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Every year on the 25th May, the Global Missing Children’s Network (GMCN) commemorates International Missing Children's Day (IMCD) by honouring missing and abducted children, and celebrating those who have been recovered.This year the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) marked IMCD by highlighting the core objectives of IMCD: to commemorate missing children who have found their way home, remember those who have been the victims of crime and continue efforts to find those who are still missing.The NMPCC featured missing children’s profiles during the week leading up to IMCD across their social media platforms. The missing children’s profiles were nominated by state and territory policing partners. A selection of profiles were accompanied by a quote provided by either the family of the missing person or the case officer working on the case. These quotes highlighted case officers’ continuing efforts to locate missing children and special memories shared by family members.Mother of missing child Megan Mulquiney shared: “Megan was gentle, warm and loving and a little bit shy. She was a beautiful girl. I never stop hoping I will have answers about Megan’s whereabouts. It’s been nearly 40 years and it never goes away”.Commander Forensics Joanne Cameron filmed a captivating video to remind members of the public the true meaning behind IMCD. Additionally, this video encouraged the audience to view the missing children featured in this year's IMCD campaign and share any information which may assist in locating these missing children to Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000.To mark IMCD the NMPCC shared a children focused missing persons poster. Featuring 8 profiles of missing children from around Australia, the poster was created in the hope of generating public awareness for their cases. The IMCD missing children poster and all other missing person posters can be viewed on our website.To view the IMCD commemoration video and to learn more about the 2024 campaign, please visit the NMPCC Facebook, Instagram and (X) pages.Missing Persons Profiles can be viewed on the Public Register.

February 8, 2024 marked the 11th anniversary since Lorrin Whitehead went missing. Lorrin was last seen at 4:55pm on 8 February 2013. She would now be 53 years old.By utilising family photos, as well as knowledge of the effects of ageing, Forensic Artists at the Australian Federal Police have created an artist’s impression of what Lorrin might look like today. The above image shows a comparison of Lorrin in 2013 to today.The image created is an approximation of what Lorrin would look like today. This insight not only provides the family and police vital information, it also provides a new tool to share with the public, who may be able to assist in solving Lorrin’s case.There still are grave concerns for Lorrin’s welfare as she is a Type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetic. If you have information that may assist police in locating Lorrin, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.auFor more information on the age progression process, you can visit –www.missingpersons.gov.au/age-progressionFor more information on Lorrin’s disappearance, please visit –www.missingpersons.gov.au/search/vic/lorrin-whitehead

Recently we ran a social media series exploring the reasons people went missing and what they were feeling and experiencing at the time. Anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or educational background may become a missing person. The reasons for going missing are many and varied and can include mental illness, miscommunication, misadventure, domestic violence, and being a victim of crime.  The unique reasons featured in the series offer some perspective into the different reasons people go missing, but also serve as a reminder that we never know what someone is going through and to consider how we could support someone at risk of going missing. If you know someone who is struggling or at risk of going missing, find information about how you can support them here: www.missingpersons.gov.au Search @AFPNMPCC on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) to see the full series. 

