A Wollongong mother's world has been torn apart as she makes an emotional plea for help finding her missing daughter, with police launching an intensive search operation across the Illawarra region.
Rebecca Donnelly, her voice trembling with emotion, has publicly begged for information about her daughter's whereabouts, telling reporters: "I just want to know she's safe." The desperate mother's appeal comes as New South Wales Police coordinate extensive ground searches and door-knocking campaigns in their efforts to locate the missing girl.
Community Mobilises in Search Effort
Local residents have joined forces with emergency services, combing through parks, bushland, and suburban streets in a coordinated effort to find the missing child. The tight-knit Wollongong community has shown overwhelming support, with volunteers distributing flyers and sharing information across social media platforms.
"The response from our community has been incredible," one local organiser stated. "Everyone wants to help bring this young girl home safely to her family."
Police Investigation Intensifies
NSW Police have confirmed they are treating the disappearance as highly concerning and have deployed significant resources to the case. Detective Inspector Mark Walker addressed media, stating: "We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry and following up all credible information received from the public."
Police are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward immediately. "Even the smallest detail could be crucial to our investigation," Inspector Walker emphasised.
Family's Heartbreaking Wait
Rebecca Donnelly remains at the family home, surrounded by relatives and friends offering support during the agonising wait for news. Family spokesperson Sarah Thompson described the situation as "every parent's worst nightmare."
"The family is holding onto hope and praying for her safe return," Thompson told reporters. "They're grateful for the incredible work of police and the overwhelming support from the community."
As search efforts continue into the night, police have established a dedicated hotline for information and are reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas in their determined efforts to solve this distressing case.
