Authorities are actively conducting a search for Yvonne Whear, a 73-year-old woman from Tweed, who has been reported missing since February 19. Her daughter, Gillian Hallac, expressed that there are no known reasons for her mother’s departure from home.
Police in northern New South Wales have stated that they are not dismissing the possibility of foul play in connection with Ms. Whear’s disappearance. Last seen on the afternoon of February 19, Ms. Whear was captured on CCTV driving her gold Ford Escape SUV along Queensland Road, headed towards her farm near Murwillumbah in the Northern Rivers region. Earlier that day, she was spotted at a Shell service station on Tweed Valley Way around 3:15 PM.
Since that time, there have been no sightings of either Ms. Whear or her vehicle. Her daughter, Hallac, has voiced the family’s urgent need for information. “We just want to know where Mum is and what happened to her,” she stated. “If anyone noticed anything out of the ordinary, no matter how trivial it may seem, or has any relevant information, we encourage you to come forward. Even the smallest detail could be significant.”
Detective Inspector Gary Sheehan from Tweed-Byron Police informed the media that all possible circumstances surrounding Ms. Whear’s disappearance are being investigated. “In cases of missing persons, it’s crucial for police to maintain an open mind regarding the events that may have transpired, and this is a critical aspect of our inquiry,” he remarked.
Hallac expressed her family’s strong belief that someone may have visited their farm on the afternoon of February 19. She added, “Mum was not fond of driving at night, and we have no indication as to why she would have left on her own. There were no calls or messages that could clarify her departure. After attending her art class at TAFE, she was at home watching art tutorials, and then around 4:46 PM, all communication ceased. She did not reach out to her family or respond to any messages.”
In their search efforts, police have focused on the Rous River area, where Ms. Whear’s phone last indicated activity. The dive unit continues to examine local rivers. Inspector Sheehan reported, “We have conducted extensive searches along that stretch of roadway, considering the potential scenarios of her having run off the road or encountering foul play. We have covered both sides of the road since the circumstances are still unclear.”
Search operations have included the deployment of helicopters from both New South Wales and Queensland police forces, drones from the rescue squad, and foot searches conducted by community organizations such as the SES.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ms. Whear is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or reach out directly to the Murwillumbah Police Station.