The AFP is calling for Australians to put on their detective hats and assist forensic investigators unpick clues that could help crack some of the nation’s longest unsolved missing persons cases.Launched today for National Missing Persons Week, which runs through 5 August, the Can you solve this case? campaign is focused on eight cases involving unidentified human remains.While forensic experts continue to examine the remains, police hope the public can piece together other clues that could help match them with one of the more than 2500 long-term missing persons cases on file in Australia.The AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre, working with state and territory law enforcement agencies, has created an online “investigative board” to provide amateur sleuths with a detailed detective’s overview of the cases.Vital clues such as clothing and objects found at the scene of the human remains and craniofacial reconstructions can be viewed in 3D animation.The craniofacial reconstruction highlights how the AFP uses cutting-edge technology to continue investigating old cases.As part of its National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons (Program) capabilities, AFP forensic specialists are able to use new tools to estimate an unidentified individual’s year of birth and death, ancestral origin, hair and eye colour, facial appearance and genetic relatives.The reconstruction used this year is from remains found in the Northern Territory with forensic testing conducted by the Program determining the remains belonged to an Aboriginal female who was older than 18, however, DNA testing has revealed no database links to relatives.AFP Assistant Commissioner Hans Koenderink said community members were law enforcement’s most important partners and this campaign provided them an insider’s view of the AFP’s work and forensic capabilities.“This campaign capitalises on the increasing popularity of the “true crime” genre and, challenges the community to delve into the case files just like our AFP forensic officers do everyday,” he said.“The AFP and state and territory police forces are this year focusing on unidentified human remains cases – as they are not just case numbers but are unknown individuals who have names, families and stories that deserve to be told.“For these loved ones, living with the uncertainty about the whereabouts and safety of a loved one can be a traumatic experience that can last for weeks, months or, sadly, years.“In Australia, there are 750 unidentified human remains and 2500 long-term missing persons cases.“The community plays a critical role in helping police with information that can help to solve a missing persons case.The eight unidentified persons nominated by the AFP’s state and territory counterparts to be featured in this year’s campaign are located at Pyrmont (NSW), Leanyer (NT), the Stretton Wetlands (QLD), King’s Beach (SA), Mt Osmond (SA), Pardoe Beach (TAS), the Dandenong Ranges (VIC) and , Chidlow (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.In 2022, there were over 55,000 missing persons reports made to police in Australia. This is nearly 150 missing reports per day.LINK TO ALL CASEShttps://www.missingpersons.gov.au/national-missing-persons-week-2023National Missing Persons WeekMembers of the community sharing their stories and support throughout NMPW 2023 are encouraged to use the hashtag #NMPW2023.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 on 1800 333 000.About the NMPCCThe AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre plays an active role in coordinating national police efforts, and educating the Australian community to prevent 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 investigations 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 compliments 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.About the National DNA ProgramIn July 2020, the AFP National Missing Persons Coordination Centre was granted $3.594 million under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to launch the AFP National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons under the leadership of Associate Professor Jodie Ward.The aim of this multifaceted, multidisciplinary and multiagency Program is to apply a suite of advanced forensic science techniques to unidentified human remains to assist Australian law enforcement restore their identity and reunite them with the families that have missed them for years.So far, the National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons has assisted to resolve the identity of more than 10 unidentified human remains and link them to long-term missing persons.The success of this nationally-coordinated Program has centred on working collaboratively with police, coronial and forensic agencies across Australia to resolve these cold cases, and importantly, families of missing loved ones who are integral to this DNA-led identification effort.Media enquiries:AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297Connect with us:Follow our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages to learn more about what the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre does and to follow the campaign.

The AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC), in partnership with The Daniel Morcombe Foundation, have today on International Missing Children’s Day 2023 (IMCD) released online resources to encourage parents to talk to their children about safe behaviour.IMCD is an internationally recognised day to commemorate the missing children who have found their way home, remember those who have been victims of crime and continue efforts to find those still missing.Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough said this year’s IMCD presents a valuable opportunity for parents and guardians to have important conversations with their children about online and offline safety.“The AFP and NMPCC, in partnership of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, have released a suite of tools and resources to support parents and guardians talking to their children about safe behaviour,” Assistant Commissioner Gough said.“It may be a tough conversation for parents and guardians to have, but it can help keep children safe and protected.”Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough said the resources provide safety tips for both parents and children to familiarise themselves with. “Being safe on social media is as equally important for children as for parents. Remember to remove friends or followers you don’t know, set your child’s and your own accounts to private, and only share photos with people you know and trust,” said Assistant Commissioner Gough.“Ensure your child knows their full name, home address and parents’ phone numbers and keep a copy of this information in their backpack.”“Before visiting crowded places or events, dress your child in bright clothing and agree on a meeting spot in case they get lost.”Bruce Morcombe and Denise Morcombe said when a child goes missing the impact on family and friends is huge.“We need to be better at supporting those left behind who are dealing with unresolved loss,” Bruce Morcombe said.“IMCD provides a valuable opportunity to educate our young people on ways to stay safe. We recommend that it starts with the creation of a “Family Password.“Teach your children that no matter what is offered or story told, they cannot get into a car or secretly meet anyone that does not know your family’s special word.”“Parents need to have updated photos and medical records of their children and know what their children are wearing in case they go missing,” Denise Morcombe said.The suite of downloadable IMCD digital resources is available below.Media enquiries:AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297Click the icons below to download the resources and start a conversation today!

