Sydney Police Renew Search for Missing Elderly Man

Download IPFS

Authorities have renewed their appeal for public assistance in locating 81-year-old David Johnston, a Sydney resident who has been missing since March 2025. The call for help comes as part of this year’s national Missing Persons Week campaign, titled “Forever Loved,” which runs from August 3 to August 9.

Johnston, who lived in the suburb of North Rocks, was last in contact with a family member by phone at around 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. His disappearance was reported to Parramatta Police Area Command three days later, on March 19, prompting the launch of Strike Force Allans to investigate his whereabouts.

Johnston, who has limited mobility, typically only drove short distances near his home. He was known to drive a grey Nissan Qashqai with New South Wales registration DVX 78M. However, CCTV footage revealed that he was seen far from his usual area, at a service station in Halfway Creek, more than 550 kilometers away, at 3:39 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18. He was last spotted driving west along Kungala Road in Kungala later that morning.

Despite an extensive investigation and three public appeals, there have been no confirmed sightings of Johnston or his vehicle since then.

He is described as Caucasian in appearance, with white hair, blue-grey eyes, and no facial hair.

In a public statement, Johnston’s family expressed their distress and urged anyone with information to come forward. “David is a beloved family member whose disappearance is completely out of character,” the family said. “Due to his age and medical conditions, we understand he may no longer be with us. The hardest part is not knowing what happened. Any information would be appreciated to help bring him home and give us the ability to grieve properly.”

This year’s Missing Persons Week emphasizes the emotional toll missing persons cases have on families and loved ones. The “Forever Loved” campaign seeks to acknowledge and support those affected by the uncertainty and pain that follows such disappearances.

Anyone with information on David Johnston’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or their local police immediately.