2LT National News

Leela found joy in dancing. Megan loved the freedom of ice skating. Ronya was always singing along to pop songs. Cherie’s favourite activity was horse riding. Eve spent her afternoons shooting hoops on the basketball court. And Darren was just a baby.

These Aussie kids never met. They came from different places, families, and lives. But Leela, Megan, Ronya, Cherie, Eve, and Darren are forever linked by one heartbreaking truth — they all vanished as children and are still missing today. 

This International Missing Children’s Day (IMCD), a global event held every 25 May, the AFP-led National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) has renewed its public appeal for information relating to six long-term missing Australian children. 

Leela McDougall, pictured, (WA),  Megan Louise Mulquiney  (ACT), Ronya Livoni(NT), Darren Jason Shannon (SA), Cherie Westell (VIC), and Eve Askew (TAS) were all children when they disappeared between 1973 and 2007, with Darren the youngest at just 11 months old.

Their families have now courageously shared treasured memories and personal details of their children with the NMPCC, in the hope someone, somewhere, holds the key to bringing them home. These stories feature on the NMPCC website, in the section headed ‘International Missing Children’s Day 2025′.

AFP Commander Joanne Cameron said the AFP was honoured to share personal details and stories for each child, such as their favourite colour and hobby, as well as cherished memories from their families. 

“This International Missing Children’s Day, we have featured six missing persons on our website in hope someone, somewhere, knows something and reports it,” Commander Cameron said.

“When a loved one is missing, families often experience what we call ambiguous loss — a form of grief that never quite settles. It can be a relentless cycle of hope and heartbreak, making it incredibly difficult for families to move forward without any real answers about their loved ones.

“The AFP will continue to work tirelessly to keep the stories and memories of those missing, alive. We hope people will see their faces and profiles online and report any information that could help police locate them and bring them home.”

Each year, about 50,000 missing person reports are received by police across Australia; half of these reports involve young people aged between 13 and 17. 

With the majority safely located in a short time — many within just 24 hours – about 95 per cent of people reported missing in Australia are found within a week.

But cases that stretch beyond three months are classified as long-term missing.

There are about 2700 long-term missing persons in Australia, and in 2024, 132 new cases were added to the long-term missing persons list.

The reasons someone goes missing are complex and varied — from mental illness and misadventure to miscommunication, domestic violence and, in some tragic cases, criminal acts. 

While children and teenagers make up a large number of short-term missing reports, adults are more likely to remain missing long-term. Common traits or causes are difficult to pinpoint, which makes public awareness and community involvement critical in supporting police investigations.

Commander Cameron said the AFP encouraged members of the public to view the photos and profiles of the six missing individuals online and report any piece of information they had to authorities. 

“Every piece of information, even small, can be incredibly valuable when it comes to locating a missing person,” Commander Cameron said.

“Remember behind every missing person is a family member, friend, and community, all waiting for answers. If you know something, please report it.”

If you have information about a missing person in Australia, report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au. All reports are confidential, and you can remain anonymous.

This year for IMCD, the AFP-led NMPCC is highlighting stories of missing children and the families who continue to search for them. These stories are being shared across the NMPCC’s Facebook,Instagram, and website. 

IMCD is a day to commemorate children who have found their way home, remember those who have tragically become victims of crime, and continue the search for those still missing.

The day is symbolised by the forget-me-not flower, a poignant reminder of the enduring hope that their stories are not forgotten.

The NMPCC coordinates a national response to missing persons in Australia and complements the work of state and territory police services.