Missing Persons Advocacy Network in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Non-profit organisation

Missing Persons Advocacy Network

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Address: 303 Collins Street 3000 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.mpan.com.au

Likes: 9506

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Non-profit organisation

25.01.2022 As National Missing Persons Week officially begins, its important to recognise that at the very core of this community is LOVE. Its the most powerful force there is Nowhere is that more evident than in our second episode, where youll hear from a woman whose commitment to her missing husband is as remarkable as it is heartbreaking... Episode out Tuesday 4 August. SUBSCRIBE at whatsmissingpodcast.com... Speak Up 4 Warren Meyer Casefile: True Crime Podcast #NMPW #NMPW20

24.01.2022 Having a term to convey something inarticulable is really helpful, and so important. Getting ambiguous loss into the Australian lexicon is our ultimate goal. These TV commercials are now airing across the country, and our hearts melt at the thought that people who know this profound grief are feeling seen and better understood. ... There's a lot in store for 2020 and today, as we mark MPAN's 7th birthday, we're feeling more optimistic than ever about the changes being made in this space. Thank you for your continued love and support

23.01.2022 Throughout the extended process of losing my own little brother I gained others, like Promise, whose brother Nazrawi is still missing. Sharing in his journey and watching his progress as a son, brother and artist is something I absolutely treasure. Relationship management is a big part of most jobs, and these kinds are the best parts of mine.... So proud of this incredible, resilient young man

23.01.2022 We could not be prouder of MPAN board member Assoc. Prof. Jodie Ward, who after years of persistence, has secured $3.6 million to establish a long-overdue national DNA program. It's initiatives like these that our police and government should be focused on, and we are thrilled by the prospect that Jodies program may lead to resolution for families that've been waiting for far too long. Jods; well done and thank you -- youre an absolute champion! The National Missing Perso...ns Coordination Centre Read about it: https://bit.ly/31awBJc #NMPW #NMPW20

23.01.2022 When someone disappears, public discourse is limited to specific details, vital stats and the progress of the search as we all wait with bated breath for the FOUND. But what about when theyre still missing, years on, and the public has grown weary or become desensitised? Whats it actually like for the parents, the children, the partners, the siblings? As a worst nightmare, perhaps its just too confronting to talk about. But these lived experiences are whats missi...ng from the narrative, theyre critical for change, and we think youre ready to hear them. For years Ive wanted to create a platform for those left behind to share their stories on, so ever since internationally acclaimed Casefile: True Crime Podcast approached us last year, its been quietly becoming a reality. Together, weve created the podcast that every family of a missing person needs you to hear: whatsmissingpodcast.com

22.01.2022 How would you feel if a total stranger determined the nature of your husbands death without his body and if that determination went against every fibre of your being, having spent 31 years married to him? Ever eloquent Zee shares the injustices, failures and devastation shes faced since her one and only disappeared in 2008. Episode 2 out NOW at whatsmissingpodcast.com/zee-for-warren/ or wherever you get your podcasts ... Speak Up 4 Warren Meyer Casefile: True Crime Podcast #NMPW #NMPW20

22.01.2022 As an unfunded charity, we unashamedly ask for a lot of favours and rely *very* heavily on pro bono support. Weve been extremely lucky to get 22 billboards across Australia, daily national radio ads, as well as a variety of web banners through media/marketing mammoth Mindshare. Our relationship with whiteGREY allows our work to reach more people than we otherwise could have ever imagined, and we couldnt be more grateful credit: Frankie Sergi

21.01.2022 In 2019, close friends of one of the families we work with decided that they would embark on an Australia-wide road trip in 2020. They wanted to use the opportunity to generate awareness for MPAN and the cause, so we met in January and organised the car decals. No one knew what was around the corner, but they managed to travel as far and wide as they could, and little Sebastian -- equipped with all the stats and facts -- struck up many a conversation about what missingness means and how the community can help. It’s acts of compassion and initiative like this that goes further than we can ever comprehend, and our gratitude is equally immeasurable

21.01.2022 Its Moniques birthday today. Another one, missed. Her family and friends have been living with the agonising unknowns since she disappeared in 2013. Moniques Missed Birthday poster is in todays Sunday Herald Sun (VIC), Sunday Telegraph (NSW), and Sunday Mail (both QLD and SA editions). We were also given billboards across QLD for the entire month of April. Though your capacity for concern is likely currently full of work-stuff, family and friends if you can please spa...re a thought for Monique and her loved ones today. Help bring Monique Clubb home www.missedbirthdays.com.au

