THE scene was Bondi Beach, September 24, 2000. The time, 9am. Around me people were shouting. I was shouting. The man on the sports ground in front of us was strutting and shouting.

Suddenly we were on our feet with our hands in the air, then back in our seats again. Laughing.

We’d met the challenge. We hadn’t broken the Mexican wave.

In front of me now is the ticket from that day – $105 for seat 15, row 7, aisle 109 of a Sydney Olympic Games beach volleyball session. Photos show at some point I watched a rather improbable match between Portugal and – seriously? – Switzerland.

Anyway, there I was, part of a mob on a glorious day doing what mobs do best – enjoying being with others who were enjoying the same things.

Everyone talked with everyone. Photos show I was with people from around the world. All shapes, colours, creeds. The only constants were hats, sunnies, zinc swipes and grins.

From memory there were 123,000 Mexican waves that day which were almost as entertaining as the beach volleyball.

Were we, as a mob of many thousands, up to jumping up and down with our hands in the air for hours?

That was our challenge, as clear as day and without any discussion.

Who started it? I have no idea, but it didn’t matter.

We were at the beach volleyball on Bondi Beach during the Sydney Olympics and our job was to watch the event, laugh, shout, take photos, talk to people about how great the Games were, and maintain the Mexican waves.

When people bailed from exhaustion and the wave faltered there were good-natured shouts, but others further along would keep the wave going.

I can’t hear the words beach volleyball these days – and I wonder how the Swiss team is going? – without thinking of the Mexican wave.

And I can’t bear to think of what Adam Goodes has been enduring on too many sportsgrounds in Australia, and for much too long, without thinking of the mob mentality of crowds – the good, like at Bondi Beach, and the appalling, turning against an Indigenous man.

There is a whole branch of psychology dedicated to crowd behaviour, and a whole sub-branch dedicated to why it took so long for science to consider how individuals can act very differently when part of a crowd.

It’s worth looking at as public debate about the treatment of Adam Goodes has become mired in claims and counter-claims about whether it is racist or not, and Goodes has indicated he is considering immediate retirement because of it.

In crowds we can be anonymous. When individuals believe they will not be called to account for their actions they can – and I stress can – be more likely to do things they would otherwise refrain from doing.

In crowds you can feel that you don’t have to take personal responsibility if things go wrong – and again I stress that you can feel that way, not that you inevitably will.

Clearly, crowds of people gather every day, around the world and in most diverse situations, without suddenly running amok.

There is no inevitability about crowds turning rogue. But Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists last year used brain scans to show that some individuals are more susceptible to the negative aspects of crowd behaviour.

The MIT group scanned the medial prefrontal cortex of people’s brains, which light up when we think about ourselves, or self-reflect. Self-reflection is tied to our sense of self, which in turn determines our moral compass.

The scans showed that while in groups, the medial prefrontal cortex in some individuals was more inactive than others, meaning their moral compass was more likely to be challenged than others.

A subsequent part of the study, during which people were asked a series of questions about moral judgment both as individuals, and while they were competing in groups, backed up the scans by showing that those with less active medial prefrontal cortex areas showed the least goodwill.

Other research shows that crowds can be dramatically influenced by the behaviour of individuals – both good and bad.

Which is the point here.

Whether individuals within those football crowds have booed Adam Goodes because he is an Indigenous man, because they wanted to fit in with the people booing around them, because they’d had too much to drink, because his sporting ability was an affront to their own sense of self, or for some other reason, by joining that booing group they’ve lost a part of themselves.

This issue – the treatment of Adam Goodes, an Indigenous man – is a test of each of us as individuals.

Are we in the group that stands by, silent, waiting for others to do something, or do we speak to people about why, in Australia in 2015, it is shameful that anyone is treated this way?

As Goodes said in his Australian of the Year acceptance speech, it’s about the choices we make.

Tony Abbott at the Boao Forum for Asia in Sydney. Photo: Michele MossopApology too little, too lateBishop apology only about ‘saving her job’: LaborA lesson in eating humble pieExpenses controversy: Full coverage

Tony Abbott has spent a third full day away from the media spotlight as the travel allowance scandal engulfing his hand-picked Speaker finally brought an apology from Bronwyn Bishop and with it a request that the Department of Finance examine all her travel claims.

However, Mrs Bishop vowed to fight on and has no plans to resign.

Despite several other issues of public interest running in the national space, the Prime Minister has kept an uncharacteristically low profile all week, even departing a trade function in Sydney on Thursday via a side door without speaking to reporters about Mrs Bishop’s case.

While the question of his continued confidence in Mrs Bishop as the chief guardian of standards would inevitably have arisen, Mr Abbott also would have faced questions about the racism furore around former Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, and developments regarding the aviation disasters of MH17 and MH370.

Leadership on the poor treatment of Goodes was instead left to NSW Liberal Premier Mike Baird, despite the issue’s importance to national cohesion and the maintenance of social harmony.

Ms Bishop’s apology has been greeted with bemusement by colleagues, who say after nearly three weeks of the Speaker refusing to say sorry, her mea culpa was too late and self-serving.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten wasted no time dismissing it as a tactical manouevre aimed at Mrs Bishop’s own survival.

“There’s a difference between saying sorry because you mean it and saying sorry because you’re about to get the sack,” he said.

He said if Mrs Bishop was genuine, she would not have previously refused to apologise.

The Speaker – who is set to face a no-confidence motion if she survives in the job until Parliament resumes on August 10 – used a doorstop press conference in regional Victoria to admit for the first time that her use of a charter helicopter to travel to and from a Liberal Party fundraiser in Geelong, at a cost of more than $5000, was “just ridiculous” and “inexcusable”.

“It was too much money,” she told reporters. “It just looked wrong. Although it’s within the rules, it just doesn’t look right and therefore I am apologising and repaying.”

Senior Coalition figures are in no doubt as to the scale of the confidence crisis around the Speaker, with such ministers as Treasurer Joe Hockey displaying frustration at having to answer questions on the subject.

In recognition of the collapse of public confidence caused by Mrs Bishop’s performance, rising Liberal star and potential frontbencher Kelly O’Dwyer called for the Finance Department’s investigation into the Speaker’s travel claims to be fully disclosed.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton appeared to set a new low watermark for public accountability of politicians and how they claim entitlements by declaring the allowance rules were adequate, that merely paying back the money if caught was sufficient, and that deliberate breaches were unlikely.

“If people breach the rules, even inadvertently, there’s a penalty you pay; you repay the money,” he told Macquarie Radio.

“But there are no crooks in politics in my judgment.”

