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For those who knew and loved him, Zedric Basil Woolley is remembered not by the circumstances of his disappearance, but by the life he lived.A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Zedric was happiest when surrounded by family. He enjoyed sharing stories, lending a helping hand, spending time in the garden and painting just about anything he could. He could often be found at the Huon cattle sales or watching football at Huonville, and his family still hear his familiar sayings in everyday moments that bring a smile to their faces.Although Zedric has been missing since 2012, he remains a much-loved member of his family whose absence is felt every day.This Father's Day, as part of the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre's Dear Dad campaign, Zedric's family have kindly shared a personal message to the dad and pop they continue to love, miss and search for, alongside some photographs of Zedric:“Dear Dad and Pop,Happy Father's Day. We miss you.Dad and Pop, you were happiest when surrounded by the people you loved. Whether it was spending time with family, sharing stories, lending a helping hand, working in the garden, or painting just about anything you could, you always found joy in the simple things. You also loved attending the Huon cattle sales and watching football at Huonville.These are the memories we hold close every day. We still smile when we remember your favourite sayings: "See you in the soup, you bring the peas!" and "Got to get home before the possums come out." And whenever someone says, "Here they are," we still find ourselves looking around, just as we always did when you said it.Today, as we reflect on Father's Day, we want people to know that you are more than a photograph or a missing person's case. You are a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose absence is felt every single day. We continue to hold onto hope, cherish your memory, and search for answers.Dad/Pop, we love you. We miss you. We think about you every day, and we will never stop searching for answers.”   The Woolley family's message highlights the lasting impact that a missing person's absence has on those left behind. While years may pass, the love and memories remain, and families continue to hope for answers.This Father's Day, we encourage the community to take a moment to reflect on Zedric's disappearance. Information that may seem insignificant could be the key to helping investigators understand what happened and provide answers to his family.Anyone with information relating to the disappearance of Zedric Basil Woolley is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppers.com.au.Every piece of information matters.You can find out more about Zedric here. 

