MPAN launches Too Short Stories during National Missing Persons Week via Grey Melbourne

A collaboration between writers, artists and the families of missing Australians gives the public a glimpse of the real people behind the vital statistics. Highlighting the cases of long term missing people, Too Short Stories was launched on the streets during National Missing Persons Week via Grey Melbourne.

Says Loren O’Keeffe, founder, Missing Persons Advocacy Network (MPAN): “A member of the public has already come to us with information, prompted by seeing one of the stories in her neighbourhood. Who knows where it will lead, but being aware this initiative is making that kind of impact is incredible.”

VIEW BUNG OUTDOOR

VIEW OWEN OUTDOOR

VIEW NICK OUTDOOR

VIEW NICOLA OUTDOOR

VIEW PAUL OUTDOOR

VIEW SEVAK OUTDOOR

VIEW WARREN OUTDOOR

Missing Persons’ Posters reimagined, each story was displayed in the location the person featured in it was last seen. Emotive readings by the authors of each story also played on radio during Missing Persons Week.

Says O’Keeffe: “100 people are reported missing in Australia every day. Their lives, and those of the people left behind who care about them, have been put on hold – their stories cut short.”

At the installation of her husband Warren Meyer’s piece, Zee Meyer said: “We continue to struggle to cope with the loss of our husband and father — we want answers, but we need public awareness and assistance to be able to get them.”

Says O’Keeffe: “I know from personal experience how difficult it is to keep the public engaged with a long term search. My hope is that Too Short Stories can re-engage the public and ensure the stories of our missing Australians don’t end here.”

Says Michael Knox, chief creative officer and managing partner, Grey Group Australia: “The strength of the families and the generosity of all the writers and artists involved has been inspiring. As the campaign unfolds, we hope it continues to make a difference.”

Too Short Stories will be published as a book available for sale by the end of September.  A series of podcasts is also planned to promote the book. All funds raised will go to MPAN to provide support to those left behind.

If you have any information that could help continue a missing person’s story, please contact the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre on 1800 000 634.