21.01.2022 The entire world is experiencing sudden panic, a terrifying unpreparedness and the oscillating imaginings over what may or may not be. Theres an overwhelming abundance of uncertainty, and uncertainty isnt something human beings are comfortable with. But its something that families of missing people have to grapple with daily. Some for months, some for years, some for decades. So its quite timely that this week we commenced our ambiguous loss training for clinicians to help equip families with tools to cope better with the not-knowing. Just one of this year's major projects that won't be slowing down regardless of what 2020 throws at us. Take care of yourselves and each other x

20.01.2022 Much of the progress regarding missing persons in Australia over the past 20 years can be attributed to one excellent human; Dr Sarah Wayland. She's currently trying to identify what good support might look like for returned missing persons, given that the overwhelming majority of loved ones reported missing do return. If you, or someone you know has ever gone missing and come back, she would love to hear your thoughts about what you needed when you came back.... Your contributions would be invaluable: https://bit.ly/2ZxSWkB

20.01.2022 Rapt we were able to break through all the COVID coverage to remind Australia that Bung is still missing and to explain the point of our podcast. No mean feat! See the full story here: https://youtu.be/u71R3NeSdNU Casefile: True Crime Podcast... #NMPW

19.01.2022 At a loss. No words can convey the magnitude of our collective grief. Our hearts are heavy for all the people and animals experiencing the utter despair, uncertainty, shock and loss. ... Our gratitude for the compassion of every individual and organisation helping them through this crisis is boundless. Please stay safe and be kind to yourselves and each other ---------------------------------------------- Photo credit: Ryan Pollock (@ryno_thecaptain)

19.01.2022 I dont know if its the tenderness of author Jeremy Masseys writing or the distressing way in which Paul vanished, but whilst none of these episodes are made for easy listening, theres a particular density of sorrow in this one. Heartbreaking, lump-in-your-throat stuff. One things for sure; theyre all equally important as they are difficult to hear. Peter for Paul, out now: https://whatsmissingpodcast.com/peter-for-paul/ ... Missing Person - Paul Rushworth Casefile: True Crime Podcast

19.01.2022 Please head over to Looking for Théo Hayez at 4:45pm today as they livestream a beautiful Byron Bay sunset and then (at about 5:15pm) unveil a powerful tribute. Théo's disappearance prompted the most remarkable display of community spirit I've ever seen, and serves as a shining example of what every family living this nightmare deserves to have #lookingfortheo

19.01.2022 It’s thanks to the perseverance of Assoc. Prof. Jodie Ward that Australia now has a recently announced National DNA Program. We are honoured to have her on our Board, and it was fascinating to chat about the work she does and why she does it. Our last bonus episode of What's Missing is now live: https://whatsmissingpodcast.com/assoc-prof-jodie-ward/ Casefile: True Crime Podcast

18.01.2022 In the next episode of Whats Missing (out tomorrow) well hear from a man whose partner of 28 years disappears after a sudden sequence of uncharacteristic behaviour, and the financial, administrative and emotional toll of maintaining a --so far-- fruitless search. https://whatsmissingpodcast.com/peter-for-paul/ Missing Person - Paul Rushworth... Casefile: True Crime Podcast See more

18.01.2022 You gain a pretty interesting perspective when you live with such an enormous presence of such an enormous absence for so long. Dylans search for his brother is approaching it's 30th year, and in tomorrows episode youll hear about what thats like. Find Owen Redman Casefile: True Crime Podcast

17.01.2022 Whilst we'll have a couple of bonuses to share, this is the last episode of What's Missing with the families. In this 8th ep, Dylan talks about everything from family dynamics and religion to psychics and theories. https://whatsmissingpodcast.com/dylan-for-owen/ ... Find Owen Redman Casefile: True Crime Podcast

17.01.2022 We’d love to think it could never happen again, but that’s what the many families whose loved ones’ inquests prompted similar recommendations made 20, 15, 10 years ago tell us they hoped... Last night’s eye-opening episode of Australian Story is here if you missed it: https://ab.co/2Qqzd4n Thanks to Ursula's family and the ABC for sharing this extraordinary story -- may it catalyse the transformative changes necessary ... [Coroner Lee’s recommendations are due to be handed down in August. We’ll be paying close attention.]

