MISSING teen Zac Barnes’ parents have urged the community not to “sit on” any information that may help them find the much-loved son, brother and friend.
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Karen and Mick Gudelj are approaching two years since Zac was seen getting out of a friend’s car near the Haussman Drive and Tripp Close intersection in Thornton, on November 13, 2016.
“If anyone does see him or think they see him, we would encourage them to take a photo and send it to our Facebook page,” Ms Gudelj said.
“To be able to see a photo and know he’s alive – he does not have to come home, but to know he’s out there and will come home when he’s ready – would be amazing.
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“Even if it turns out to be wrong, false hope is better than no hope.”
Ms Gudelj made the appeal at the start of the 30th National Missing Person’s Week, which shines the spotlight on the more than 2600 long-term missing people across the country.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said more than 10,000 people are reported missing in NSW each year.
“While nearly all people reported as missing are located, most often alive and well, there are always a number of cases each year that remain unsolved.
“It is hard to fathom the pain and anguish that the families and friends of those missing a loved must endure.
“The emotional stress takes a toll and can affect everything from their health and wellbeing, to work responsibilities and even their other personal relationships.
“If you have information about a missing person, please do the right thing and contact NSW Police.”
Mr Grant said people did not have to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing.
“If you have fears for the welfare of someone you know and are unable to locate them, don’t hesitate in contacting the police – do it straight away.”
Ms Gudelj said no-one ever expected a loved one to disappear.
“You don’t know what to do – it’s so surreal,” she said.
“You go from one day asking ‘Have they run away?’ and ‘What’s the problem?’, then hoping that’s what’s happened because it’s better than the other options.”
Ms Gudelj said the family spent the first year “just trying to survive” and had since started to consider the possibility Zac was not alive.
“We are determined to fight for him and get justice,” she said.
“We believe our next step is to request a coronial inquest in the hope the coroner may give police the power they need to take this in a new direction, if needed.”
But Ms Gudelj said the family would never give up on or lose hope of finding Zac.
“If he was to walk in the door tomorrow we’d be chucking a party. He’s not in trouble and he’s done nothing wrong.
“We would help in whatever way he needed.”
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
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Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
