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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

The COVID-19 restrictions currently in place around the country have led to the regrettable postponement of the upcoming Queensland Family of Missing Persons Day.The Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police Service are working to reschedule the event, which was set to be hosted in Brisbane on Sunday 1 August.Queensland families who have registered for the event will be personally notified of the postponement and provided with all updates about the rescheduled event.The Queensland event was due to be the first of a series of Family of Missing Persons Days to be held across Australia over the next six months.Planning is underway to ensure the events can be held at a time when COVID travel restrictions allow key personnel to attend.Families across Australia who have a missing relative are encouraged to pre-register their interest now via the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) website. Once an event has been scheduled in their State or Territory, they will be notified of the details.The program will allow families with missing loved ones to provide police and scientists with DNA samples as part of an Australian-first forensic program aiming to identify our unknown and missing Australians.The aim of the National DNA Program is to apply a suite of existing and new forensic techniques to hundreds of unidentified human remains to assist State and Territory police in resolving cases of long-term missing persons.This information will be used by the National DNA Program to update national databases, which will allow the effective searching and matching of unidentified human remains and missing persons cases for the first time at a national level.A recent audit of cases stored at police, mortuary and forensic facilities confirmed there are more than 500 sets of unidentified human remains across Australia. Many of these human remains were discovered decades ago, with some cases dating back more than 50 years.The aim of the National DNA Program is to apply a suite of existing and new forensic techniques to hundreds of unidentified human remains in an effort to assist State and Territory police to resolve cases of long-term missing persons.For further information on the Family of Missing Persons Days and to register please visit the Missing Persons website.Further information on the National DNA Program can be found on the Missing Persons website.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 National Missing Persons Week (NMPW),the AFP NMPCC coordinates an annual police campaign with State and Territory police, highlighting a different theme each year to raise awareness and educate the Australian community on the significant issues and impacts of missing persons in Australia, while also profiling a number of long-term missing persons. A further media release will detail this year’s NMPW campaign which will run from 1 – 7 August 2021.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’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) is honouring International Missing Children’s Day (IMCD) 2021 with a tree dedication at the National Arboretum in Canberra for all missing children and their families.IMCD is commemorated annually on the 25 May. IMCD is a day where people around the world 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.AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw officiated the tree dedication ceremony on behalf of the AFP. The tree dedication offers a permanent fixture for reflection and remembrance of all missing children and their families. A short video -which can be viewed here- highlights the tree dedication ceremony and what this place of remembrance means to families of missing children and the police officers who work tirelessly to find them.“This tree located at the National Arboretum in Canberra is a symbol of hope and strength for the families, friends, community and the police officers who investigate the cases,” Commissioner Kershaw said.“This tree is a permanent fixture of commemoration and a place for loved ones to come, reflect and be reminded that we remain committed to bringing their children home.”In Australia, approximately 25,000 young people are reported missing to police each year. This makes up almost two thirds of all missing persons reports in Australia. Most young people are located safe and well, but unfortunately some remain missing after days, months and years. The impact on families and friends when a loved one goes missing is devastating. When that loved one is a child, it becomes almost unbearable.The impact is deeply felt by Bruce and Denise Morcombe, whose 13-year-old son Daniel went missing in 2003.“We had no idea what had happened to him, we also had no place to reflect, honour and remember him,” Bruce Morcombe said.“This commemorative tree is significant for police, family and friends because it’s a dedicated place to symbolically resolve to continue the search to find missing children,” Denise Morcombe said.Detective Superintendent Greg Mowle, who has experience investigating missing children cases, reflects on the impacts unresolved cases have had on him personally.“As a police officer part of your remit is to help people and the fact that you haven’t actually been able to achieve this is a lingering emptiness,” Detective Superintendent Mowle said.Commissioner Kershaw reaffirmed the commitment of the AFP to continue to work with families, policing partners and the community to try and locate Australian missing persons because this is not just a police effort, it takes a community.Importantly, there are steps everyone can follow to raise awareness of the issue of missing children and assist police with their investigations. You can:Download a kit of child safety tips for parents.Help share the AFP’s International Missing Children’s Day message on Facebook Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have information relating to a missing child. 