16.01.2022 Now is an excellent time for escapism and if you're looking for book inspo for your iso, we can't recommend GRAVITY IS THE THING by Jaclyn Moriarty enough. Jaclyn very kindly made a donation to MPAN for the totally delightful task of reading the manuscript, given the main character lives with long term missingness. It was a thrill to have MPAN acknowledged in the book, and even more so to have been invited to its launch where I met the rest of her tremendously talented fami...ly. And if for some reason you needed any more convincing, here's the magnificent Marian Keyes suggesting it's possibly her FAVOURITE BOOK OF ALL TIME in the first minute!

14.01.2022 Creating positives out of devastating negatives is tough in this space, but it’s the essence of MPAN. Today is a difficult day for everyone in our family (Dan’s birthday), and a crushing milestone -- 10 years since we last saw him -- is looming. If you believe in the work that we’re doing in Dan’s honour, please help us keep MPAN afloat.... https://www.facebook.com/donate/2137571803217030/

13.01.2022 Fred and his wife endure every parents worst nightmare day in, day out. Our hearts broke when we met him in person at a fundraiser in 2015. Hear from the very gentle, very patient father of the missing schoolgirl that has captivated and baffled us all for nearly a decade Were really hoping this instigates the information so desperately needed for Bung please share as widely as you can OUT NOW: https://whatsmissingpodcast.com/fred-for-bung/ ... Casefile: True Crime Podcast

13.01.2022 Missingness is a unique experience that stays with you, even beyond found. A few years ago a beautiful family down in Tasmania lived the nightmare when their son and brother Rye disappeared in Rio de Janeiro. Months later, after Rye was no longer missing, his family reconnected with us and very generously made a significant contribution to MPAN. ... Since then, his sister Romany has become our Tassie state rep, assisting several families with media and emotional support, and his brother-in-law Sam has become a real-life Ironman who is doing the hard yards to support our charity. If you havent yet made your End of Financial Year tax-deductible donation (or even if you have!), please consider getting behind this awesome human from this incredible family and helping us help those affected by missingness

12.01.2022 With a natural focus on the parents grief, siblings sometimes feel forgotten in the outpouring of public sympathy. In tomorrows episode, youll get to hear from an incredibly insightful, reflective older brother who explores and explains the complexities unique to the sibling dynamic as well as the potential for Post-Traumatic Growth Missing person: Sevak Simonian Casefile: True Crime Podcast

12.01.2022 Our brilliant Chairperson and I were discussing this COVID concept back in March -- glad to see the parallels being publicly pondered...! Thanks to Missing person: Sevak Simonian and Dr Sarah Wayland for your perfect insights #NMPW

10.01.2022 Would you be able to recognise a long term missing child from your state/territory? Its great that a day of the year is dedicated to missing children globally, but we really owe it to them to try to remember their faces each day of the year. This International Missing Childrens Day, our hearts are heavy for all the kids who have disappeared, all of their brothers, sisters, mums, dads and grandparents. ... May they maintain their strength as they endure the wait, and feel the growing support of our collective society. #IMCD2020

10.01.2022 Having a family member disappear isn't something anyones ever prepared for. The shock doesn't dissipate. It just doesnt feel real. So imagine having it happen a second time, two decades later. In our next episode, out Tuesday, we talk about the challenges of accepting lightning striking twice.... Subscribe to What's Missing wherever you get your podcasts // whatsmissingpodcast.com Casefile: True Crime Podcast

10.01.2022 The 2020 struggle is real for individuals and organisations alike. Though MPAN has never been funded, we were feeling more optimistic than ever at the AGM last December (ha! ) So were excited to present to you our latest merch; t-shirts and long sleeves, designed and modelled by our pro bono Creative Director Maricarmen, pictured here in gloriously lush New Zealand way back BC. ... If you like affordable, quality, ethically-made tees, wanna support the work we do *and* look cool while doing it, please consider helping us out: http://mpan.com.au/shop/

10.01.2022 Its one of the most unsettling missing persons cases in recent Australian history; Bung Siriboon vanished without a trace on her walk to school in 2011. Hear about the way her disappearance has devastated her family, as well as the impact it's had on the suburban community she was taken from. Out Tuesday. Subscribe to hear it first: whatsmissingpodcast.com ... Casefile: True Crime Podcast

09.01.2022 Our dear friend Sam was supposed to be participating in tomorrow’s Melbourne Ironman to raise money for MPAN. And even though the event was cancelled and life has thrown him a million curve balls, he’s sticking to his commitment to swim, ride and run the equivalent course around Hobart tomorrow morning Here’s why: In 2016, while his wife Rom was 37 weeks pregnant, his brother-in-law Rye went missing in Rio. They immediately launched an incredible international appea...l to find him, and they did (you can read the details at Find Rye Hunt). They appreciate that despite their devastating loss their story had an ending. Sam is completing tomorrow’s Ironman for all those who continue to endure the pain of ambiguous loss; whose stories don’t yet have an ending. Please consider getting behind this absolute champion by donating whatever you can (all tax-deductible) and/or cheering him on! GO SAMMY!!