The AFP will have access to specialised forensic DNA testing, not currently available in Australia, to identify human remains and develop new leads for unsolved crimes, by partnering with a world-leading forensic genomics laboratory.Under the agreement, the AFP’s National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons will provide forensic evidence from some of Australia’s most challenging unidentified and missing persons cases to the United States-based forensic genomics laboratory Othram to be examined using advanced forensic DNA tools, including Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG).Othram is the world’s first purpose-built FGG laboratory for human identification applications. Over the last three years, Othram’s technology has helped law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada solve many decades-old cases.FGG combines cutting-edge DNA testing methods, public DNA databases and traditional genealogy research to provide investigative leads that can help identify unknown individuals. The process leverages DNA comparisons with distant genetic relatives to reconstruct family trees and narrow down the search to a region, a family or an individual.FGG testing is now underway at Othram for several Program cases not solvable using standard forensic techniques and searches of national law enforcement databases. The longer-term benefits of this partnership will include technology and knowledge transfer, joint research projects and establishment of best practices for using FGG for human remains identification.The National DNA Program, which commenced in July 2020 and is funded until December 2023, is dedicated to identifying human remains found across Australia and resolving missing persons investigations. The Program is funded from the Commonwealth’s Confiscated Assets Account, which enables the Commonwealth to redirect criminal assets back into the community.National DNA Program Lead, Associate Professor Jodie Ward, said the new partnership demonstrated the ongoing commitment of the AFP to apply the latest forensic technologies to identify deceased individuals, locate missing persons and provide families with the answers they deserve.“For many of these cases, FGG technology will be our last resort to reunite the remains of unknown Australians with the families missing them”, Associate Professor Ward said.The Australian public can assist the Program’s goal to identify up to 750 unidentified human remains by voluntarily submitting their DNA profile to genealogy databases that law enforcement can search. The Program can then compare DNA profiles recovered from the remains against DNA profiles from the public, in the hope of matching them to genetic relatives.Associate Professor Ward said, “The Program’s success using FGG will grow as more Australians choose to get involved and join these database expansion efforts, especially for our long-term missing persons cases where there are no close relatives available to provide a familial DNA sample”.The National DNA Program and law enforcement agencies worldwide can currently search three genealogy databases for defined investigative purposes – they are Othram’s private database ‘DNASolves’, and two public databases ‘FamilyTreeDNA’ and ‘GEDmatch’.More information on how a member of the public can submit their DNA profile to a genealogy database for law enforcement searching, and how the Program uses FGG to assist them resolve unidentified and missing persons cases, can be found on the National DNA Program website.More information on the AFP National Missing Persons Coordination Centre can be found on the Centre’s website or by contacting the Centre via email: missing@afp.gov.au or phone: 1800 000 634.More information on Othram’s technology, genealogy database and recently solved cold cases can be found on the Othram website.Connect with the AFP: Follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages to learn more about what the AFP does to keep Australia safe.