Privately, Liberals are incensed that the “choppergate” scandal has not been resolved, with many arguing it is a distraction that has crippled the government’s public messaging.

One MP said it could only end one way, with Mrs Bishop’s resignation being “clearly” in the best interests of her party.

In April 2012, Mr Abbott himself laid out the reasons why the then prime minister, Julia Gillard, should intervene because of charges over travel entitlement abuse and sexual harassment claims associated with Peter Slipper.

“The Speaker is the guardian of parliamentary standards,” he said.

“The speakership is one of the most important offices in the Parliament. The Speaker is there to uphold the integrity of the Parliament and now we have very, very serious allegations against the incumbent Speaker … The prime minister, to uphold the integrity of the Parliament, needs now to require the Speaker to step down until these matters are resolved.”

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“The Speaker had a number of meetings during her visit to Victoria and always seeks to fit in as many meetings and events into her schedule as possible. It is because of her concern for the country, she works as hard as she can and wishes she could do even more.”

Spokesperson for Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, July 15

“Look, instinctively, it doesn’t [pass the sniff test]…”

“It’s not a good look. I think the Speaker needs to explain the matter.”

Treasurer Joe Hockey, July 16

“When I saw that large amount clearly it was unacceptable and that’s why I have repaid it … I think the biggest apology one can make is to repay the money.”

“The fact of the matter is I was a guest speaker and speaking about the Parliament and how it works … it was done within entitlement but as I said, the amount of money was clearly far too large and that’s why I’m repaying it.”

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, Saturday, July 18

“I can really understand why people are unhappy about this. Frankly, I’m unhappy about it as well.”

“She has been a strong Speaker … she has been a strong servant of our country, she has been a good servant of the Coalition and so she does have my confidence but like everyone who has done something like this, inevitably, for a period of time, they are on probation.”

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Monday, July 20

“I understand that the Labor Party will seek to use this to destabilise question time, for example, and I’m sure Speaker Bishop will take that into account as she considers her position.”

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, July 29

“The Speaker is not resigning.”

Spokesperson for Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, July 29

“I want to apologise to the Australian people and say sorry for my error of judgment. You know, that helicopter, yes I was short of time, but it is no excuse…”

“On all these things, although it’s within the rules, it just doesn’t look right and therefore and I’m apologising and I’m repaying the money.”

“I won’t be resigning but I will be working very hard to make sure that I mean my apology to the Australian people and I will be putting in all that hard work.”

“I wish I had [apologised] earlier.”

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, Thursday, July 30

The Female Factory was where “the most depraved held sway”. Photo: Fairfax Photo Library The Female Factory, pictured in about 1938, was built to house female convicts. Photo: Fairfax Photo Library

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Australia’s earliest female convict site, the Parramatta Female Factory Precinct, is being eyed for inclusion on the National Heritage List.

Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt will announce on Friday that the three-hectare site next to the Parramatta CBD will be assessed for the highest heritage listing in the country.

The precinct has been at the heart of a battle waged by heritage advocates against the NSW government’s property development arm, which aims to build thousands of apartments in area.

The Female Factory was established in 1818 and was the first destination of all unassigned convict women sent to colonial Australia.

The colony’s second governor, John Hunter, described convict women as the “disgrace of their sex”, saying they were “far worse than the men” and “generally found at the bottom of every infamous transaction committed in the colony”.

The prison is within a largely neglected and inaccessible precinct that includes a collection of historic buildings that reflect the formative years of the NSW colony.

Among them is the former Roman Catholic Orphan School, which was established by the government in 1844.

An orphanage later became the Industrial School for Girls and then the notorious Parramatta Girls School through which about 30,000 young girls passed before it was closed in 1974.

The precinct has been nominated for heritage listing previously, but has now been selected for a two-year assessment.

“The inclusion of the Parramatta Female Factory Precinct in the Australian Heritage Council’s work plan is an important first step towards possible national heritage recognition of this remarkable place,” Mr Hunt said.

Australian Heritage Council former chair Tom Harley said it was highly likely that the precinct would be added to the National Heritage List. He could not think of an example where a site had been knocked back after being nominated for assessment.

The precinct is on the state heritage register but being add to the national list would afford it much greater protection as well as access to a bigger pool of funds and grants. The listing would require the creation of a management plan to set out how the heritage values of the site would be protected.

“What it means is that this is one of the most significant places in the country,” Mr Harley said.

Parramatta Female Factory Friends president Gay Hendriksen, who has nominated the site to be added to the National Heritage List two times, said the news was “absolutely brilliant”.

The group has been calling for the site to be preserved and turned into a living museum, similar to the World Heritage listed Port Arthur convict settlement in Tasmania.

But those rallying against UrbanGrowth NSW’s North Parramatta Urban Transformation Program may be disappointed if they hope the possible listing will change a proposal to create 3900 dwellings in buildings up to to 30 storeys in the area.

A spokeswoman for the agency said the project, which is being considered by the Planning Department, would not change and restoring and adaptively reusing the heritage buildings was one of its primary concerns.

“The process of assessing the precinct and potential National Heritage listing will not set back UrbanGrowth NSW’s plans for North Parramatta,” the spokeswoman said.

The assessment of the Parramatta Female Factory Precinct is due to be completed by June 2017. The National Heritage List contains 103 sites, including 23 in NSW.

Uber: the fight continuesFollow more Sydney news on FacebookLuke Foley: Engage with the shared economyMore NSW news

In an embarrassing defeat, the NSW government has been forced to drop charges against 24 UberX drivers after a bungled prosecution.

But the government says it will be ramping up its campaign against the ride-sharing service, including through random roadside checks in the next couple of weeks.

Roads and Maritime Services had been attempting to prosecute 24 UberX drivers for breaches of the Passenger Transport Act, under which the drivers faced fines of up to $110,000.

But the government was forced to drop these charges this week after what it called “evidentiary issues”.

In a statement on Thursday, RMS Director of Safety and Compliance Peter Wells said drivers of ride-sharing services like UberX were breaking the law, “it’s as simple as that”.

“They are not regulated, not authorised and are not subject to ongoing criminal checks like taxi, hire car and bus drivers are,” Mr Wells said.

“It is only a matter of time before an incident occurs and a driver faces the possible denial of insurance cover, leading to substantial financial loss.”

Uber welcomed the dropping of charges.

“No one should be penalised for providing safe and reliable rides in their city,” a statement from the company said.

“The people of Sydney are voting with their feet – almost 4000 Sydneysiders are now earning a flexible income on the Uber platform and hundreds of thousands are choosing Uber to get around their city,” the company said.

