For nearly a decade, the family of missing man Nicola Sallese has been searching for answers.
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The 69-year-old was last spotted driving through Sheffield in November, 2008.
It was believed he could have been driving to Launceston or Hobart, but he was never seen again and his car never located.
Every day since, his family has publicly campaigned for information to find him, and still nothing.
Creating a Facebook group – Help find Nicola Sallese – the case of the missing North-West father and grandfather has gained national attention, with nearly three-and-a-half thousand people following the page.
The case has also been highlighted by Tasmania Police as part of this year’s National Missing Persons Week, which kicked off on Sunday.
His son, Jason Sallese, said the family never imagined they would still be searching nearly 10 years later.
When he first went missing, Nicola had just been diagnosed with early onset dementia and suffered high blood pressure, leaving him in need of medication.
“We knew we had to find him pretty quick and obviously that didn’t happen,” Jason Sallese said.
Both Mr Sallese and his brother, Nick Sallese, searched non-stop for three weeks.
They travelled from Sheffield to Launceston to George Town to Cradle Mountain.
But not a trace of Nicola, or his car, was found.
Now, the brothers are still holding out for closure.
While they don’t believe their dad is alive, they want answers for themselves and their own children.
“I’d like to have it all sorted so my kids and my brother’s kids don’t have to worry about it,” Jason Sallese said.
“I just hope it doesn’t keep dragging on like this.
“When it happens to a family, it just turns your life completely upside down, everything stops. Not a day goes by it doesn’t affect us.”
Having received so much support since his dad went missing, Mr Sallese said he wanted to provide the same help to other suffering families.
His advice was to “never give up”.
“We are 10 years down the track and we still hope we will get some answers,” he said.
“So always have hope, don’t suffer in silence, and reach out to people.”
This year marks three decades of National Missing Persons Week.
As part of the 2018 campaign, Tasmania Police is highlighting seven local cases, including Nicola Sallese.
Tasmania Police Missing Persons coordinator Constable Andrew Lockley said about 125 people were reported missing each year in the state, but nearly 99 per cent were found – most within 48 hours.
Currently, there are 163 Tasmanians listed as missing, with some dating back as far as 1955.
“Our oldest missing person’s case was solved late last year after DNA analysis of human remains located in 1972 at the base of Mount Wellington were identified as Mrs Joyce Baxter who was reported missing in 1955,” Constable Lockley said.
“As part of the identification process, police established the identity of Mrs Joyce’s daughter, and were able to provide closure.
“The impact on families and friends left behind when someone goes missing is significant. Families always deserve answers to what happened to their loved ones and police will not close a missing person case until the answers are found.”
Nationally, the Australian Federal Police launched a short film to mark the 30th anniversary.
The film focuses on the emotional impact felt by loved ones.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan said he hoped the short film would give the community a window into the profound heartache caused, as well as the critical role they can play in supporting police.
“It’s important that we raise awareness of this issue, including the reasons why people go missing, the social and financial impacts, and how the community can get involved,” he said.
“This might mean taking an interest and sharing our social media posts, or sharing a photo of an outdoor advertisement.
“After all, the community is our eyes and ears in these cases, helping police find the many thousands of people who go missing each year.”
The other Tasmanian cases being highlighted this week are:
Nazrawi ‘Naz’ Woldemichael, aged 20:
Last seen on October 9 2016, walking from his North Hobart apartment about 8am and then at Eastlands Shopping Centre at Rosny about 11am.
Despite intensive searching and ongoing inquiries, there have been no confirmed sightings of Naz since.
Dale Godfrey, aged 48:
Last seen on March 1 2013 camping in an area below Mount Wellington in Hobart.
At the time, Dale appeared to be in good health and spirits, and had more than sufficient provisions with him for camping.
Dale was well experienced in outdoor life and commonly camped around the Mount Wellington and Huonville areas.
Peter Hendrich, aged 57:
Last seen on October 2 2017 at the Conara Camping Ground in the Central Midlands.
He was travelling Tasmania alone in his 2012 white Suzuki van, registration N10992.
On January 3, 2018, Peter’s van was located unattended on a bush track at Poatina.
Peter was of German descent and had lived in Australia for at least six years prior to going missing.
Helen Munnings, aged 20:
Last seen on July 23 2008 in Centrelink on Marine Terrace in Burnie.
In 2012 the coroner determined Helen died in Burnie, but could not find a cause.
A $50,000 reward remains for information leading to the conviction of a person or people involved in Helen’s death.
Dale Nicholson, aged 59:
Last seen on December 11 2016 driving his usual morning journey from his New Norfolk home to the local shop in his 1993 blue Ford Fairmont, registration DE8536.
Rachael Funari, aged 36:
Last seen on March 3 2011 at a shack at the end of Adventure Bay Road on Bruny Island.
Rachel was on a short holiday in Tasmania from Melbourne, but never caught her flight home.
To report information about a missing person, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.