As part of our 2026 National Missing Persons Week campaign “Answers still matter”, age-progressed images played a central role in helping Australians imagine what long-term missing people may look like today. These images are often among the most recognisable and widely shared tools used in missing persons investigations, attracting public attention and prompting renewed conversations about cases that may have been unsolved for years or even decades.But what many people don't see is the extensive process required to carefully craft each image.Creating an age progression is far more than adding wrinkles or greying hair to an old photograph. It is a specialised process that combines forensic art, anatomy, ageing science, investigative information and, most importantly, collaboration with families who know their missing loved one best.From studying facial structure and familial traits to understanding the effects of age, lifestyle and environment, AFP Forensic Artists carefully develop each image using a combination of scientific knowledge, technical skill and family input. Every age progression is unique, reflecting both the individual being depicted and the circumstances of their disappearance.As interest in age-progressed images continues to grow, so too do questions about how they are created, what information is used, the role families play in the process and why a forensic artist-led approach remains so important in an era of increasingly accessible artificial intelligence tools.To provide a behind-the-scenes insight into this work, we spoke with AFP Forensic Artists about the process of creating age-progressed images, the challenges involved and the impact these images can have on families and investigations.You can read the full interview below: 1. Can you walk us through the process of creating an age-progressed image from start to finish?We begin by collecting images of the missing person (reference images), then conduct a Morphological analysis of the imagery to describe individual features, identify asymmetries, scars, marks and any other information that will allow us to become familiar with them. This means analysing each facial feature carefully, including their eyes, mouth, nose, face shape, face lines and marks to determine what makes this person unique. We then use components from a facial feature dataset along with manual digital painting techniques to create a likeness of the individual around the time that they went missing, before age progressing them to the age that they would be today. Each digital painting process is unique to the image and the artist creating it. Once an image is completed, it is technically reviewed by another Forensic Artist to ensure that everything has been considered and the likeness remains. The image is then shared with the next of kin or family members to obtain feedback. This is an important step as the family are the ones that knew the person best and can provide valuable information to secure the best possible age progression of their loved one. 2. What material and resources do you rely on when creating an age-progressed image?Imagery of the missing person is required so that we can accurately create a likeness. In addition, where available, we ask for Images of close relatives and siblings at or around the age that the missing person would today be. This helps us to identify familial traits to increase the accuracy of the final age progression. We also ask the family to complete a description form, which includes general features (eye colour, hair colour, etc) as well as personal style (hairstyle, jewellery etc.) and any lifestyle habits that may impact ageing (smoking, outdoor lifestyles etc.).In creating the age progressed images, we rely on knowledge relating to human anatomy, stability of facial features and the environmental effects on ageing.3. What physical characteristics are most important when projecting how someone may look years later?We maintain the shape, proportions and spacing of facial features, any asymmetries as well as scars and marks (e.g. freckles) and then add the characteristics which we can predict as they age such as deeper facial lines or wrinkles, hair thinning, greying or receding and changes to cartilage in the ears and nose. The deterioration of skin elasticity around eyes, mouth and neck are also important characteristics when depicting ageing.  It may not sound like nice to add to a person's face, but it is done respectfully with dignity, care and the advice and feedback from family members to ensure the best representation is created.   4. What are some of the factors that are impossible to predict in an age-progressed image?We must make an educated guess in terms of things like hairstyles, weight and the presence of absence of facial hair in men based on their history and the information we get from the family members.  Weight gain will add some fat to the face, giving it a younger appearance whereas weight loss will add some age to the face as the fat pads decrease. We will estimate weight based on the reference images, known lifestyle habits and if available, how other close relatives look at the target age.Persons dying their hair, using hair-loss treatments, wearing a wig or toupee, or headwear to hide ageing affects are things that we can’t be certain of. Many people change their hairstyles over their lifetime and are still recognisable to those that know them well. We hope that creating an accurate facial likeness will help to mitigate the uncertainty around hairstyles.Plastic surgery and procedures such and face lifts and fillers will affect the face. Injuries such as head trauma which changes bone, skin or muscle structure cannot be predicted. Diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart, liver or kidney disease can be unpredictable factors affecting the persons appearance.Lifestyle factors such as working outdoors, indoors, making healthy or unhealthy choices with food, alcohol use and smoking will also affect the appearance of the ageing face. We rely heavily on information from the family to know how much this may affect ageing process, specific to their missing loved one. 5. How closely do you work with the families of missing persons during this process, and what value does their input provide?Helping the families and honouring their missing loved one is our goal. Their input and satisfaction is of high importance as they knew the family member best and are able to provide us guidance.We make contact with the family at the beginning of the process and throughout depending on their specific needs. The families hold valuable information, references and a unique knowledge and perspective of the missing person that helps us to create an accurate image of their loved one.  Each family is different and we adapt to the level of contact that they find comfortable.  Once we have completed an age progression, we will send it to the family for feedback. This is a crucial part of the process where they can contribute and provide further insight so that we can best capture the personality and likeness of their loved one. 6. With AI image-generation tools becoming more accessible, why is a forensic artist-led approach so important for age progression?AI may increasingly become more valuable but is currently in its infancy. With privacy laws such as they are, the AFP cannot engage with AI in this area until there is clear understanding in where and if data is stored and where the data from AI generation is being sourced.  Forensic artists are trained in all facets of face portraiture, anatomy, ageing, interpersonal skills and relationship building. An age progression is a collaboration between AFP forensic artists and family members of the missing person. It provides protection of privacy, ensures an individualised age progressed image and includes a review by two expert artists and the family. AI is currently unable to understand the nuances of what makes a person unique as it applies the same adjustments to every image without considerations of specific anatomy or familial traits. The partnership between the artist and family is so important for accuracy and this human element can’t be replaced. 7. Why are age-progressed images such an important tool in long-term missing persons investigations?Age progressions ensure the missing person’s story is still being told and has helped to solve previous long-term missing persons cases.They attract media attention because of the mystery, storytelling and thought-provoking content.  When we look at the statistics of missing persons social media websites in USA, Canada and Australia it shows that Age progressions were the most shared posts.   8. What should families do if they believe an age-progressed image may help in their loved one's case?Contact the NMPCC who will collaborate with the AFP Facial Identification Team to assess the case. Based on the assessment, we will do what we can to create an age progression. 9. What is the biggest misconception people have about age-progressed images?We worry that the public may think we use AI to create our age progressions in this modern age. As we’re creating a representation from the information we have, the age progression may not be an exact representation of the missing person now, as humans all age differently based on their environment and genetics. The aim is to work with the families to produce a likeness that will elicit recognition regardless of weight variation or other superficial or cosmetic factors. 10. What is the most challenging part of creating an age-progressed image?The most challenging part is creating a likeness of a person from limited reference imagery. Sometimes there are few images of the missing person, or because of when they were taken (e.g. film and early digital cameras) they may not be high quality. This is why working with the family is so important, to try and capture the true likeness. 11. What do you hope families feel when they see the final image?We hope it brings them some peace as well as answers. To complete an age progression for a family is one of the most rewarding aspects of our job. It is a very emotional experience for the family to request and to assist in the completion of an age progression, but the gratitude for our work from the families upon completion can be overwhelming.  We appreciate that when a loved person goes missing it is a very difficult situation filled with grief and loss. Our intention is to shine a light on a missing person and their story.  You can find out more about age progression here.