But the chief executive of the Taxi Council, Roy Wakelin-King, said: “If Uber thinks that this is a win, then they are deluded. This fight has a long way to go.”

The NSW Transport Minister has announced a review of taxis and ride-sharing services.

Both Uber and the taxi industry were positive about the prospect of the review, with significant uncertainty running through the industry.

NSW Labor leader Luke Foley has endorsed the Uber model.

Opposition transport spokesman Ryan Park said: “The Baird government’s policy on ride-sharing is a shambles: its current case against Uber drivers has fallen apart, and yet it’s still left the door open to prosecution.

“The government needs to regulate the industry to make it safe and fair, or risk staying stuck in the slow lane and getting left behind by the hundreds of thousands of Sydneysiders already using the service.”

Uber does not breach the Passenger Transport Act in facilitating its UberX platform, in which drivers take lifts through their regular cars.

But the drivers do, because they are not accredited as either taxis or hire cars.

Mr Wells said enforcement against UberX drivers would be targeted at known hot spots and during random roadside tests.

A Transport for NSW spokesman would not explain the issues with the prosecution. “To ensure future prosecutions are not jeopardised we cannot comment further,” the spokesman said.

In a release issued on Thursday night, Uber said no court in Australia had “held that any UberX driver partner has committed any offence under any passenger transport laws, including the NSW Passenger Transport Act”.

The Uber statement said a magistrate “at the Downing Centre Local Court recently ruled that NSW Roads and Maritime Services did not have authority to prosecute the alleged offences under the Passenger Transport Act”.

“About a week after that ruling, we were notified that RMS would be withdrawing all of its remaining prosecutions against uberX partners in NSW,” Uber said.

“These matters should never have proceeded to court and have been a waste of taxpayers’ money. Had costs been sought against the RMS, this would have meant even further waste.”

Shooting in Sydney: Mel Gibson with Deputy Premier and Arts Minister Troy Grant (left) and Industry, Resources and Energy Minister Anthony Roberts at the Fox Studios announcement. Photo: Steven Siewert Directing again: Mel Gibson with Industry, Resources and Energy Minister Anthony Roberts. Photo: Steven Siewert

It started with a slightly awkward shuffle over who would speak first.

“You’re the one with the Academy Award,” said Deputy Premier Troy Grant.

“That doesn’t mean you can talk,” said Mel Gibson.

A neat demonstration of the eternal dance between the money and the talent – in this case, the state government and a Hollywood star returning to directing after troubled times – set up the announcement that Gibson would shoot the World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge in NSW.

With pre-production underway at Fox Studios, Grant said the movie would use locations in western Sydney and regional areas from early September.

It will star Andrew Garfield from The Amazing Spider-Man as Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who went to Japan’s Battle of Okinawa as a medic and won America’s highest military honour for saving 75 lives. A Seventh Day Adventist, he was the only American soldier to fight on the World War II frontlines without a weapon.

The state government contributed an undisclosed sum to land Hacksaw Ridge after the filmmakers scouted locations around the country, delivering what Grant said would be 720 jobs and more than $26 million in production spending to the state.

The movie, the third shot in Australia by Hollywood producer Bill Mechanic after the historical fantasy The Moon and the Sun in Melbourne and the thriller 2.22 in Sydney, is also expected to tap the 16.5 per cent federal rebate for international movies shot in Australia.

The cast includes Sam Worthington and Vince Vaughn, with Australian screenwriter Andrew Knight (The Water Diviner) revising a script by American Robert Schenkkan (The Pacific).

Wearing a leather jacket on an unseasonably warm day and setting down a takeaway coffee to speak briefly, Gibson said he appreciated the state government’s co-operation on the movie.

“This is not like a big studio film,” he said. “This is an independent film – it’s a large one – but that makes the co-operation that much more meaningful to me.”

Noting that he kicked off his film career in Sydney 35 years ago, Gibson said he was attracted by the movie’s inspirational story.

“It’s about a man who wouldn’t touch a weapon yet wanted to be part of saving lives in the worst place on earth,” he said.

“Okinawa was a horrific place, where, I think, more life was lost in that Pacific battle than any other Pacific battle – and they were all bad. There were over 300,000 casualties, mostly civilian, which is really sad.”

The filmmakers will recreate a South Carolina army training camp and a courtroom where Doss faced a court martial before he went to war as a medic.

With extensive night shooting expected, outdoor locations in western Sydney under consideration include Penrith Lakes, Eastern Creek and Potts Hill.

Goulburn and Cessnock are potential sites for recreating the infamous battle.

The movie is Gibson’s first as director since he shot Apocalypto in Mexico a decade ago.

He has had remarkable success since going behind the camera, winning Oscars for best picture and director with Braveheart and making one of cinema history’s most profitable films with The Passion of the Christ.

Mechanic said Hacksaw Ridge would be filmed with “almost a complete Australian crew, almost a complete Australian cast.”

Commodities and stronger trading on international markets helped lift Australian shares on Thursday. Photo: Peter BraigFirmer commodity prices, gains on Wall Street and in Europe and a settling of the Chinese sharemarket combined to push Australian shares higher on Thursday, with energy stocks leading the way.

The local market received a positive lead from a 0.7 per cent rise in the Dow Jones, while the continuing rally in iron ore prices and a rebound in the oil price from Tuesday’s lows put investors in a buying mood.

June building approvals data was disappointing but failed to move the market.

Australian shares finished in positive territory for the second consecutive day, with the benchmark ASX 200 Index lifting 0.8 per cent to 5669.5 and the broader All Ordinaries Index 0.8 per cent to 5653.1.

Iron ore advanced for a third day to $55.89 per tonne on Wednesday, a 25 per cent gain from the six-year low of July 8. The 4.6 per cent advance on Wednesday was the biggest increase since July 9.

Meanwhile, oil advanced the most in three weeks in New York after US crude stockpiles unexpectedly dropped as production and imports declined. It retreated slightly in Thursday trade to about $US53.70.

Despite the improvement in iron ore prices, CMC Markets chief market analyst Ric Spooner warned the rally would not last.

“While investors have been relieved to see commodity prices stop falling, optimism is likely to be tempered,” he said.

“The consensus view is that the current rally in spot iron ore is likely to be capped by the reality of forecast increases in the supply surplus. Production from Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill project, for example, is due to begin later this year and then to ramp up significantly over the next two years.”

Nevertheless, mining stocks enjoyed solid rises. BHP Billiton rose 2.4 per cent to $26.50, Rio Tinto lifted 2.4 per cent to $53.00 and South32 firmed 1.1 per cent to $1.80. Pure play iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group, which rocketed 7.4 per cent on Wednesday, put on another 0.8 per cent to $1.89.

