Family of woman who vanished 40 years ago hold out hope
Four decades later and her family are still holding out hope for any information about her whereabouts.
Her granddaughter, Natalie Jackson has appealed to anyone with any information to come forward.
"We are really hopeful the passing of time means someone may feel more comfortable to come forward to help us uncover what happened to our grandmother," she said on Monday.
"To everyone else my grandmother is a missing person, but to us she is just really missed."
The woman with grey hair and blue eyes who lived with a number of medical conditions was on her way to Leichhardt swimming pool in Sydney's inner west in April 1983.
Despite efforts by her family and the police, she was never seen or heard from again.
In 2008, the NSW Deputy State Coroner declared Heather was deceased.
No finding was made regarding her manner or cause of death.
Heather is believed to have had a partner named Ray, who her family believe was an interstate truck driver who drove the route between Sydney and Melbourne.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley is highlighting Marks' case as part of Missing Persons Week, an annual national campaign running from August 3 to August 9.
The 2025 theme "Forever Loved" focuses on acknowledging the experiences of families of missing persons and the impact it can have on their lives.
"Behind every missing person is a family left waiting for answers," she said.
"No family should be left in the dark for four decades."
Assistant Police Commissioner Scott Cook said about 10,000 people go missing in NSW every year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
4 days ago
- News.com.au
Erin Patterson: Mushroom murderer's police interview revealed
Footage of mushroom killer Erin Patterson's police interview in the days after four members of her husband's family fell deathly ill following a lunch has been made public following a court ruling. The 21 minutes of footage, released by the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday, contains the edited version of Patterson's interview that jurors in her trial were shown. Wearing a brown jumper, Patterson sat slightly hunched over the table across from two detectives as the left-hand side of her face is captured on tape. After Patterson is explained her rights, Constable Eppingstall tells her both Heather and Gail died a day earlier, while Don had undergone a liver transplant but was 'extremely critical' and the prognosis 'isn't great' for Heather's husband Ian Wilkinson. 'We're trying to understand what has made them so ill,' Constable Eppingstall says. 'Conversely, we're trying to understand why you're not that ill.' Patterson then explained she'd 'never been in a situation like this before' and had been 'very, very helpful' with an investigation from the Department of Health. 'I wanted to help that side of things as much as possible because I do want to know what happened,' she said. Turning to the topic of her relationships with her in-laws, and why she invited them to the lunch, Patterson says they were the 'only family that I've got'. 'Because I've got no other family so they're the only support I've got left and they've always been really good to me and I want to maintain those relationships with them in spite of what's happened with Simon,' she said. During the trial, Justice Christopher Beale said 'irrelevant material' had been cut — a standard process in criminal cases. The interview was recorded at the Wonthaggi Police Station in the afternoon of August 5 after police had searched Patterson's home for electronic devices. Through her lawyers, Patterson opposed the public release of the interview, arguing, among other things, that the footage could be sensationalised by media and may deter other suspects from participating in police interviews in the future. But, on Friday, Justice Beale ruled the interview should be released, citing a legal principle that justice should be seen to be done in public and that the footage would allow people to make their own judgments. The formal questioning by Detective Senior Constable Stephen Eppingstall came just hours after she was informed her mother-in-law Gail Patterson and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson had died in hospital. Gail's husband, Don Patterson, died later that night. In the interview, Patterson goes on to say it was important to her that her children's grandparents be in their lives and that she thought her husband 'hated that I still had a relationship with his parents'. 'Nothing that's ever happened between us; nothing he's ever done to me will change the fact that they're good, decent people that have never done anything wrong by me ever,' she said. At trial, Patterson admitted she told several lies in the interview and to others in the days after the poisonings, including that she'd never foraged for mushrooms and did not own a dehydrator. Prosecutors alleged she told other lies in the interview, which Patterson denied, such as feeding leftovers from the lunch to her children the following day and lying about being 'very helpful' to the Health Department probe. Crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC argued these lies were part of the accused woman's attempt at a 'sustained cover-up' for murder. Through her lawyers, Patterson argued she acted poorly out of a panic she would be wrongly blamed for the deaths, while barrister Colin Mandy SC said she was 'not on trial for being a liar'. Patterson was found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder on July 7 following the 11-week trial. She will return to court on August 25 for a two-day pre-sentence hearing.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Renewed appeal in missing person case: where is Andrew Dumbrell?