National Missing Persons Week 2022 reminds us of the many thousands of Australians left wondering, asking, searching and holding onto hope for their missing loved one.A unique national program has been extended for a further 12 months to provide more opportunities for the AFP National Missing Persons Coordination Centre to use the latest forensic techniques and databases to help Australian law enforcement agencies identify human remains and help families of long-term missing persons in their quest for answers.The National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons launched in July 2020 using Confiscated Assets Account funding, which allows the Commonwealth to redirect ill-gotten gains back to the community. The extension will allow the Program’s specialists to test a larger number of unidentified human remains in pursuit of restoring their names and faces.The most recent national case audit has reported 750 sets of human remains, with the Program so far assisting with 55 cases received from State and Territory police agencies across Australia. Of these, 36 samples have been submitted for specialist DNA testing in the Program’s DNA laboratory that launched at the AFP Forensics Facility in December 2021.DNA profiles recovered from the remains have resulted in five matches to long-term missing persons to date, contributing important evidence for coronial investigations. One of these is Mario Della Torre, missing since 1976, whose identity was confirmed by the South Australian Coroner in February 2022 following testing of bones found at False Bay in 1977. The Program also provided the Royal Australian Navy with DNA evidence to support the identification of the “Unknown Sailor” as Able Seaman Thomas Welsby Clark last year.Associate Professor Jodie Ward said these results are an example of how advancements in forensic science can provide fresh hope for previously unsolved cases and resolution for families with loved ones still missing.“Just being able to identify one person, to be able to give answers to one family, would make this all worth it – but we have now surpassed that goal,’’ Associate Professor Ward said.“However, there’s more work to be done. The extension will allow the Program team to generate investigative leads for many more cases in order to discover who these unknown Australians are and reunite them with families missing them.”The Program’s success relies on families of every long-term missing person providing police and forensic investigators with vital information, records and samples for comparison. Relatives are encouraged to participate in the Program by completing the online Missing Person Details Form and providing a familial DNA sample along with any personal effects, medical and dental records, and photographs of their missing loved one.Associate Professor Ward says, “As well as searching dental records and DNA profiles looking for matches, our forensic specialists can use new tools to estimate an unidentified individual’s year of birth and death, predict ancestral origin, hair and eye colour and facial appearance, and find genetic relatives.”For more information on the National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons visit the Program Website or contact the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre via email: missing@afp.gov.au or phone: 1800 000 634.Connect with the AFP: Follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages to learn more about what the AFP does to keep Australia safe. 

The AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) is urging Australians to think of the people they love and ask what their life would be like without them this National Missing Persons Week (NMPW).NMPW 2022 is being launched today (31 July) by the AFP with an innovative digital campaign called “Without Them” that challenges Australians to identify with the missing, feel the weight of each missed year and consider their own emotional reaction to having a loved one go missing.The week runs until 6 August with the AFP reminding Australians that all communities can experience the anguish of a missing loved. Last year, more than 53,000 missing persons reports, about 145 a day, were made to police in Australia, highlighting the pervasiveness of the issue.AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Specialist Protective Command Jason Kennedy said NMPW was an annual week of action to raise awareness of the significant issues surrounding missing persons.“Young, old, family members, and loved ones all from a range of cultures have one thing in common – the daily fears, hopes and endless questions they leave behind,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Kennedy said.“NMPW is supported throughout the missing persons sector and within the broader community to bring much needed awareness and hopefully answers for those left behind.”Eight long term-missing persons were nominated by the AFP’s state and territory counterparts to be featured in this year’s campaign.Allan Bentley – missing since April 2021 from Tea Gardens, New South Wales.Darlene Geertsema – missing since October 1978 from Devonport, Tasmania.Elizabeth Herfort – missing since June 1980 from Acton, Canberra.Josephine Jennings – missing since April 1997 from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.Li Bing Di – missing since February 2001 from Dandenong, Victoria.Nathan Brosnan – missing since September 2021 from Logan, Queensland.Paul Baker – missing since August 2021 from Katherine, Northern Territory.Susan Goodwin – missing since July 2002 from Port Lincoln, South Australia.