Among the energy stocks, Woodside added 2.1 per cent to $35.68, Santos surged 4.2 per cent to $7.43 and Beach Energy soared 4.9 per cent to 96.5¢.

The banks all finished stronger. ANZ rose 0.7 per cent to $32.47, Commonwealth Bank was up 0.5 per cent to $87.08, National Australia Bank lifted 1.1 per cent to $34.56 and Westpac gained 1 per cent to $34.74.

China’s sharemarket was flat on Thursday after modest gains in the previous two sessions, further settling sentiment after Monday’s 8.5 per cent drop.

“Commodity prices are the main driver today. The banks are following suit and giving confidence,” Morgans private client adviser Alistair McCorquodale said.

“You’re also seeing sentiment around stability in China . . . if we see settling down of that volatility, it aids sentiment here and flows through to commodity prices. The European situation is also off the headlines.”

Mr McCorquodale said that despite the recent focus on China and Europe, the US market and the Federal Reserve remained the major drivers of Australian shares.

“The headlines are all about China but my view is that we still largely take our leads from what the US is doing. It’s the deepest and most influential market. There’s been very little deviation away from the improvement that we’ve seen in the US economy and that’s been set in train for a while now.”

In other market news, Echo Entertainment slipped 0.6 per cent to $4.94 after announcing it would install an additional 1000 poker machines at its $2 billion Queen’s Wharf casino development as part of a draft agreement under consideration with the Queensland government.

GUD Holdings’ share price rocketed 10.9 per cent to $9.38 after its net profit surged 88 per cent to $33.2 million in the year to June 30.

This was driven by underlying earnings before interest and tax at its Sunbeam division soaring 383 per cent to $7.3 million.

Former Suncorp Bank chief executive David Foster joined Kina Securities’ board in June. Photo: Glenn HuntSyd Yates OBE says a 30 per cent jump on debut of Kina Securities shares was better than his most optimistic expectations, but now the non-bank lender must focus on bedding down a recent acquisition.

The chief executive of the Papua New Guinea-based financial company said the debut could have come under pressure, given the company’s $97 million raising was being spruiked to investors at the height of the Greek debt crisis.

“We were heavily oversubscribed, so we thought it would be a bit positive, but it definitely exceeded our expectations,” Mr Yates told Fairfax Media. “When we started the roadshow, there was a perception about PNG that wasn’t helpful, and the timing wasn’t good as the Greece crisis was reaching a head.”

The Port Moresby-based company offers a range of financial products and has a market-leading position in the micro-lending space and superannuation. It is the largest licensed funds manager in the country, with more than $2.5 billion under management.

Shares in the company, which began trading on both the Australian bourse and the Port Moresby Stock Exchange, closed at $1.30 a share, 30¢ higher than its $1 offer price. The company’s market value was $212.9 million at the close of trade.

​Bill Laister​ from Contango Asset Management, which bought into the float, told Fairfax Media on Wednesday that he was optimistic about the company and its unusual exposure to the burgeoning middle class in one of Australia’s rapidly growing neighbouring economies.

“It’s very cheap, which compensates for increased risks, and the price and valuation will support the stock going forward,” Mr Laister said.

“This is the first listed opportunity to get exposure to banks involved at the micro-lending level, which we think has real potential.”

About $77 million from the capital raising will go towards the acquisition of another Papua New Guinea financial company, the Maybank Group, and covering the costs of listing.

“The most important thing for us is integrating the acquisition as efficiently as possible,” Mr Yates said. “The Maybank purchase completes on the last day of August and we’re well on track for that.”

The share price rise on Thursday would have been watched closely by the 31 institutional investors, including AMP, that bought in.

The stock had caused concern among Australian investors due to its relatively cheap starting price as well as its dependence on the PNG economy and currency.

The majority of Kina Securities’ operating revenue comes from lending operations. A quarter comes from foreign exchange and remittance activities, and another quarter from deposits and funding.

About $22 million from the raising will go to the company’s largest shareholder, Hong Kong-based investment company Fu Shan, in a partial sell-down.

Kina Securities is chaired by former PNG prime minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu​. Former Suncorp chief executive David Foster joined its board in June.

THE MISSING: Meet the people who vanished Carly McBride -Missing since: Tuesday, 30 September 2014 -She was last sighted in the Muswellbrook area walking towards Muswellbrook McDonalds during the afternoon of Tuesday September 30, 2014. Carly didn’t attend McDonalds and hasn’t been seen since.She was last seem wearing a yellow short sleeved top, blue denim jeans and beige sandals, and carrying a beige handbag.

Stephen Lapthorne -Missing since: Friday, 25 August 1978 -Aged 21 Stephen and his girlfriend Michelle pope were last seen travelling in Stephen’s Lime Green Bedford Van after they left Stephen’s home in West Pymble on route to Michelle’s home in Berowra. The couple along with Stephen’s Lime Green Bedford van have not been seen since.Stephen was last seen wearing a yellow and white coloured checked shirt, cream coloured trousers and brown shoes.

Michelle Pope -Missing since: Friday, 25 August 1978 -Michelle Pope and her boyfriend Stephen Lapthorne and his girlfriend were last seen travelling in Stephen’s Lime Green Bedford Van after they left Stephen’s home in West Pymble on route to Michelle’s home in Berowra. The couple along with Stephen’s Lime Green Bedford van have not been seen since.Michelle was last seen wearing a bone coloured dress with brown edging on the hem and brown stitching on the side of the dress, with red sandals.

Danny See -Missing since: Thursday, 01 January 2015 – Danny See resided in the Muswellbrook, Singleton and Cessnock areas. He failed to contact family in February 2015 when a family member had a birthday which prompted his family to report him missing.

Ursula Barwick -Missing since: Wednesday, 30 December 1987 -Ursula Barwick went missing in September 1987, when she boarded a train from Tuggerah Station to Sydney. She was aged 17, 178 centimetres tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Ursula used her bank accounts twice in the two weeks following her disappearance, since this time they have not been accessed. She was last seen in Kings Cross during the period December 1987 / January 1988 by a family friend, Ursula was in the company of two other girls.NSW Police Force鈥檚 Kings Cross Detectives are leading the investigation into Ursula鈥檚 disappearance.

Patrick Gallaty -Missing since: Friday, 24 August 2001 -Patrick was last seen at Campbelltown Hospital at 2pm on 24 August 2001. When last seen Patrick had short dark curly hair and a full ginger coloured beard. He was wearing a grey suit with a burgundy-coloured shirt, burgundy tie and black shoes, and was carrying a briefcase. There are grave fears for his safety and welfare.