POLICE have renewed their appeal for public help locating Andrew Dumbrell as part of this year's 'Forever Loved' Missing Persons Week campaign. Mr Dumbrell, aged 35, was last seen on Lorna and Edith Street in Waratah about 9.10am on January 14, 2025. Lake Macquarie police were notified of his disappearance on January 15, 2025. They commenced a missing persons investigation. According to his family, Mr Dumbrell, who has schizophrenia, had never gone missing before. Numerous inquiries into his whereabouts have been undertaken since he went missing, including three public appeals for information. In March, his mum, Angela Jackson, publicly joined the appeal, pleading with the community for help. "It's terrible. I don't know what else to do," said Ms Jackson, of Belmont told Newcastle Herald at the time. "His brothers, sisters, nan and pop are so worried about him." It is understood Mr Dumbrell, of Windale, suffered an epileptic seizure and was taken to the Calvary Mater emergency department by ambulance on January 13. He stayed there overnight and was discharged the next morning, but had not been heard from since. CCTV footage showed him near McDonalds at Warners Bay at 4.30pm on the day he left the hospital. Police conducted an extensive search of bushland at Warners Bay on February 21, 2025 with the assistance of specialist police searchers and the NSW SES. In April, family and friends conducted their own searches for him at Gateshead and Mount Hutton. Inquiries into his whereabouts continue, and police said they remain in contact with his family. He is known to use public transport and to frequent the suburbs of Windale, Warners Bay, Hillsborough, Charlestown and Belmont. Police said Mr Dumbrell was caucasian, about 165 to 170 centimetres tall, of medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes. "He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo, dark coloured shorts and no shoes," a police statement said. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday, August 3, and Saturday, August 9, 2025. This year's 'Forever Loved' campaign focuses on acknowledging the experiences of families of missing persons and the impact it can have on their lives. POLICE have renewed their appeal for public help locating Andrew Dumbrell as part of this year's 'Forever Loved' Missing Persons Week campaign. Mr Dumbrell, aged 35, was last seen on Lorna and Edith Street in Waratah about 9.10am on January 14, 2025. Lake Macquarie police were notified of his disappearance on January 15, 2025. They commenced a missing persons investigation. According to his family, Mr Dumbrell, who has schizophrenia, had never gone missing before. Numerous inquiries into his whereabouts have been undertaken since he went missing, including three public appeals for information. In March, his mum, Angela Jackson, publicly joined the appeal, pleading with the community for help. "It's terrible. I don't know what else to do," said Ms Jackson, of Belmont told Newcastle Herald at the time. "His brothers, sisters, nan and pop are so worried about him." It is understood Mr Dumbrell, of Windale, suffered an epileptic seizure and was taken to the Calvary Mater emergency department by ambulance on January 13. He stayed there overnight and was discharged the next morning, but had not been heard from since. CCTV footage showed him near McDonalds at Warners Bay at 4.30pm on the day he left the hospital. Police conducted an extensive search of bushland at Warners Bay on February 21, 2025 with the assistance of specialist police searchers and the NSW SES. In April, family and friends conducted their own searches for him at Gateshead and Mount Hutton. Inquiries into his whereabouts continue, and police said they remain in contact with his family. He is known to use public transport and to frequent the suburbs of Windale, Warners Bay, Hillsborough, Charlestown and Belmont. Police said Mr Dumbrell was caucasian, about 165 to 170 centimetres tall, of medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes. "He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo, dark coloured shorts and no shoes," a police statement said. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday, August 3, and Saturday, August 9, 2025. This year's 'Forever Loved' campaign focuses on acknowledging the experiences of families of missing persons and the impact it can have on their lives. POLICE have renewed their appeal for public help locating Andrew Dumbrell as part of this year's 'Forever Loved' Missing Persons Week campaign. Mr Dumbrell, aged 35, was last seen on Lorna and Edith Street in Waratah about 9.10am on January 14, 2025. Lake Macquarie police were notified of his disappearance on January 15, 2025. They commenced a missing persons investigation. According to his family, Mr Dumbrell, who has schizophrenia, had never gone missing before. Numerous inquiries into his whereabouts have been undertaken since he went missing, including three public appeals for information. In March, his mum, Angela Jackson, publicly joined the appeal, pleading with the community for help. "It's terrible. I don't know what else to do," said Ms Jackson, of Belmont told Newcastle Herald at the time. "His