09.01.2022 Sas and I have known each other a long time, and as siblings, we share a special bond. Hes a thoughtful, loving, philosophical guy who paints a beautiful picture of his brother through this deep dive of an episode that covers some pretty powerful observations, suggestions and concepts that I know will resonate with brothers, sisters and other loved ones out there. So get comfy, or spread this one across a few workouts/commutes because it's a long one! OUT NOW: https://what...smissingpodcast.com/sasoon-for-sevak/ Missing person: Sevak Simonian Casefile: True Crime Podcast

08.01.2022 Ursula’s family was one of the very first we ever worked with. Her cousin Melissa invited me up to their hometown in regional NSW in 2014, where I was lucky enough to meet the wonderful, new detectives on the case. The ones who ultimately solved it. Many families of long term missing people feel that their loved one is not a priority for police. It was crushing, though somewhat validating, to hear that so nonchalantly confirmed at Ursula’s inquest last month. The fact that ...most families we work with are still experiencing that sense of dismissal and unimportance, and the carelessness and subsequent errors that that mentality fosters. The fact that genuine queries are more often met with contempt than compassion. The fact that families continue to pay the price for insufficient staffing, inadequate training, sub-par IT systems and the resultant ‘revolving door of senior management’. The fact that toxic workplace cultures keep staff from feeling safe to share their concerns. The fact that Ursula’s, like so many other families, endured such a preventable, prolonged limbo that both her mother, and then father, died before this chapter could be formally closed. That's what's unforgivable (in reference to my quote in the article below). The greyness that comes of 'missing' not being a crime, yet it being lumped with police, seemingly perpetuates the sentiment that long term missing persons (and their loved ones) are not important enough. If Missing Persons remains within the remit of police, then at the very least, their role must mitigate not exacerbate the trauma that families are living with. Police use referral services for other issues; perhaps they could outsource some elements of the work? We’re encouraged to see that the NSW Police has been rolling out all sorts of fantastic initiatives (in the lead up to this inquest, the day after it concluded, and most recently this weekend in the lead up to tonight’s Australian Story), we just hope that these aren’t superficial changes for the sake of reputation management. Progress should be evident all year round, not just in the face of a PR nightmare. Families deserve better than that. We sincerely hope that 34 years on, Ursula is resting in peace, now with her mother Cheree, and father Peter. It was a privilege to be involved with tonight’s episode. Our thoughts are with everyone who loves Ursula, especially today, tonight and tomorrow. Article in comments | 'Forever Young' airs 8pm tonight Monday 26 April on ABC |

08.01.2022 Is lost at sea the same as missing? Whos best placed to decide on *your* situation? In this episode, Jen shares her unique perspective and experiences around the challenges of classification, the need for better frameworks and the peculiar way this has impacted her life. Out now: https://whatsmissingpodcast.com/jen-for-david-andrew/... SUBSCRIBE // DOWNLOAD // FOLLOW Casefile: True Crime Podcast

08.01.2022 Our third episode is set for release tomorrow, Tuesday 11 August. In it, dad Nick shares the rollercoaster ride of sightings, battles with bureaucracy and the conflicting emotions that come with reports of bodies being found... Head to whatsmissingpodcast.com and SUBSCRIBE on whichever platform you pod on, to show us your support ... Casefile: True Crime Podcast

07.01.2022 For the night owls; Dr Sarah Wayland and I will be on ABC Nightlife 10-11pm tonight to talk about reframing how we deal with missing persons in Australia. For those interested but with a similar bedtime to me (9pm), I'll post the link tomorrow LINK HERE: https://ab.co/37DNTjD (it's the first hour of the show)

07.01.2022 This Thursday, over 650 participants from around the world will come together (virtually) to give their time, skills and energy -- using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) -- to help search for 12 long term missing Australians in the National Missing Persons Hackathon And in a year where *any* good news is especially excellent, we are thrilled that proceeds of this year’s event will be donated to MPAN!! It’s enormously encouraging for those in this space to feel the suppor...t, and we want to thank AustCyber - the Australian Cyber Security Growth Network, The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre and Trace Labs for creating the hackathon, as well as all the ethical hackers using their skills to help the loved ones involved. Fingers crossed it generates some new leads Wanna learn more about OSINT / what a hackathon is? www.missingpersonshackathon.com.au and www.austcyber.com