Elisha (Sam) Karmas -Missing since: Thursday, 11 August 2011 -Elisha (Sam) was last seen about 2.00pm on 11 August 2011 from Punchbowl, when he went to the neighbours house to assist them with repairing the doors. Sam left on foot without his wallet and left his ute and house opened and unlocked. It was also unusual that Sam left opened his two large toolboxes in the back yard. Sam was last seen wearing a long sleeve brown t-shirt with cream collar and cream stripes throughout the shirt, brown leather slip on shoes.

John French -Missing since: Friday, 07 January 2005 -Mr French was last seen in Woy Woy on the 7 January 2005 by his neighbour. He has not been seen or heard from since.

Asif Hadi -Missing since: Tuesday, 10 February 2004 -Asif is on a student visa from Bangladesh and shares a unit with four other persons while attending University of NSW, Kingsford. He has not been seen since 10.2.04 by his flatmates.

Debbie Marie Ashby -Missing since: Friday, 09 October 1987 -Debbie was last seen at Campbelltown on 9 October 1987. She was 16 years old at the time. Debbie left her home at 1.00pm and stated that she was going to a friend’s house. Debbie had taken no clothing and has not been since.

Jennifer Keegan -Missing since: Monday, 11 January 2010 -Mrs Keegan was last seen on the 5th January 2010 at her clothes line in Kensington. Her vehicle was located a week later near bushland in Blackheath however her whereabouts remains unknown.

Douglas Allan -Missing since: Saturday, 12 September 2009 -Douglas Allan was last seen at his aged care facility in Wyoming, NSW on the 12 September 2009.

Andrew Bourke -Missing since: Saturday, 30 July 2011 -Andrew was last seen on 30 July 2011, where he was drinking with a witness on the camping area off the Tumut River when he has allegedly driven his vehicle into the river with the witness. The witness got out of the vehicle and went for help when the vehicle was recovered. Andrew was not in the vehicle. Andrew has not been seen since.

Robert Neville -Missing since: Thursday, 18 September 2008 -Robert was last seen in the Wollongong area on 30 September 2008.

Amber Michelle Haigh -Missing since: Wednesday, 05 June 2002 -Amber was last seen on 5 June 2002 at Campbelltown.

Shannon O’Brien -Missing since: Monday, 11 April 2011 -On 11 April 2011 Shannon O’Brien left his home in Gwandalan in NSW to go for a walk. Shannon never returned and has not been in contact with known family or friends since. Shannon was last seen wearing a dark blue t-shirt and shorts with white joggers.

Brendan Giles -Missing since: Wednesday, 17 July 2013 -The missing person was last seen at Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW on Wednesday 17th July 2013 and has not been sighted since that time. There is some evidence that he may be frequenting the Coogee area, and he has been known to busk in the vicinity of Circular Quay, Sydney.

Rista Chathavixay -Missing since: Tuesday, 24 March 2009 -Rista was last seen in the vicinity of the Liverpool Westfield Shopping Centre on 24 March 2009. Rista was reported missing when she did not turn up for school. She is described as being of Cambodian/Laos descent, 160cm tall with a thin build, black hair, and brown eyes. Since her disappearance there have been unconfirmed sightings of Rista in the Campbelltown area. Concerns are held for her safety and welfare.

Katrina Bohnenkamp -Missing since: Thursday, 25 October 2012 -Katrina was last seen at her home address in Greenacre about 6.10pm on 25th October 2012. At the time Katrina left the house she did not disclose where she was going or what time she would return.Katrina did not return and has not had any contact with family or friends since this time.

Leisl Smith -Missing since: Sunday, 19 August 2012 -About 1.00pm on Sunday 19th August 2012 the MP left her home in Wallarah NSW in her Honda Accord and was supposed to return at 5pm to look after her animals. She has not been seen since however her vehicle was found at Tuggerah Railway Station about a week after she was last seen. Her disappearance is very much out of character

Jessica Small -Missing since: Sunday, 26 October 1997 -Jessica was last seen in the Kelso area on the 26th October 1997. There are serious concerns for her welfare.

Stephen James Roach -Missing since: Tuesday, 09 November 1993 -Stephen was last seen in Ingleburn, NSW. He left his address in Cumberland Road and has not been seen since. He was driving a 1978 Datsun 180B, Rego No. HPM054, lime green with a black vinyl roof. There are fears for his safety and welfare.

Grant Rodgers -Missing since: Thursday, 26 October 1989 -On the morning of the 26th of October 1989, Grant Rodgers left his Albion Park home to attend work at Thirroul in New South Wales. He failed to arrive and has not been seen since.Grant’s four-wheel drive was discovered at Mt Kembla without any trace of him.

David Webber -Missing since: Saturday, 12 January 2013 -David has Type 1 diabetes. David left Hamilton St, HAMILTON NORTH NSW stating he was going to help a friend out at a local address and did not attend the friends residence as planned. David is believed to be travelling in a dark grey Holden Colorado dual cab ute with Hunter Prestige Constructions written down each side Registered No. CD107L. David has not been seen since.

James West -Missing since: Saturday, 26 August 2006 -James was last seen around 11.00am on 26 August 2006 by his mother at his home address in Blackheath, NSW. There are grave concerns for his welfare.

Maureen Matterson -Missing since: Friday, 05 December 2003 -Was last seen at Lalor Park on 5 December 2003.

Ronald George Anderson -Missing since: Saturday, 14 July 2007 -Ronald was last seen at Shoal Bay NSW, on 14 July 2007, mooring his boat. He has not been seen since. His disappearance is out of character.

Anthony (Tony) Vincent Fahey -Missing since: Wednesday, 03 July 2013 -Anthony FAHEY was last seen in Belconnen, ACT about 4.40pm on 03/07/2013. It is believed that at this time he boarded a bus from Canberra bound for Sydney. Mr FAHEY has not been seen or heard from since this time and his current whereabouts are unknown

Peter Garven -Missing since: Sunday, 14 June 2009 -Peter was last seen by his father at Nambucca Heads NSW on 14/06/09 and did not attend his workplace at Kempsey Shire Council on 15/6/09. He has not been seen since this time.