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is today launching the country’s first National DNA Program, with the hope of uncovering investigative leads as to the identity of our unknown Australians and resolving long-term missing persons cases across Australia.This new initiative – the National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons will harness modern forensic techniques to allow the advanced DNA profiling and matching of unidentified human remains and missing persons nationally for the first time in Australia.There are an estimated 500 sets of unidentified human remains across Australia, and this program aims to give answers to families and police investigating cold cases who have spent years searching for answers.Some of these bones were discovered decades ago, with a portion of unidentified human remains from cold cases dating back from more than 50 years ago.The ultimate goal is to make it possible for final goodbyes and for the remains, which currently sit in mortuaries, labs and police stations across the country, to be laid to rest at last.The Australian-first program has been granted $3.594 million out of Proceeds of Crime funding, and is expected to run for two and a half years.The program will be directed by one of Australia’s leading unidentified human remains experts, Associate Professor Jodie Ward, a forensic DNA identification specialist from the AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre and the University of Technology Sydney’s Centre for Forensic Science.In 2015, Associate Professor Ward received the prestigious Churchill Fellowship to investigate world-leading DNA identification techniques for missing persons and disaster victims. She has since been advocating for an Australia-wide DNA identification program to be launched.The National DNA Program will model other internationally recognised DNA-led missing persons programs, including those from the International Commission on Missing Persons, and the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification.Together with State and Territory police partners, and using the resources of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, the AFP will work tirelessly with family members, state mortuaries, and other experts in the field in the hope of providing answers to some of the many long term missing persons cases across Australia.AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw launched the program at the AFP’s world-class Forensics Complex in Canberra today, reflecting on what this initiative may bring for the families of 2600 long-term missing persons in Australia.“They are not just a statistic. They are someone’s child, parent, husband or wife. They are people who aren’t there for birthdays or the family celebrations that mark all the significant milestones in life.”“This could lift the lid on many cold cases across the country. Not only could this program provide much-needed answers families are searching for, it could also lead to justice. Some have been waiting for more than half a century. Even with the passing of decades, the AFP and our partners will never give up. Victims will not be forgotten.”“Today I encourage family members to contact the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre if they want to get involved or find out more information on this Program.”Commissioner Kershaw highlighted that this program is possible due to the ill-gotten wealth of criminals that has been reinvested into the Australian community, to bring about lasting change for the families and friends with long-term missing loved ones.Anyone with information relating to a missing person is urged to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.For more information on how proceeds of crime are confiscated and reinvested into the community, visit the AFP website here.Media enquiriesAFP Media: (02) 5126 9297

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is calling on the public to help solve eight long-term missing persons’ investigations as part of a digital campaign marking National Missing Persons Week 2020 (2-8 August 2020).The initiative – titled ‘I’ll see you later’ – has been developed by the AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) and includes a series of short videos which describes the emotions felt by the families of long-term missing people.AFP Coordinator National Missing Persons Coordination Centre Jodie McEwan said she hopes the initiative gives both families and investigators answers to long-held questions, as well as provide the community with insight into the unresolved grief and loss felt by the loved ones of missing persons.“In telling the stories of these missing people via social media, outdoor advertising spaces and traditional media, we hope to draw out new leads and piece together these sad and enduring puzzles,” Jodie McEwan said.“The short videos illustrate these are real people, with hobbies and dreams, who continue to live in the memories of those left behind. They are more than just statistics or photos on a missing persons poster.“We hope the community connects with these stories and if you have any piece of information – no matter how small – please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”Father of long-term missing person, Peter English, Gary English says “Campaigns like this are invaluable and allow families, who like us, are seeking answers to tell the story of their missing loved one.”