss as a key group at risk of going missing. Memory loss and wandering are the more common symptoms of dementia which often lead to the disappearance of an older person.

To highlight this group at risk of going missing, the NMPCC is working with key partners Alzheimer's Australia and Homelessness Australia. For the first time this year National Missing Persons Week is joining with National Homeless Persons Week to ask and answer the question: "Where do they go?". 

Four families of missing persons form the 'face' of the campaign, sharing their story of not knowing, the ongoing darkness that surrounds them and the glimmer of hope that keeps them going day-to-day.

They share their stories in the hope that someone, somewhere, may recognise their missing loved one and to raise awareness of this significant community issue. We thank these families for sharing their story with us.

You can help by keeping an eye out and finding out more about missing persons and dementia.  

Hear their stories... 

View this year's campaign...

Nick and Jason's father, Nicola Sallese went missing in November 2008, aged 69. He was last seen driving his Silver Toyota Camry down the main street of Sheffield, Tasmania. He had possible dementia.

Karen's father Leslie John Hicks went missing in March 2008, aged 81. He was last seen in the Wollongong area, New South Wales. He had mild dementia.

Emma, Claire and Laura's mother Dawn Wilson went missing in December 2008, aged 57. She was last seen walking away from a clinic in Geelong, Victoria. She was suffering from depression and possible memory loss. Dawn was found deceased in May 2009 shortly after filming.

Martin's mother Cynthia Vivian went missing in January 2009 in King Island, Tasmania, aged 78. With the help of the community, Cynthia was found and returned home. She has dementia and wanders daily.

If you would like to support National Missing Persons Week through sponsorship, distribution of promotional materials or would like further information, please contact the NMPCC .