This year's National Missing Persons Week (NMPW) campaign runs from 2-8 August 2026.The 'Answers still matter' campaign focuses on eight long-term missing Australians and highlights the enduring importance of finding answers, no matter how much time has passed since a person disappeared.Through the use of age-progressed imagery, the campaign presents an updated depiction of what each missing person may look like today. Developed in collaboration with families and AFP forensic artists, these images help bring long-term missing persons cases back into public focus and create new opportunities for recognition and information.While time may change appearances, it does not lessen the impact of a person's absence on their loved ones or the importance of finding answers.This National Missing Persons Week, we encourage you to take the time to view the profiles featured in our campaign below. Further missing persons profiles can be viewed via the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre's Public Register.ACT: Amelia Toa HausiaNSW: Elaine JohnsonNT: Ronya LivoniQLD: Tanya BucklandTAS: Gilbert Arthur MidsonSA: Mark Anthony BarnesVIC: Gregory Joseph DelaneyWA: Sophie Helen WoodmanYou can find out more about NMPW 2026 here.If you have any information about a missing person, we encourage you to contact Crime Stoppers via https://crimestoppers.com.au/ or 1800 333 000For further information and campaign updates, follow the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre on Facebook, Instagram and X.

In 2026, we mark 20 years since the establishment of the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC). Over the past two decades, the NMPCC has worked to raise awareness of missing persons, support investigations, and keep the stories of long-term missing Australians in the public eye. This anniversary edition reflects that ongoing commitment and recognises the enduring impact these cases have on families and communities across Australia.This special edition poster highlights missing persons featured on posters in 2006, who are yet to be located. By revisiting and highlighting these unresolved cases 20 years later, we aim to keep them visible and honour the families and communities who continue to remember, miss and love them. The July 2026 20th anniversary edition poster is now available!Have you seen any of these people? Brett McGillivrayCengiz SaracChristine SomogyiChristen FogartyDavid KeighranDavid SushamesElizabeth HerfortGregory Christiansen (Papps)Jason LawsonKathleen O'SheaLester LeeLisa MoyMahalingam SinnathambyMartin CowenRobert WilsonSimon KnightSteven WilliamsAccess all missing persons posters.