“Peter was a very loving father who enjoyed his children very much and loved spoiling them with gifts. We just want answers and to know he is safe and well.”The following long-term missing persons were nominated by the AFP’s State and Territory counterparts to be featured in the campaign:Laura Haworth (ACT)Daniel (Danny) Plain (NT)Peter English (QLD) - (since located)Brian Cairney (SA)Eileen Stewart (Tas)Paul Wright (Vic)Simon Harrington (WA)To request an interview with a family member or case officer of one these long-term missing persons, please contact media@afp.gov.au.Media is encouraged to read the Counselling Framework for guidance when working with families of missing people.The NMPCC developed the campaign in partnership with creative agency Three Scoops, to shed light on the fact that when a person goes missing, their loved ones are always searching. Even as time passes and logic whispers that the missing person is unlikely to be found, some part of the loved one can’t stop looking.Members of the community sharing their stories and support throughout National Missing Persons Week 2020 are encouraged to use the hashtag #NMPW2020 in support of this year’s campaign.National Missing Persons Week is supported by the Outdoor Media Association. For more information on the NMPCC and NMPW 2019 and to watch the campaign unfold, visit www.missingpersons.gov.au or https://www.facebook.com/AFPNMPCCAbout 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 

In a joint campaign developed by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) and Canberra Milk, the faces of missing people will once again be displayed on milk bottles in the Australian Capital Territory. The campaign will run from 15 June for four weeks in an effort to solve the mystery of their disappearance and raise awareness of the issue of missing people.Last year the milk bottle campaign featured 12 missing persons from around the Canberra region and those with investigative links to the capital. In 2020, the campaign is being expanded to include the profiles of 16 missing persons from around the country.The milk bottle campaign will be complemented by a national social media campaign to raise wider awareness of this issue.The social media campaign will coincide with the circulation of Canberra Milk bottles in the Canberra region and aims to reach all corners of the Australian community. The faces of these long-term missing persons are being shared in the hope that someone has information that can lead to their discovery. This campaign also aims to catch the attention of everyday people in the community who may not be aware of the role they can play in helping find these missing people.AFP Assistant Commissioner Lesa Gale said the inclusion of missing people from areas other than the Canberra region was to highlight what is a national issue, and the AFP’s focus on delivering a national coordinated response.“One person featured in last year’s Canberra Milk campaign was located. It is initiatives like these that remind people that missing persons are real people, and this is something that needs to be spoken about more,” AC Gale said.“Our partnership with Canberra Milk has allowed us to bring these conversations into the homes and minds of everyday Australians, many who have not known the pain that a missing loved one can bring. We want people in the community to stop and think about not only these featured profiles, but also the profiles of many other long-term missing people across Australia. If anyone has information, no matter how small, please reach out to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.“We are grateful for the ongoing support of Canberra Milk and hope to continue to work with them in the future.“Campaigns and collaborations such as this highlight the possibilities available in this space, and the impact corporate support can have for the 2,600-plus long-term missing persons in Australia and the loved ones left behind. It is important that we work together to raise awareness and profile as many of these cases as possible as every family equally deserves answers.” AC Gale said."Our missing you is deepened by that of not knowing where you are. But campaigns like this prove we are not alone in our search," Son of long-term missing Nicola Sallese, Jason Sallese said.“Canberra Milk is an intrinsic part of the community and we value our partnerships, in particular those that can help raise awareness like this campaign,” Managing Director of Capitol Chilled Foods (Australia), Steve Ness said.“CCFA has been proudly supporting the Canberra community for over 60 years. We are involved in communal events and schools programs like ‘The Breakfast Clubs’, where we donate and share the Canberra Milk experience.“With the Missing Persons campaign we have a unique opportunity to raise awareness and start a conversation.”Canberra Milk one-litre bottles are available from all usual retailers. Australians can help support the initiative by sharing the label on social media with the hashtag #missingXmilk. For those outside of the Canberra region, visit the NMPCC Facebook (www.facebook.com/AFPNMPCC) page and share the images of the milk bottles with your social network.For more information on the AFP National Missing Person’s Coordination Centre (NMPCC) and the Public Register of missing persons, visit: www.missingpersons.gov.au. and www.facebook.com/AFPNMPCC.About Canberra MilkCapitol Chilled Foods (Australia) Pty Ltd is a joint venture company between Lion Dairy & Drinks and Bega Cheese Ltd. It is the only dairy manufacturer situated within the ACT.It manufactures fresh milk and cream from its factory, located in Canberra and through its network of refrigerated vehicles, distributes fresh milk and other chilled food and beverage products, direct to ACT commercial customers, and through Franchise Owners and distributors in southern NSW.Media enquiriesAFP Media: (02) 5126 9297ProfilesThe profiles of long-term missing Australian's featured in this campaign are as follows.David ABUOI - ACTLaura HAWORTH - ACTRobert JACOB - ACTRuth RIDLEY- NSWKylee-Ann SCHAFFER - NSWRonya LIVONI - NTRichard ROE - NTJohn BROWN - QLDDanny WALKER - QLDChristine REDFORD - SAEve ASKEW - TASNicola SALLESE - TASAndrew OLEENIK - VICLorrin WHITEHEAD - VICDragan JANKOVIC - WAJosephine JENNINGS - WA