The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has marked the 30th anniversary of National Missing Persons’ Week (NMPW) with the launch of a short film depicting the heartache caused when people go missing as well as showing how the community can play a role supporting police.
Deputy Commissioner of the AFP, Neil Gaughan said the film echoed the real-life grief of so many people who lived in constant uncertainty, not knowing if or when their loved one would come back.
He said the concept of the short film was inspired by the real impacts and challenges faced when someone went missing—in particular, many families across Australia were living with ambiguous loss, holding on to physical ties and the hope that their missing loved ones would return.
Eileen Fahey whose son, Anthony, went missing in 2013, said the film’s narrative was similar to her own experience.
“While we are currently endeavouring to sell our house, it’s upsetting because what if Anthony comes home and someone else is living here?” Ms Fahey said.
“I also worry that, if we sell, I won’t have the memories of him being in the house.”
She said she was afraid that she will forget the image of him sitting at the end of the bench and the sound of his voice.
“It’s all tied up in the house — how can I leave it?” Ms Fahey said.
Deputy Commissioner Gaughan said that as part of the 30th NMPW activities, the AFP and its State and Territory counterparts were also profiling 30 long-term missing people from around the nation on social media and outdoor advertising.
The AFP’s NMPW 2018 activities are coordinated through the Agency’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC).
The AFP’s 70-second film (with sound) can be accessed on Facebook at this PS News link.
The Week runs until next Saturday (11 August).