New national missing persons statistics for Australia have now been released on the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre website, providing a current snapshot of missing persons activity across the country. All data has been collated in collaboration with state and territory police to form a national picture. The statistics reflect missing persons information as of 31 December 2025 and include both people reported missing during the year and those classified as long-term missing; those who have been missing for longer than 3 months. Data has been provided where possible by each jurisdiction; however, reporting processes may vary across states and territories. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre collects this data annually to better understand the trends and demographics of missing persons in Australia. It highlights who is most affected, how frequently reports occur, and the ongoing presence and gravity of long-term missing persons cases.  In 2025, the number of missing persons reports decreased; however, remain a prominent function of policing activity, and a continued concentration of risk amongst younger age groups was observed.New national missing persons statistics for Australia have now been released on the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre website, providing a current snapshot of missing persons activity across the country. All data has been collated in collaboration with state and territory police to form a national picture. The statistics reflect missing persons information as of 31 December 2025 and include both people reported missing during the year and those classified as long-term missing; those who have been missing for longer than 3 months. Data has been provided where possible by each jurisdiction; however, reporting processes may vary across states and territories. The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre collects this data annually to better understand the trends and demographics of missing persons in Australia. It highlights who is most affected, how frequently reports occur, and the ongoing presence and gravity of long-term missing persons cases. In 2025, the number of missing persons reports decreased; however, remain a prominent function of policing activity, and a continued concentration of risk amongst younger age groups was observed.

International Missing Children’s Day (IMCD), observed globally on 25 May each year, is dedicated to celebrating children who have been safely reunited with their families, remembering those who have fallen victim to crime, and reinforcing ongoing global efforts to locate missing children.   Please visit our IMCD page for more information. 

Mother’s Day doesn't always look like the same experience for everyone.While many will spend the day celebrating with their children, for families with a missing loved one, it can be a painful reminder of absence, of an empty seat at the table, a call that hasn’t come, and a love that continues without answers.As part of our “Always Your Mum” campaign, we reached out to Liza, the mum of Jacob Partridge, and asked her a few questions about who her son is, beyond a photo, beyond a headline, and beyond the word “missing.”This is Jacob, in his mum’s words:“Who is Jacob, what does he love, and what are some of the things that make him uniquely him?Independent, resourceful, and full of heart, Jacob is known for a kind and caring nature with a thoughtful, level headed approach to life. With a cheeky grin and an easy-going vibe, he's super friendly, loves a good chat with anyone, and has a soft spot for animals. Always approachable and positive, Jacob brings warmth, curiosity, and good energy wherever he goes.Jacob is all about the outdoors and a life well lived. He loves music festivals, camping under the stars, and spending as much time outside as possible. From motorbike rides through the bush to exploring new places, he’s always chasing the next adventure. Jacob is focussed and determined with his fitness and personal health, an interest he shares with his younger brother. Jacob also loves his car and takes real pride in it, looking after his things meticulously and treating what he owns with care and respect.Do you have any favourite memories of being Jacob’s mum, or stories you would like to share?Jacob found independence so early in life — around 19 months old — when his brother and best friend, Ben, was born. From that moment on, Jacob never wanted attention or fuss, never wanted to be a burden or cause a moment of trouble. Even as a toddler, Jacob amazed me every single day. Milestones were met almost before I had time to catch my breath, as if Jacob was quietly saying, “I’ve got this.” Everything felt easy, natural, and calm.Watching that quiet strength and self confidence grow, I kept waiting for the hard stages — the tantrums, the testing years — but they never came. No terrible twos or threes, no difficult phases. Just a small person with a strong sense of self, determined to do everything independently.Bedtime stories were a favourite. When he began to learn to read, Jacob reached for Dr Seuss — even though it was tricky for a kindergarten child, he would sit down and give it a go anyway. He would sound out the first page or so before I would take over. One of our favourites and one that summed up Jacob's easy independent attitude was Oh! The places you'll go!: "Today is your dayYou're off to Great Places!You're off and away!You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes.You can steer yourselfany direction you choose.You're on your own. And you know what you know.And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."(Seuss, Dr. (1990). Oh, the places you'll go!. New York, NY: Random House.)The poem is still fitting for me. I feel I'm in the waiting stage:"Everyone is just waiting.Waiting for the fish to biteor waiting for the wind to fly a kiteor waiting around for Friday nightor waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake 😢or a pot to boil, or a Better Break"Are there any other words you would like to share?Jacob, I miss you every day. Not a day goes by without you in my thoughts. I love you to the moon and back, infinity times over, with a heart that is shattered and aching — but loving you just as fiercely as ever.”Jacob is deeply loved. He is missed every single day. And no matter how much time passes, his mum is, and always will be, his mum.This Mother’s Day, we honour mothers who are waiting, hoping, and loving without falter.With heartfelt thanks to Jacob’s loved ones for trusting us with their words and helping us share who Jacob truly is.You can find Jacob's profile here.If you have information that may assist police to locate Jacob please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