Kay Docherty -Missing since: Friday, 27 July 1979 -Kay, aged 16, was las seen on 27 July 1979 around 7.30pm in the company of Toni Cavanagh, aged 15 (also missing).They were last seen when both girls left home and did not return. Kay told her parents she was staying at Toni’s house, and Toni told her family they were going to the movies with Kay’s Aunt and Uncle. There was a sighting of the two at Bulli Tops, shortly afterwards. It’s believed the girls were on their way to the Wollongong CBD to attend a disco, but it’s not known whether they ever made it.The following week, Toni and Kay’s families received separate letters from the pair posted from the Kings Cross area, saying they were staying with friends and would be home soon.There have been no confirmed sightings of the girls since they were seen at the bus stop at dusk on the evening of Friday 27th, although there was an unconfirmed sighting in Queensland in 1984. There are grave concerns for the safety and welfare of the missing persons.A reward of $100,000 is offered for information to solve the double disappearance.

Toni Cavanagh -Missing since: Friday, 27 July 1979 -Toni, aged 15, was las seen on 27 July 1979 around 7.30pm in the company of Kay aged 16 (also missing).They were last seen when both girls left home and did not return. Kay told her parents she was staying at Toni’s house, and Toni told her family they were going to the movies with Kay’s Aunt and Uncle. There was a sighting of the two at Bulli Tops, shortly afterwards. It’s believed the girls were on their way to the Wollongong CBD to attend a disco, but it’s not known whether they ever made it.The following week, Toni and Kay’s families received separate letters from the pair posted from the Kings Cross area, saying they were staying with friends and would be home soon.There have been no confirmed sightings of the girls since they were seen at the bus stop at dusk on the evening of Friday 27th, although there was an unconfirmed sighting in Queensland in 1984. There are grave concerns for the safety and welfare of the missing persons.A reward of $100,000 is offered for information to solve the double disappearance.

Julie Beyer -Missing since: Friday, 09 July 2004 -Julie was last seen in the Lavington NSW area on 9 July 2004. In 2004, Julie was working in NSW as a legal secretary. Julie resigned and was planning to move to Mackay, Queensland, where she had rented a house. Julie had put some belongings in storage in preparation for the move, but before she set out for Queensland, she vanished while running an errand in her car in Lavington, NSW.

Gregory Joseph Birks -Missing since: Friday, 11 August 2000 -Gregory was last seen at Ermington on 11 August 2000.

Paul Rushworth -Missing since: Friday, 13 September 2013 -Paul Rushworth has been missing since 13 September 2013. Paul was last seen at 5am that morning when he went for a walk, he later phoned his partner at 7.30am from Circular Quay stating he was going to catch a train to the Blue Mountains, NSW and return later that evening.Paul has not been seen since this time.

Sean Walsh -Missing since: Sunday, 10 May 2009 -Sean was last seen in the Randwick area on 10 May 2009.

Peter Anthony Millett -Missing since: Thursday, 29 August 2013 -On the evening of Tuesday 27th August 2013 police were called to the Missing Person’s premises by a neighbour. There was no sign of the MP however the two front windows were smashed. The following morning he was formally reported missing by family, and the local Mental Health Crisis Team confirmed that the MP suffered from schizophrenia. Despite the local area being searched by police, several unconfirmed sightings and numerous other enquiries, the whereabouts of the MP remain unknown.

Kellie-Anne Levitski -Missing since: Sunday, 30 March 2014 -Kellie-Anne Levitski was last seen at 8.30pm on Sunday the 30th of March at her father’s rural premises on Mount Darragh Road, Mount Darragh which is located between the townships of Merimbula and Bombala, NSW. It is believed that Kellie-Anne left her father’s property that evening or early the following morning and was believed to be walking. The missing person left behind her wallet, bankcards and mobile phone and has not been seen or heard from since.

Lionel Daveson -Missing since: Thursday, 23 August 2007 -Lionel was last seen in the Rosebery area on 23 August 2007

Nikolce Veljanovski -Missing since: Wednesday, 11 June 2014 -On the morning of the 11th of June, 2014, Nikolce VELJANOVSKI, went missing from Bundeena, NSW.There have been various sightings and reports to Crime Stoppers since Nikolce went missing.On the 16th June 2014, he was sighted on the 183 bus in Rutherford.On the 22nd June 2014, he was sighted walking along Horderns Beach towards the camping area known as “Bonnie Vale”.On the 10th July 2014, he was sighted walking along the New England Highway near Hexham, NSW. There are grave concerns for Nikolce’s safety and welfare. The VELJANOVSKI family are devestated and desperately want information about their son, Nick. The family have posted a large reward for any information which leads to the whereabouts of their son.

Lazaros Anastassiadis -Missing since: Thursday, 02 April 1998 -Lazaros was last seen on 2 April 1998. He has not been seen by family or friends since that time and concerns are held for his safety and welfare. Lazaros was last seen wearing a red flannelette shirt, black shorts and black sneakers.

Gordon John Andrews -Missing since: Wednesday, 12 December 2012 -The MP was admitted to the Culburra Retirement Village on Monday 10th December 2012 and went missing from this facility on Wednesday 12th December 2012 about 3:00pm.The MP suffers from short term memory loss and has been displaying the early signs of alzheimers.He is described as being 5’8, grey to white hair, wearing a dark blue t-shirt, blue shorts and runners.The MP has been known to wander off in the past and has been located in Goulburn and Bankstown areas.

Sergio Andrade -Missing since: Tuesday, 23 September 2008 -Sergio was last seen in Roselands NSW.

Phillipe Fortin -Missing since: Wednesday, 21 August 2002 -Philippe was last seen by his family on 21 August, 2002 at Liverpool, New South Wales. There has been no further contact since this date and there are concerns for his safety and welfare.

Tanya Farrington -Missing since: Thursday, 22 March 1979 -Tanya was last seen on 22 March 1979 at Crows Nest NSW.

Rahma El-Dennaoui -Missing since: Thursday, 10 November 2005 -The missing person lives with her parents and seven other siblings at 162 Hill Road, Lurnea. The missing person was last seen by her parents when she was put in her bed at 2am on Thursday 10 November. About six and half hours later (8.30am) it was discovered that the missing person was not in her bed. Her parents were unable to find the missing person inside the house and police were contacted at 9am.

Bach Quyen Nguyen -Missing since: Sunday, 18 May 2008 -Bach Quyen Nguyen, aged 29, was last seen leaving his sister鈥檚 home in Waterloo on the evening of Sunday 18 May. Mr Nguyen鈥檚 Toyota Rav4 was found by police abandoned in Melia Way, Macquarie Fields 3 days after his disappearance. Family have described his disappearance as out-of-character and there are grave concerns for his welfare.