“I encourage all Australians to take a look at the profiles of our long-term missing, share the posts and keep the families of those missing in your thoughts,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Kennedy said.NMPW is supported by the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) and their members who generously donate outdoor advertising space in support of the annual policing campaign. This year, the estimated $2.5 million worth of donated space will highlight the eight missing persons’ profiles on Outdoor signs across Australia.The policing campaign is supplemented this year by the launch of withoutthem.com.au, developed to display the 2,500 long-term missing persons in Australia whose disappearance is felt deeply by loved ones across the country.Naomi Busbridge, whose brother Paul went missing in August last year, said having a missing loved one was heart wrenching.“There are so many questions and no answers. You wonder why, you wonder where and you wonder if you will ever seem the again or know what happened to them,” Ms. Busbridge said.“You wonder if this will ever end or whether it will be like a giant void and a big black hole forever.”National Missing Persons WeekMembers of the community sharing their stories and support throughout NMPW 2022 are encouraged to use the hashtags #WithoutThem and #NMPW2022.Media is encouraged to read the Counselling Framework for guidance when working with families of missing people.About the NMPCCThe AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) plays an active role in coordinating national police efforts, and educating the Australian community to prevent the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia.The NMPCC is a non-operational arm of the AFP which, put simply, means the team is not involved in the investigations 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 compliments 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.Connect with the AFP: Follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages to learn more about what the AFP does to keep Australia safe.Connect with the NMPCC: Follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Editor’s note: Video and audio grabs available via Hightail. Image of Gordana is available on NSW Police Force social media pages.This International Missing Children’s Day (IMCD), the AFP looks to raise awareness of the impact and long-term suffering of families who are waiting for answers about their missing child.IMCD 2022 is centred around ‘missing moments’, and to mark the day, the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) have released an emotive video with family members of missing NSW teenager, Gordana Kotevski.Gordana went missing 28 years ago – aged just 16 years and has sadly been missed by her family and loved ones since that day.Together, the NMPCC and the Kotevski family hope to educate the community on the impacts of living with a missing child and the ambiguous loss families endure.Commander Andrea Quinn, National Operations Coordination, Specialist Protective Command, highlights that IMCD is a day where people around the world commemorate the missing children who found their way home, remember those who have been victims of crime, and continue efforts to find those who are still missing.“Featuring Gordana’s case provides the opportunity to reflect, remember and commemorate Gordana’s life, and gives the Kotevski family an opportunity to share their experience and to keep her memory alive,” said Commander Quinn.“Sadly, they’re not alone in their experience, in 2021, over 34,000 missing persons’ reports in Australia related to children under 18.“98 per cent of people who are reported missing are found safe and well, but for those who are not, what follows can be a lifetime of heartbreak and confusion for their families, like the Kotevski’s have suffered.”The NSW Government, together with the NSW Police force, has today announced a one million dollar reward for information into Gordana’s disappearance.Gordana is described as a bubbly teenager who loved her family and was adored by her friends was last seen in the Newcastle suburb of Charlestown, NSW.Last year the AFP Commissioner planted a tree at the Arboretum in Canberra dedicated to Gordana and the estimated 250 missing children in Australia that the AFP and partners continue to hold hope in locating.Gordana’s aunt, Julie Talevski is encouraging the public to take the time to read and hear about Gordana’s story as part of IMCD.“Gordana was a delightful child and her disappearance has left a huge hole in our hearts,” said Julie.“Ambiguous loss is difficult to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it. It is a loss that never brings closure and leaves you grieving the child that didn’t make it into adulthood.“To us, the commemorative tree at the Arboretum represents hope, the hope that Gordana will come home one day.”This IMCD, and every day, the NMPCC is asking that people support the many families with a missing loved one by:Visiting the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre Facebook, Instagram and website, to view and share the short video and the many faces of Australia’s missing children.Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have any information relating to a missing child.Tips for parents and caregivers:Make sure your child knows their full name, home address and telephone number and include key contact information in their backpack, coat etc. Teach your child not to share this information with anyone they don’t know without your permission.Talk to your children about the risks of sharing too much information on social media.Keep updated pictures of your child.Look for signs and listen if your child says someone makes them feel uncomfortable.Be prepared in crowds by dressing your child in recognisable clothing and designate a central location to meet if they get lost.