International Siblings Day recognises the lifelong bond between brothers and sisters. A connection shaped by shared childhoods, memories, and experiences that often extends beyond words.For the families of missing persons, this bond continues even in the absence of answers. Siblings carry memories of who their brother or sister was growing up and who they became, how they were known within their family, and the role they continue to hold in their lives.As part of our 2025 National Missing Persons Week campaign “Forever Loved”, we received a letter written by Paul, the brother of missing person, Lorrin Whitehead. This letter offers a deeply personal perspective of Lorrin, one shaped by growing up together and by the enduring connection and hope that remains after a loved one goes missing.Through his words, the letter shares insights into the person that many of us have only known through a photograph. It reflects moments, memories, and characteristics that only a sibling can truly know, and offers a stark reminder that missing persons are so much more than a name on a register, or an image on a social tile, they are brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, parents, friends and so much more.To mark International Siblings Day, we are sharing the letter from Paul in full below.We acknowledge and thank the family of Lorrin Whitehead for sharing this letter and allowing for it to be shared again, which serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing and deeply personal impact of missing persons on those left behind.Letter from Paul: You are loved. Stay strong if you can. “I will be your voice until you are able to speak for yourself.” When you are, I will be standing there right beside you. Do I say Lorrin ‘is’ or Lorrin ‘was’?  This question has hung over every thought and every conversation I have had about Lorrin since her disappearance 12 years ago. For now, I choose to say Lorrin ‘was’ because she may have changed or have been made to change. She may not be alive. I simply don’t know.  I do know that bad things happen to normal people. Lorrin was normal.   Growing up, Lorrin was fun, warm and spirited and as an adult, was the same, true to herself.  She was happy and laughed a lot. She was bold, brave and loyal. She was also a bit of a dreamer. While by nature, a positive person, like all normal people, Lorrin was sometimes sad, angry and cried. She could be frightened. Particularly when she felt let down or betrayed by those she loved and trusted.  I know this because Lorrin is my sister. At the time she went missing, Lorrin was all those things. Dealing with the fallout of a difficult and acrimonious divorce meant that she was sad, angry and frightened as a normal person would be. As a single mum, she faced normal challenges of bringing up young and teenage children, and like all normal parents, could become irritated & frustrated. However, Lorrin was optimistic, looking forward to moving on from the divorce, had plans and dreams for her future including going back to study and at some point, to travel. She absolutely loved being a mum.  She was beginning to explore new relationships. She was happy. It is surreal to see her name and face on ‘missing persons posters’, the subject of media stories and police enquiries. Can this really be happening?  It is.  The possibility that Lorrin is suffering or has suffered, or has gone somewhere against her will and being powerless to stop or change that is humbling and devastating. I am angry.  I question whether I missed something she said. Could I have done anything to prevent her disappearance?  And now, when together as a family, enjoying and celebrating good times, the confronting reality is that she is not there. The guilt surfaces. Is it okay to laugh, smile and enjoy ourselves? It has to be. Life is for living. The impact on Lorrin’s loved ones is sad, particularly our parents who, despite their incredible resilience, feel her absence every minute of every day. They are old now. They deserve answers. There is sadness too in the thought of the unfulfilled potential of Lorrin’s life, her ambitions and her dreams. Since 2012, I’ve tried but failed to be her voice. I allowed myself to be ignored by those who preferred an easy answer, drowned out by those who have used her story and sought the limelight to promote themselves, and by those who want to confuse and hide the truth. As a result, opportunities have been missed; time and energy wasted looking in the wrong direction and people with information put off from coming forward.   Until now.            I believe that things are changing at last. I am being listened to. As are other different voices, those who really care for Lorrin. Through us, she is being heard. With this change comes hope. Hope that I can keep her story alive and ensure that it is told truthfully and accurately. Hope that people with information now feel confident and safe to come forward to further amplify Lorrin’s voice. Someone out there knows what happened.  They have information that will lead us to Lorrin and bring closure.  Lorrin’s case has generated a lot of attention and publicity. Some people might ask why this is? The truth is, I don’t know. She is no more or less important than others who have gone missing or suffered tragedy. Bad things happen to normal people. Their stories deserve to be heard as much as Lorrin’s. Finding Lorrin is important to me. I will be her voice until she is able to speak for herself. When she does, I will be standing there right beside her.You can view Lorrin’s profile here.If you have information that may assist police to locate Lorrin please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