Bianca Renne Nelson -Missing since: Thursday, 02 May 1991 -Bianca Nelson was last seen at home by her mother on the 2 May 1991. She climbed out of the bedroom window and ran along Lewis Street, Regents Park. Bianca had no money and no extra clothing with her. She has previously gone missing and is known to frequent the Kings Cross area with other juveniles. There are fears for her safety.

Lateesha Nolan -Missing since: Tuesday, 04 January 2005 -Lateesha was last seen on the 4th of January 2005 in Dubbo NSW.

Kathleen Harris -Missing since: Monday, 31 May 1999 -Kathleen was last seen om 31 May 1999 at Huskisson NSW.

Stacy De Sielvie -Missing since: Wednesday, 20 April 1994 -Stacy De Sielvie left his home in 1992 to work his way around Australia. Until April 1994 he was in regular contact with his family. His family last heard from him by phone on 20/4/94 when he called from Armidale NSW. He said that he was making his way back to Sydney, but he never returned to his residence and has not been seen or heard of since.

Saverio Ganino -Missing since: Wednesday, 22 March 2000 -Saverio was last seen by his wife on Wednesday 22 March 2000 when he dropped her off at a bus stop on the Princes Highway, Unanderra. He failed to attend an appointment later that day. Saverio’s vehicle, a gun-metal grey Mitsubishi, was seen later that evening outside the gates of a dirt track at Mount Kembla. Extensive searches were made of this area and Saverio’s vehicle was located, however there was no trace of Saverio. There are concerns for his safety and welfare.

Carmel Giannasca -Missing since: Monday, 14 January 2002 -Was last seen on 14 January 2002 at Gladesville

Leslie Hicks -Missing since: Sunday, 23 March 2008 -Leslie went missing from the Wollongong area on 23 March 2008. Searches have been conducted, yet failed to locate him. His main mode of transport would be public transport and it is believed he may have been travelling to Newcastle from Wollongong via train.

Ian Craig Hollis -Missing since: Thursday, 15 May 1986 -Left family home in Minto NSW on 15 May 1986 and has not been seen or heard from since this time.

Quannev Diec- Missing since: Monday, 27 July 1998 -Quanne was last seen by her father leaving for school from her Granville home on 27 July, 1998. There are grave concerns for her welfare.

Lynette Dawson – Missing since: Saturday, 09 January 1982 -Lynette was last seen by her husband when he drove her to Mona Vale Bus Stop on 9th January 1982. She indicated her intentions of going shopping at Chatswood and later meeting up with family however has not been seen since.

June Shirley Doyle – Missing since: Friday, 03 January 1986 -June Doyle was last seen on Friday 3rd of January 1986 at Waitara. She left her home in the evening and has not been seen or heard from since. It is totally out of character for June not to keep in touch with her family and friends. There are fears for her safety and welfare.

Ian Draper – Missing since: Friday, 03 August 2001 – Ian Draper was last seen at 3.30am on 3 August 2001 leaving the Mt Pritchard Community Club where he works as a bartender. He was seen leaving the Club in a white Ford Falcon. Ian has not been seen or heard from since that date and there are grave concerns for his safety and welfare.

Qing Yue Chen – Missing since:Tuesday, 24 October 2000 – Qing was last seen on 24 October 2000 at Dulwich Hill. The white Toyota Corona, registration number OQK-602, Qing was using at the time he went missing was located at the Star City Casino car park on 27 October 2000. Family and friends have not heard from Qing since and grave fears are held for his safety and welfare.

Brendan Crinis – Missing since:Monday, 09 September 2002 – Brendan has not been seen since 9 September 2002. He left his house in the Wollongong area and has had no contact with family or friends since. There are concerns for his safety and welfare.

John Bennett – Missing since:Monday, 06 April 1964 – John Bennett was last seen on 6 April 1964 in Sydney whilst employed by the Navy. The above photograph was taken in 1958. There are concerns for his safety and welfare

Revelle Balmain – Missing since:Saturday, 05 November 1994 – Revelle was last seen at Kingsford on 5 November 1994. She was due to meet her mother at Newcastle on 6 November 1994, however she failed to arrive. Revelle has made no contact with family or friends since her disappearance. There are grave concerns for her safety and welfare.

Deborah Susan Balken – Missing since:Tuesday, 01 July 1980 – Deborah was last seen in the company of Gillian Janine Jamieson at The Toll Gate Hotel, Parramatta NSW. At about 9pm Deborah called her flatmate stating that they were in Wollongong and would return 18 July 1980. Neither has been seen since.

Ashley Bindon – Missing since:Saturday, 26 February 2005 – Ashley was last seen about 1pm on 26 February 2005 in Rose Bay. Ashley has not been seen since this time, nor has he made contact with family or friends. Ashley has not accessed his bank account since his disappearance and there concerns for his welfare

Cengiz Sarac – Missing since:Tuesday, 02 August 2005 – Cengiz was last seen in Auburn on 2 August 2005

Charles Sudduth – Missing since:Friday, 05 March 2004 – Charles is a US citizen who entered the country on 5 March 2004 from the USA. He has not made contact with family or friends since. Concerns are held for his safety and welfare.

Koji Shiraishi – Missing since:Monday, 28 August 1995 – Koji returned to Australia on 28 August 1995 after a 2 week holiday in Japan. He was meant to start work on 1 September 1995 at the Yakuta Japanese Restaurant in Surrey Hills, NSW. He never arrived for work.

Bradford Pholi – Missing since:Sunday, 26 December 1982 – Bradford was last seen at Dundas on 26 December 1982.

Scott Andrew Brown – Missing since:Friday, 18 January 2008 – Scott was last seen in the Coffs Harbour area on 18th of January 2008.

Richard Sajko – Missing since:Thursday, 18 May 1995 – Richard Sajko was last seen in Mascot, NSW on 18 May 1995. He was dressed in his AVIS work uniform. Concerns are held for his safety and welfare.

Lois Soulos – Missing since:Friday, 15 March 1963 – Lois was last seen on 15 March 1963 in Rosebery

Pauline Sowry – Missing since:Sunday, 29 November 1992 – Pauline was last seen on 29 November 1992 in Warrawong.

Ian Stanton – Missing since:Friday, 09 May 2003 – Went missing from Bundanoon on 9/5/03

Wojtek Stasiak – Missing since:Friday, 02 February 2001 – Wojtek was last seen in Parramatta on 2 February 2001.

Matthew Leveson – Missing since:Sunday, 23 September 2007 – Matthew Leveson was last seen on 23 September 2007, in the Cronulla area in NSW.