brothers, sisters, nan and pop are so worried about him." It is understood Mr Dumbrell, of Windale, suffered an epileptic seizure and was taken to the Calvary Mater emergency department by ambulance on January 13. He stayed there overnight and was discharged the next morning, but had not been heard from since. CCTV footage showed him near McDonalds at Warners Bay at 4.30pm on the day he left the hospital. Police conducted an extensive search of bushland at Warners Bay on February 21, 2025 with the assistance of specialist police searchers and the NSW SES. In April, family and friends conducted their own searches for him at Gateshead and Mount Hutton. Inquiries into his whereabouts continue, and police said they remain in contact with his family. He is known to use public transport and to frequent the suburbs of Windale, Warners Bay, Hillsborough, Charlestown and Belmont. Police said Mr Dumbrell was caucasian, about 165 to 170 centimetres tall, of medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes. "He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo, dark coloured shorts and no shoes," a police statement said. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday, August 3, and Saturday, August 9, 2025. This year's 'Forever Loved' campaign focuses on acknowledging the experiences of families of missing persons and the impact it can have on their lives. POLICE have renewed their appeal for public help locating Andrew Dumbrell as part of this year's 'Forever Loved' Missing Persons Week campaign. Mr Dumbrell, aged 35, was last seen on Lorna and Edith Street in Waratah about 9.10am on January 14, 2025. Lake Macquarie police were notified of his disappearance on January 15, 2025. They commenced a missing persons investigation. According to his family, Mr Dumbrell, who has schizophrenia, had never gone missing before. Numerous inquiries into his whereabouts have been undertaken since he went missing, including three public appeals for information. In March, his mum, Angela Jackson, publicly joined the appeal, pleading with the community for help. "It's terrible. I don't know what else to do," said Ms Jackson, of Belmont told Newcastle Herald at the time. "His brothers, sisters, nan and pop are so worried about him." It is understood Mr Dumbrell, of Windale, suffered an epileptic seizure and was taken to the Calvary Mater emergency department by ambulance on January 13. He stayed there overnight and was discharged the next morning, but had not been heard from since. CCTV footage showed him near McDonalds at Warners Bay at 4.30pm on the day he left the hospital. Police conducted an extensive search of bushland at Warners Bay on February 21, 2025 with the assistance of specialist police searchers and the NSW SES. In April, family and friends conducted their own searches for him at Gateshead and Mount Hutton. Inquiries into his whereabouts continue, and police said they remain in contact with his family. He is known to use public transport and to frequent the suburbs of Windale, Warners Bay, Hillsborough, Charlestown and Belmont. Police said Mr Dumbrell was caucasian, about 165 to 170 centimetres tall, of medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes. "He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo, dark coloured shorts and no shoes," a police statement said. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday, August 3, and Saturday, August 9, 2025. This year's 'Forever Loved' campaign focuses on acknowledging the experiences of families of missing persons and the impact it can have on their lives.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- The Advertiser
'Is that him?': search intensifies for missing man one year after disappearance
Samual Fallshaw's family is still searching for answers a year after his disappearance. The 49-year-old's car was parked at an intersection in regional Australia for days, prompting his family to contact police and launch an investigation into his disappearance in June 2024. Detectives believe Mr Fallshaw may be in the Newcastle area, with witnesses claiming to have seen him as recently as July. As Australia marks Missing Persons Week, police are calling for members of the public to come forward with fresh information regarding Mr Fallshaw's location. Neil Fallshaw, Samuel's father, has struggled with the grief of his son's disappearance. "Whenever we hear of a tragic incident of any kind, we can't help but wonder, 'Is that him?'" he said. The most recent confirmed sighting of Mr Fallshaw was at Penrith Train Station at 3pm on May 28, 2024. His father's suspicions were raised after he saw that Mr Fallshaw's car had been parked at the intersection of Warks Hill Road and Bells Line of Road in Kurrajong Heights for five days. On June 1, the father reported his son missing to police, requesting a welfare check. As a result of the 14-month investigation, police believe that Mr Fallshaw may have travelled to the Newcastle area. He was known to visit Hamilton, detectives said. He was described as being of Caucasian appearance, around 180 centimetres tall, of large build with brown medium-length hair and hazel eyes. Two appeals for public information have been made since his disappearance, but friends and family have not seen or heard from Mr Fallshaw in a year. