Australian Federal Police launches new campaign for Missing Persons’ Week via Common Ventures

The Australian Federal Police has kicked off Missing Persons’ Week with a spot via Common Ventures.

AFP deputy commissioner Neil Gaughan said he hoped the short video will give the community a window into the profound heartache caused by this issue, as well as the critical role they can play in supporting police.

Says Gaughan: “This film echoes the real life grief of so many Australians who live in constant uncertainty, not knowing if or when their loved one will come back.”

VIEW THE SPOT

Says James Crawley, director, Common Ventures: “The most heartbreaking thing we found when learning about Missing Persons’ Week, was the debilitating effect it has on the families left behind.

“They are left in limbo. They can’t move through the grief, and their life is essentially put on hold.”

The spot is inspired from a true story. Eileen Fahey, whose son Anthony Fahey went missing in 2013, said the film’s narrative is similar to her own experience.

“While we are currently endeavouring to sell our house, it’s upsetting because what if Anthony comes home and someone else is living here? How will he find us, how will he feel, what will he do?” Ms Fahey said.

“I also worry that, if we sell, I won’t have the memories of him being in the house. I’m afraid that I’ll forget the image of him sitting at the end of the bench and the sound of his voice. It’s all tied up in the house – how can I leave it?”

DC Gaughan said that, as part of the 30th National Missing Persons’ Week activities, the AFP and its state and territory counterparts are also profiling 30 long-term missing people from around the nation on social media and outdoor advertising.

Says Gaughan: “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. 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.”

“If you recognise any of the missing people profiled this NMPW, or indeed any of the 2600 long-term missing persons on the Public Register at www.missingpersons.gov.au, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. You might just have a piece of information that could help bring them home.”

Client: Australian Federal Police

Music & Sound Design: Rumble Studios