This week Tasmania joins the rest of the country in remembering those who have disappeared.
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National Missing Persons Week is an annual event which raises awareness about missing persons across Australia and this year the theme is ‘Still waiting for you to come home’.
A powerful slogan which reflects the pain and suffering of family and friends who mourn the loss of their loved ones every single day they remain missing.
While a national initiative highlighting cases which remain unsolved is always positive, it is important to try and remember those missing from our community as often as possible.
Every day should be another attempt to locate them or to at least provide closure for their family.
Last year, there were 156 long-term missing people in Tasmania, dating back to 1955.
Paul Byrne was 34-years-old when he went missing at Rossarden on September 20, 1996. He has not been seen or heard from since.
Trevor Bailey was 25-years-old when he last contacted his mother in Launceston on January 6, 1993.
Mark Moylan was 42-years-old when he was last seen rowing his dinghy at Gravelly Beach on January 25, 2014.
These are just three examples of missing persons cases in the state – cases which have left hundreds of Tasmanian families longing for answers.
These cases are also tough on everyone involved – including those investigating them.
Not only do police invest their time into finding someone, but it could be said that they invest their emotions as well.
Tasked with providing closure for a distraught family member would be physically, mentally and emotionally draining.
And while the police put in every effort to solve a case, it is not their sole responsibility.
As a community, we are obliged to help.
It only takes one piece to complete a puzzle – one piece of information given to police that could help solve a case.
Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers anonymously by simply calling 1800 333 000 or the Tasmania Police Missing Persons Unit can be contacted on 6173 2606.
The Examiner extends its thoughts to the families, friends and loved ones of those missing and to the investigators working tirelessly to solve their cases.
