UPDATE: The newly established Centre for Missing Persons Inc. is making headlines as it embarks on an urgent campaign in Bathurst during National Missing Persons Week. This initiative aims to raise awareness for long-term missing persons cases, including those of Jessica Small, Janine Vaughan, and Andrew Russell. The Centre’s president, Nikii Smith, deeply connected to this mission through her own father’s disappearance nine years ago, emphasizes the need for community engagement.
As part of its inaugural trip, the Centre is visiting Bathurst today, August 7, 2025, following its kickoff in Muswellbrook, where Vaughan grew up. Smith stated, “We are here to remember our missing persons in the region.” The organization decided to prioritize direct public interaction over social media outreach, believing that a personal touch might trigger memories that lead to crucial information.
The Centre is not just about remembrance; it aims to advocate for systemic change in how missing persons cases are managed. Smith highlighted the challenges families face once police efforts diminish, saying, “Once police stop searching, the families are left to themselves.” She urges governmental action to improve support and resources for families affected by these cases.
On Wednesday, the Centre will continue its journey to Wollongong, where it will host a talk at the library and an event focusing on the city’s own 26 missing individuals. Smith noted, “If everything goes well, next year we go to different towns to support their missing persons.”
The Centre, formed just months ago in March, boasts a wealth of experience with its founding members having 147 years of combined lived experience in missing persons cases. Smith’s personal journey fuels her passion for this cause, as she knows firsthand the gap in support that families encounter during these trying times.
In collaboration with Search Dogs Sydney Inc. and with the backing of Paul Toole, the shadow police minister, the Centre is actively petitioning for changes in policies surrounding missing persons investigations. Smith insists that law enforcement must learn from past mistakes to ensure a unified approach moving forward.
This urgent campaign not only seeks to raise awareness but also aims to provide a platform for families to share their stories and experiences. The Centre for Missing Persons Inc. is committed to ensuring that no family feels alone in their search for answers.
As this story develops, the community is urged to participate actively and share any information that could aid in resolving these long-standing cases. The impact of this initiative could be profound, potentially bringing closure to families who have suffered for years without answers.
Keep an eye on this developing situation as more events unfold in the coming days.
