National Missing Persons Week 2026

Raising awareness across Australia

National Missing Persons Week 2026 highlights the importance of staying connected

National Missing Persons Week is an annual campaign that raises awareness of the issues surrounding missing persons and the lasting impact their disappearance has on loved ones. Coordinated nationally by the Australian Federal Police's National Missing Persons Coordination Centre in partnership with state and territory police, the campaign also profiles long-term missing persons and encourages the public to come forward with information that may assist investigations.

While many people reported missing are found safe and well, others remain missing for months or years. The campaign serves as a reminder that every missing person's case matters and that community awareness can play an important role in helping police locate missing people or generate new investigative leads.

Understanding why people go missing

People can go missing for many different reasons. Some may be escaping violence, family conflict or personal crises, while others experience mental health challenges, substance misuse or other circumstances that place them at risk. Young people may also leave home because of bullying, depression, relationship difficulties or a desire for independence.

Open communication between families, friends and support networks can help reduce the risk of someone going missing and may assist in locating them quickly if they do.

Importantly, going missing is not a crime. Police focus on confirming that a person is safe and well while investigating the circumstances of their disappearance.

Community support can make a difference

National Missing Persons Week has two key aims: to help resolve missing persons cases through increased public awareness and reports of possible sightings, and to improve community understanding of the challenges faced by missing people and the families and friends left searching for answers.

Authorities encourage anyone with information that could help locate a missing person to contact their local police. Reports can also be made through the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre or anonymously through Crime Stoppers. There is no requirement to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing if there are concerns for their safety.

Practical information, including Australia's public register of missing persons and reporting options, is available through the National Missing Persons website.

• Contact your local police station


• Contact National Missing Persons Coordination Centre 1800 000 634


• Contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

If you believe you have sighted a missing person, you can make a report using the Missing Persons Sighting Form which you can choose to submit anonymously.

National Missing Persons Week