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Information is managed on a confidential basis. Samual Fallshaw's family is still searching for answers a year after his disappearance. The 49-year-old's car was parked at an intersection in regional Australia for days, prompting his family to contact police and launch an investigation into his disappearance in June 2024. Detectives believe Mr Fallshaw may be in the Newcastle area, with witnesses claiming to have seen him as recently as July. As Australia marks Missing Persons Week, police are calling for members of the public to come forward with fresh information regarding Mr Fallshaw's location. Neil Fallshaw, Samuel's father, has struggled with the grief of his son's disappearance. "Whenever we hear of a tragic incident of any kind, we can't help but wonder, 'Is that him?'" he said. The most recent confirmed sighting of Mr Fallshaw was at Penrith Train Station at 3pm on May 28, 2024. His father's suspicions were raised after he saw that Mr Fallshaw's car had been parked at the intersection of Warks Hill Road and Bells Line of Road in Kurrajong Heights for five days. On June 1, the father reported his son missing to police, requesting a welfare check. As a result of the 14-month investigation, police believe that Mr Fallshaw may have travelled to the Newcastle area. He was known to visit Hamilton, detectives said. He was described as being of Caucasian appearance, around 180 centimetres tall, of large build with brown medium-length hair and hazel eyes. Two appeals for public information have been made since his disappearance, but friends and family have not seen or heard from Mr Fallshaw in a year. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Information is managed on a confidential basis. Samual Fallshaw's family is still searching for answers a year after his disappearance. The 49-year-old's car was parked at an intersection in regional Australia for days, prompting his family to contact police and launch an investigation into his disappearance in June 2024. Detectives believe Mr Fallshaw may be in the Newcastle area, with witnesses claiming to have seen him as recently as July. As Australia marks Missing Persons Week, police are calling for members of the public to come forward with fresh information regarding Mr Fallshaw's location. Neil Fallshaw, Samuel's father, has struggled with the grief of his son's disappearance. "Whenever we hear of a tragic incident of any kind, we can't help but wonder, 'Is that him?'" he said. The most recent confirmed sighting of Mr Fallshaw was at Penrith Train Station at 3pm on May 28, 2024. His father's suspicions were raised after he saw that Mr Fallshaw's car had been parked at the intersection of Warks Hill Road and Bells Line of Road in Kurrajong Heights for five days. On June 1, the father reported his son missing to police, requesting a welfare check. As a result of the 14-month investigation, police believe that Mr Fallshaw may have travelled to the Newcastle area. He was known to visit Hamilton, detectives said. He was described as being of Caucasian appearance, around 180 centimetres tall, of large build with brown medium-length hair and hazel eyes. Two appeals for public information have been made since his disappearance, but friends and family have not seen or heard from Mr Fallshaw in a year. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Information is managed on a confidential basis. Samual Fallshaw's family is still searching for answers a year after his disappearance. The 49-year-old's car was parked at an intersection in regional Australia for days, prompting his family to contact police and launch an investigation into his disappearance in June 2024. Detectives believe Mr Fallshaw may be in the Newcastle area, with witnesses claiming to have seen him as recently as July. As Australia marks Missing Persons Week, police are calling for members of the public to come forward with fresh information regarding Mr Fallshaw's location. Neil Fallshaw, Samuel's father, has struggled with the grief of his son's disappearance. "Whenever we hear of a tragic incident of any kind, we can't help but wonder, 'Is that him?'" he said. The most recent confirmed sighting of Mr Fallshaw was at Penrith Train Station at 3pm on May 28, 2024. His father's suspicions were raised after he saw that Mr Fallshaw's car had been parked at the intersection of Warks Hill Road and Bells Line of Road in Kurrajong Heights for five days. On June 1, the father reported his son missing to police, requesting a welfare check. As a result of the 14-month investigation, police believe that Mr Fallshaw may have travelled to the Newcastle area. He was known to visit Hamilton, detectives said. He was described as being of Caucasian appearance, around 180 centimetres tall, of large build with brown medium-length hair and hazel eyes. Two appeals for public information have been made since his disappearance, but friends and family have not seen or heard from Mr Fallshaw in a year. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Information is managed on a confidential basis.