The AFP has started testing unidentified human remains using cutting-edge technology to help solve some of Australia’s most enduring missing persons’ cases.Unidentified bone and teeth fragments – held in police and forensic facilities across the country – are being sent to the AFP’s dedicated forensics laboratory under the National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons.The Program’s nation-wide audit recorded 850 sets of unidentified human remains.Some of the remains have been stored in morgues for up to 70 years, while others were only discovered last year.There are about 2600 long-term missing persons in Australia who have been missing for more than three months.In a bid to help give families much-needed answers, a team of AFP forensic specialists in Canberra will use the latest forensic techniques and databases to link the samples to known missing persons.As well as searching dental records and DNA profiles looking for matches, forensic specialists will use new tools to estimate an unidentified individual’s year of birth and death, ancestral origin, hair and eye colour, facial appearance and genetic relatives.The Program was launched in August 2020 but human remains are now being tested for the first time.The Program was funded under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth) funding, which allows the Commonwealth to redirect ill-gotten gains back to the community.Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the program aimed to bring answers to friends and family, many of whom spend years hoping, searching and waiting for news of missing loved ones.“If the AFP can identify these missing Australians, they could provide the deceased with a dignified burial, reinvigorate cold investigations, and – in some cases – ensure justice is finally served,” Minster Andrews said.The Program’s Lead, Associate Professor Jodie Ward, said these were not just case numbers but 850 unknown individuals who have names, families and stories that were yet to be discovered.“Human remains determined to be of coronial significance, will now undergo a series of forensic examinations in the hope of restoring their names and faces and providing answers to families and police that have been searching for them for years,’’ Associate Professor Ward said.The Program’s success relies on families providing police and forensic investigators with vital information, records and samples for comparison.“Along with recovering DNA profiles from the bones, we need DNA profiles from relatives of every missing person,’’ Associate Professor Ward said.“We are also seeking the missing person’s personal effects, medical samples, dental records, physical information and photographs.”The AFP National Missing Persons Coordination Centre is encouraging anyone with a long-term missing relative to register to participate in the Program.It is particularly important for the Program to be informed of individuals who went missing decades ago, including disappearances that were never formally reported to police.Family of long-term missing persons are encouraged to register their interest to participate in the Program by emailing missing@afp.gov.au.Anyone with information relating to a missing person is urged to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Media enquiriesAFP Media: (02) 5126 9297

The Australian Federal Police is revealing how its digital artists created a series of unique age-progressed images that captured how seven Australians, who have been missing for up to 40 years, could look today.The images were featured in a series of short videos released this week as part of National Missing Persons Week 2021, which runs until Saturday with the theme of: “Their face might have changed. Missing them hasn’t”.In a new video produced by the AFP, forensic artist Sean Carling says the process relies heavily on input from the family of the missing person.“What we do is closely replicate their appearance when they went missing so similar hairstyles,” he says in the video.“Obviously if it’s a hairstyle that has severely dated we might update that a little bit. We rely on the families to give us as much information as possible. They know their missing loved one the most. We are trying to take what we can see in a couple of images to try and replicate their family member. Of course that’s never going to come close to what information the family members can provide”.Mr Carling said the AFP’s forensic artists generally had a background in fine arts, graphic art or digital imaging and received extra training in anatomy, especially of the head and neck, to better understand the ageing process.The final age progression images developed by the AFP forensic artists have featured in seven short videos released this week, each highlighting a long-term missing person. The AFP worked closely with state and territory police missing persons units, which supplied the following long-term missing person’s profiles:Elaine Johnson (NSW)Suzanne Lawrance (VIC)Christine Fenner (QLD)Laura Haworth (ACT)Jason Mazurek (TAS)Sophie Woodman (WA)Nathan McLaughlin (NT)To view the age progression videos, please follow AFP and NMPCC social media channels here: https://www.facebook.com/AFPNMPCC and https://www.facebook.com/AusFedPoliceNational Missing Persons WeekNational Missing Persons Week is supported by the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) whose members have generously donated advertising space in support of NMPW 2021. The donated space will highlight the seven missing persons’ profiles on either static or moving billboards across Australia.Members of the community sharing their stories and support throughout NMPW 2021 are encouraged to use the hashtag #NMPW2021.In 2020, there were more than 51,000 missing persons reports made to police in Australia, which is more than 140 on every day of the year. Any person missing for more than three months is classified as a long-term missing person. There are approximately 2,600 long-term missing persons in Australia.For further information on the age progression process please visit the NMPCC website: https://www.missingpersons.gov.au/support/age-progression.Media is encouraged to read the Counselling Framework for guidance when working with families of missing people.About missing persons in AustraliaIn 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.About the NMPCCThe AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre plays an active role in coordinating national police efforts, and educating the Australian community to prevent 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 investigations 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 compliments 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.  Media enquiriesAFP Media: (02) 5126 9297