07.01.2022 Rigby Fielding disappeared in August 2015. Today is his birthday. Birthdays are especially difficult markers for those left behind, wondering how their missing loved one could, should or would be spending their special day. As part of our ongoing Missed Birthdays initiative, giving insight into the impact on families, Rigs sister Steph has recorded this heartbreakingly beautiful message to him. ... Thanks to our media partners, it will get over 200 plays across seven WA radio stations for the next month. Please consider sharing it here to further the message and show your solidarity Happy Birthday Rig. Help Find Rigby

06.01.2022 Lets just sayweve got something BIG to announce very soon. And just between us, emeritus professor Dr Pauline Boss, principal theorist and author of AMBIGUOUS LOSS, says its a powerful exploration into living with unending not-knowing. Stay tuned!

06.01.2022 It's National Missing Persons Week eve (sure, it's a thing) and we have a favour to ask... Please SUBSCRIBE to / FOLLOW Whats Missing wherever you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify etc) to make sure it reaches more people who need to hear that theyre not alone www.whatsmissingpodcast.com [Oh and if you're there, a review/rating would be great too!] ... #NMPW #NMPW20

05.01.2022 Markers of time like these are kick-in-the-guts awful. Ill never forget the devastation and dread of the first year such a significant passage of time; such an elongated frantic whirlwind. Please spend some time this weekend thinking of dear Théo and his family as they endure the heartache. It also serves as a very important reminder that both he and his loved ones still need your help, for both the search and the support. Check out their brand new website and get involved however you can https://www.looking4theo.com/ Looking for Théo Hayez

05.01.2022 Anyone who knows about missingness knows about Dr Sarah Wayland. She is a rock star of this realm, and MPAN’s extremely proud to call her a friend. If you’re interested in or impacted by missingness, you should definitely have a listen to this chat we recorded with her about her incredible work in this space: https://whatsmissingpodcast.com/dr-sarah-wayland/

04.01.2022 It's here! The first episode of Whats Missing is now live. After Nicolas story, Jason and I discuss the challenges of dealing with police, media and the public attention whilst navigating the financial strain, administrative obstacles, and the emotional toll faced by children left behind. SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://whatsmissingpodcast.com/episode-1-jason-for-nicola/ Help find Nicola Sallese ... Casefile: True Crime Podcast See more

04.01.2022 National Missing Persons Week (NMPW) was established by Tony Jones loving family in 1988. Australians are so fortunate to have an entire week dedicated to this cause while families abroad lobby for a Day and based on what weve seen these past 7 days, our media and public has embraced it more than ever before. Thank you to everyone brave enough to participate in these difficult but important conversations, and thank you, eternally, to the Jones family for creating such a...n incredible legacy for your son and brother. Our gratitude for our in-kind communications support at SenateSHJ and Kamber, who so compassionately and professionally guide us and our families through this particularly demanding time, is also endless. These guys give us their undivided attention every week of the year, and theyve worked around the clock to help us ensure as many Australians learn about NMPW and missingness as possible. The Week may now be over, but the work continues... National Missing Persons Week

03.01.2022 I wear a few hats, but it’s been a while since I’ve worn the Sister one for media. Though, personally, the most challenging interview I’ve ever done, it was a privilege to be involved with recording undoubtedly the most powerful insight into the experience of families of missing persons ever captured on television. Thank you to all of the loved ones involved for so generously sharing such harrowing memories and heart-wrenching imaginings. And thanks to Kirk and his team of l...egends for creating this vitally important program, and for asking MPAN to help get this brilliant episode together. Catch us on ABC’s ‘You Can’t Ask That’ tonight at 9pm, or anytime on iview (link in comments)

03.01.2022 Mum said it felt as if her guts had been ripped out -- parents typically say they couldnt imagine anything worse. In Episode 3, youll hear a heartbroken father's desperate plea to know whether or not his missing son is alive, a heart-wrenching letter from his mum, and how it impacted the way they parented their other son. Out now: https://whatsmissingpodcast.com/nick-for-paul/... Missing Person: Paul Robert Wright Casefile: True Crime Podcast

02.01.2022 In our very first episode of Whats Missing, youll hear how a son's life has been consumed by the disappearance of his beloved father and his car in their tight-knit community. To be released internationally this Friday 31 July 2020. whatsmissingpodcast.com

01.01.2022 Another Sunday well spent with our fabulous volunteer, Laura. Our looong overdue new website is coming soon...!