New clue in woman's 40-year disappearance

Perth Now

04-08-2025

The search is on for a 'mystery man' who may be able to assist in finding Heather Marks, who was reported missing from her home in Sydney's inner west more than 40 years ago.
Ms Marks was last seen walking towards Leichhardt swimming pool on Glover St in Rozelle at about 9.30am on April 13, 1983.
The then-53-year-old was never seen again.
She was declared dead by the NSW Deputy State Coroner in August 2008, but no findings were made regarding her cause of death. Heather Marks went missing more than 40 years ago. NSW Police Credit: Supplied The woman had grey hair and blue eyes, and was 53 at the time of her disappearance. NSW Police Credit: Supplied
With grey hair, blue eyes and standing at 165cm to 170cm tall, Ms Marks lived with a number of medical conditions at the time of her disappearance.
She also is believed to have a partner named Ray, who her family believe was an interstate truck driver whose route passed between Melbourne and Sydney.
Ms Marks' family told reporters that not much is known about Ray, but have urged for him or anyone who knows him to come forward.
Speaking on Monday, Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook said Ray was in his mid-50s with short dark hair, brown eyes and an unshaven face.
'We were appealing for Ray, or anyone who knows Ray, to come forward and speak to us,' he said. Ray (left), who police are seeking information from regarding the disappearance of Heather Marks. NSW Police Credit: Supplied
Ms Marks' granddaughter Natalie Jackson told reporters her family misses her 'dearly' and pleaded for anyone with information to come forward.
'A long-term missing person case brings immense emotional distress,' she said.
'For families, it's an endless journey of uncertainty marked by sadness, anxiety, guilt and sometimes anger.
'Yet there's always a flicker of hope that one day we will have answers.'
She said her grandmother's disappearance and absence was 'unbearable' for the family.
'Heather should have had decades ahead of her, of birthdays, of celebrations, of dreams slowly coming true,' she said.
'But her journey was cut short, and the question that haunts us is why.'
She said her family were 'hopeful' more information would come to light, more than four decades after her grandmother's disappearance.
'My mum has lost all of her siblings – she is the last one left – and I am desperate to get these answers for her,' she said. It's been four decades since Heather Marks was seen alive. NSW Police Credit: Supplied
'To everyone else my grandmother is a missing person, but to us she is just really missed.'
Assistant Commissioner Cook said Missing Persons Week was an opportunity to bring people's stories to the forefront.
'In NSW, around 10,000 people go missing every year and sadly, some are never found,' he said.
'As Missing Persons Week begins, we stand in solidarity with those still searching for loved ones, and we acknowledge the deep pain carried by families and communities affected by these long-term cases.'
Anyone with information is urged to contact NSW Missing Persons Unit.