The Australian Federal Police is releasing a unique series of images that capture how seven Australians, who have been missing for up to 40 years, could look today as it urges the public to help solve the mystery behind these heartbreaking cases.The age progressed images have been created by AFP forensic artists and will be featured across a series of short videos to be progressively launched from today for National Missing Persons Week 2021 (NMPW), which runs from 1-7 August. The theme for NMPW 2021 is: “Their face might have changed. Missing them hasn’t.”Families of each of the missing persons were directly involved in the production of the videos, providing personal images and describing the emotions and heartache they have lived with while searching tirelessly for their missing loved one.Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said National Missing Persons Week shone a light on those still missing, but also on the families, friends, and loved ones they left behind.“If the AFP’s advanced imagery and world leading forensic artistry can provide answers to just one family, this initiative would be a great success,” Minister Andrews said.“As these aged images demonstrate so clearly – the pain, heartbreak, and tragedy of a missing person’s case can linger for many years. They also serve as a stark reminder of the Australian law enforcement’s dogged pursuit of answers, and of justice for those who may have disappeared in suspicious circumstances.”The AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) Coordinator Jodie McEwan said the age progression campaign was an opportunity to educate the broader community on the need to be aware that long-term missing persons have aged and could look very different to the last time they were seen.“This year’s campaign acknowledges that as people age, their appearance changes and this obviously also applies to those who are missing. Using the capabilities of specialist AFP forensic artists who work closely with family members, we are able to produce a depiction of how the missing person could look today.” Ms McEwan said.“It is hoped the images, some of which show how a person may look more than 40 years after going missing, provide the community with an updated idea of who we continue to search for. The seven people who will be featured throughout the week all have families who continue to wait for answers. They are sons and daughters, parents, siblings, colleagues and friends. They are more than faces on a poster or a website, they are real people who are valued members of their communities and we continue the search to find them. If you have any piece of information that you think could assist police, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”William Fenner has spent the past 22 years seeking answers to the whereabouts of his mother Christine, who went missing from Bundaberg, Queensland. He said that if his mother happened to see the campaign, he would want to pass on one simple message to her.“I would say to her that I love her,” he said. “I love her very much and she is very much missed by the family. I still wish she was here with us in this life, to come and share laughter and fun times. It definitely means a lot to get this far down the track and still have people that are willing to help me.”“My mum’s wish was for her ashes to be scattered in Fremantle, WA. If she is no longer alive, we would love to be able to honor this wish so we ask that if anyone has information, please come forward.” says William.The NMPCC developed the campaign in partnership with creative agency Coordinate and state and territory police missing persons units, which supplied the following long-term missing person’s profiles:Suzanne Lawrance (VIC)Christine Fenner (QLD)Laura Haworth (ACT)Jason Mazurek (TAS)Sophie Woodman (WA)Nathan McLaughlin (NT)Elaine Johnson (NSW)To view the age progression videos, please follow AFP and NMPCC social media channels here: https://www.facebook.com/AFPNMPCC and https://www.facebook.com/AusFedPoliceNational Missing Persons WeekNational Missing Persons Week is supported by the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) whose members have generously donated advertising space in support of NMPW 2021. The donated space will highlight the seven missing persons’ profiles on either static or moving billboards across Australia.Members of the community sharing their stories and support throughout NMPW 2021 are encouraged to use the hashtag #NMPW2021.In 2020, there were more than 51,000 missing persons reports made to police in Australia, which is more than 140 on every day of the year. Any person missing for more than three months is classified as a long-term missing person. There are approximately 2,600 long-term missing persons in Australia.For further information on the age progression process please visit the NMPCC website: https://www.missingpersons.gov.au/support/age-progressionMedia is encouraged to read the Counselling Framework for guidance when working with families of missing people.About missing persons in AustraliaIn 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.About the NMPCCThe AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre plays an active role in coordinating national police efforts, and educating the Australian community to prevent 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 investigations 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 compliments 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.  Media enquiriesAFP Media: (02) 5126 9297