Police in New South Wales have recovered the car belonging to Yvonne Whear, a 73-year-old grandmother of 15 who has been missing for almost seven months, after it was pulled from the Rous River near her rented hobby farm in Dungay.
Whear's family revealed on Tuesday night that her gold Ford Escape wagon was found in the river on Dulguigan Road on Saturday. The vehicle had only minimal damage and was located by two searchers using a kayak and a fish finder.
"Our family is deeply grateful to Cam from Sun State Search, our dedicated team of volunteers, NSW Water Police, the specialist police dive team, Tweed Heads Police, and the local recovery services who assisted with the operation," the family said in a social media post.
"Finding Yvonne's car is a significant development in the search for answers. The vehicle remains under forensic investigation."
Vanished After Leaving TAFE Course
Whear disappeared on February 19 after leaving a TAFE course in Murwillumbah, a town in north-eastern New South Wales, and stopping at a service station on her way to her hobby farm in Dungay. TAFE, or Technical and Further Education, is Australia's main provider of vocational training.
Her boots, shirt and hat were later found at the property, but there has been no trace of her since, despite extensive search efforts.
Phone records showed her mobile was active until about 4.45pm on February 19, and last connected to a tower east of Dungay at 10.10am the following day.
Family Fears Foul Play
NSW Police have not ruled out foul play, and Whear's family believe she may have come to harm. They have said she showed no signs of depression, mental illness or dementia before she vanished.
"We don't believe she had any ordinary reasons to leave the property that evening," her daughter, Gillian Hallac, said in August. "I believe that she may have been taken from the property, and that her vehicle has been deliberately concealed. That is my belief, as her daughter, based on what I know about the circumstances in which she disappeared."
Whear, who had a close relationship with her family, has missed the recent birth of her first great-grandchild during the months she has been missing.
"I miss her advice, her voice, her presence. It's the everyday moments that hurt the most - the ones we never thought we'd lose," Hallac said. "We just need to know where she is and what has happened so our family can finally breathe again. Our family is doing everything we can to cope, but the uncertainty is overwhelming."
Hallac said the support "from the community has meant so much" and that she hoped "someone out there holds the piece of information that will bring mum home." "Someone out there knows something. Even the smallest detail could help bring Mum home, and we're begging people to share what they know," she said. "Our family, especially her grandchildren - need answers."
Investigation Remains Open
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Elliott confirmed that investigators have not identified any evidence to suggest Whear intended to voluntarily disappear.
"The investigation remains open. Detectives continue to examine all available information, and at this stage we are keeping an open mind as to what may have happened," he said. "While this remains a missing person investigation, we are pursuing every opportunity and assessing all information received from the public."
"Anyone who saw Yvonne, spoke with her, or noticed her vehicle around the time she went missing should contact police - even a small detail could help move this investigation forward."
Missing Persons Registry Detective Inspector Paul Fenwick said Whear's disappearance had had a profound impact on her family and the wider community, and that finding answers for them remained a priority.
"Every lead is assessed, every piece of information is followed up, and we continue to appeal for public assistance," he said. "Someone in the community knows something that could help us. Even the smallest detail - something you may not think is important - could be the key to locating Yvonne. Now is the time to come forward."
Description and How to Help
Whear is described as being of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance, about 154cm tall, of medium to solid build, with long grey or brown hair. She is known to frequent the Murwillumbah and Dungay areas.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