James Rothfield – Missing since:Saturday, 12 July 1986 – James was last seen at Hornsby on 12 July 1986. He was seen to be walking around the Hornsby area at the time. He failed to attend a scheduled appointment at 10.00am that day. James had no identification on him and it is unknown whether he had any money on him either. It is unknown where James is likely to frequent. James has left behind his personal belongings, including his wallet.

Amanda Robinson – Missing since:Saturday, 21 April 1979 – Amanda was last seen walking along Lake Road, Swansea NSW on 21 April 1979. She had been attending a dance at her school.

Bernard Reardon – Missing since:Wednesday, 18 January 1989 – Bernard was last seen at 12 noon on 18 January 1989 at his home in Kensington. He stated that he was not attending work that day but instead was going to see a doctor at Maroubra. He failed to attend the doctors surgery and also failed to turn up to work the following day. He is a responsible person and there are fears for his safety.

Jee Hoon Rhee – Missing since:Friday, 10 September 2004 – The Missing Person was last seen by relatives on Friday the 10th September, 2004 at his home. He left his residence about midnight stating that he couldn’t sleep. He left with a small amount of cash and has not been heard from since. There are grave concerns for his welfare.

Robert Wilson – Missing since:Sunday, 30 December 2001 – Robert was last seen on 30 December 2001 in Rosemeadow

Bronwyn Winfield – Missing since:Sunday, 16 May 1993 – Bronwyn was last seen by relatives on 16 May 1993.

Gregory Love – Missing since:Saturday, 23 April 1966 – Gregory was last seen on 23 April 1966 at Ryde.

Warren Long – Missing since:Saturday, 15 March 2003 – Missing person Warren LONG was last seen on 15 March 2003 at Drummoyne, NSW.

Richard Michael Leape – Missing since:Thursday, 01 April 1993 – Richard was last heard from by his family in April 1993. He left his Bondi unit, leaving most of his possessions behind. It is totally out of character for him not to contact his family. There are fears for his safety and welfare.

Simon Knight – Missing since:Wednesday, 20 July 2005 – Simon was last seen on 20 July 2005 in the Surrey Hills area.

Gordana Kotevski – Missing since:Thursday, 24 November 1994 – Gordana was last seen at Charlestown on 24 November 1994. There are concerns for Gordana’s safety and welfare

Zoran Kostantinnovic – Missing since:Sunday, 24 September 2000 – Zoran was last seen leaving his Cronulla home on Sunday 24 September 2000. Zoran’s red coloured Ford Laser was located in Canley Vale several days later.

Helen Karipidis – Missing since:Monday, 12 December 1988 – Helen was playing in a Marrickville, NSW playground with friends on 12 December 1988. None of them were aware that she went missing. Her father noticed that she had gone from the group at 8.30pm.

Janine Vaughan – Missing since:Friday, 07 December 2001 – Janine was last seen around 4am on Friday, 7 December 2001 in Keppel Street, Bathurst. At this time she was seen to enter the front passenger seat of a bright red coloured four door medium size sedan similar to a Mitsubishi Magna of a Toyota Camry. Janine has not been seen or heard from since and fears are held for her safety and welfare.

Neil McKenzie – Missing since:Tuesday, 02 May 2006 – The MP was last seen at his work at Redfern on Tuesday 2nd May, 2006 at 3.20pm. It is believed that he returned to his premises where he left his work vehicle. The MP has not been seen or heard from since. Between Wednesday 3rd May and Thursday the 4th of May, 2006, the MPs vehicle was located abandoned out of fuel on the Putty Road at Singleton. The MP was not with the vehicle.

Stephen Mitchell – Missing since:Tuesday, 20 March 2007 – Stephen was last seen 0n Tuesday 20 March, 2007 when he left his sisters house in the Sydney suburb of Peakhurst. There are grave concerns for Stephen and after exhaustive inquires by his family and Police, no trace of him can be found

Mark Morrison – Missing since:Tuesday, 13 October 1998 – Mark was last seen on 13 October 1998 in Fairfield

Elaine Morgan – Missing since:Tuesday, 17 April 2007 – At about 9am on Tuesday 17th April 2007, Elaine dropped her daughter off at a Dance Academy, in St Ives. This was the last time the MP was seen.

Lisa Moy – Missing since:Sunday, 03 April 2005 – Lisa is missing from Bankstown since 3 April 2005

TweetFacebookAn estimated 35,000 people are reported missing to police each year, which equates to one person every 15 minutes.

According to figures from the Australian Federal Police, 99.5 per cent of these people are found and 85 per cent are found within a week of being reported missing.

About two-thirds of missing persons are under the age of 18 and most are found at a friend鈥檚 house.

Inspector Dubojski encouraged Hunter residents to become more aware of where their loved ones were and help prevent missing persons reports.

鈥淏e aware of where your family are at all times, especially if they are 颅vulnerable,鈥?he said.

NSW Police Force will highlight one missing person profile each day during the campaign and so will the Mercury.

For more information visit www.missingpersons.gov.au

Leading jockey Damien Oliver, who is a mad golfer with a single figure handicap, is selling his home with an outdoor spa and a putting green. Photo: SuppliedChampion jockey Damien Oliver is out of the gate and on the move from his family-sized home in Port Melbourne’s exclusive Beacon Cove.

The three-time Melbourne Cup winner can expect more than $1.8 million for 98 Beach Street, which he bought in 1997, when Mirvac started constructing the village.

Damien Oliver on Fiorente, trained by Gai Waterhouse, after winning the Melbourne Cup in 2013. Photo: Joe Armao JAA

Beacon Cove includes a mix of apartments, townhouses and larger homes, including some with water views, like Oliver’s.

The three-bedroom plus study domain includes an indoor sauna and spa room, a sitting room, open plan living and dining room and a gourmet kitchen overlooking a north-facing garden with access to Park Square. The yard also includes a putting green and another spa.

Some of the upstairs bedrooms offer views of the city skyline only a couple of kilometres away.

The home is also walking distance to Station Street Pier and the Bay Street and Bridport Street shopping villages.

Oliver is arguably Australia’s greatest jockey, with an unmatched record. Last week, he won his 10th Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership with 60 winners.

Along with his Cup wins on Doriemus, Media Puzzle and Fiorente, pictured below, who is part-owned by Marshall White chief John Bongiorno, Oliver also has four Caulfield Cups, two Cox Plates and a Golden Slipper to his name.

A movie and book The Cup depicted Oliver’s dramatic and emotional victory on Media Puzzle, five days after the death of his brother Jason, also a jockey, in a track fall in Perth.

Marshall White’s Michael Paproth will auction Oliver’s home on August 22. 

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