The April 2026 missing persons poster (PDF, 5.3MB) is now available!Have you seen any of these people? Gay FultonVince PolicarpioHelen Evonne BarkerDean Barry EdwardsMargaret Anne BernieBenjamin Matthew SenequeTyrone Frederick MacQueenEdan HuntingtonDennis Bradford ColeLuke GourlayMark Jeffery HeffernanMarcia Ann RyanPatrick LiedkeGavin Moresby-WhiteWayne Bruce CampbellAccess all missing persons posters.

For most of us, the holiday period is a time of joy, full of laughter, familiar faces and treasured traditions, but for the loved ones of missing persons, Christmas can feel incomplete.In recognition of Christmas 2025, and to further reiterate to the community that there are real loved ones waiting and hoping as part of every missing persons case, the NMPCC shared wishes from the families of missing persons, accompanied by precious memories of holidays past. Through our campaign "All I want for Christmas is you", we featured four different missing Australians, Troy Woods, Kay Maree Corp, Cameron David Twiss, and John Thomas Norrish, whose families all want the same thing; to be together again.“All I want for Christmas is to hear your voice”Mum and dad of Troy Woods“All I want for Christmas is for you to remember the happy times and remember there are people who love you.”Mum, dad, brother and daughter of Kay Maree Corp“All we want for Christmas is for you to be here with us.”Dad, mum and brother of Cameron Twiss“All I want for Christmas is notification of what happened to John, so our family can get closure”Sister of John Thomas NorrishIf you are a family member of a missing person and are in need of assistance, please see our support services page.

The October 2025 missing persons poster is now available!Have you seen any of these people? David Abuoi Gabrielle Malak ArokLeslie Wayne KeatingKathleen RiethmullerBarry PodmoreTristan Lloyd GriffithsJamilla HumphreyBarry CalvertHeather MarksPaul Anthony BakerWarren MeyerPeter HodginsSteven John BaileyGraham Harold LinesDamian Partridge-BurderAdam Timothy JohnsonAccess all missing persons posters.

The AFP is bringing awareness to long-term missing people this National Missing Persons Week (NMPW). Throughout the week of 3-9 August, we will feature 8 missing Australians and the impact their absence has on their families. For further information on this year’s Forever Loved campaign, please click here.