Teams are briefed as the search for missing Golden Point man Gary Butt intensifies at Shepparton East. Photo: Monique Preston.
Echuca and Rochester SES volunteers were part of a large-scale search for a missing man at Shepparton East on Wednesday, October 16.
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SES and Search and Rescue volunteers and police spent the day searching the sides of the Midland Hwy and properties for Ballarat man Gary Butt, who has been missing since September 22.
Police confirmed on Wednesday night that searchers found a green bag with personal belongings inside it that Gary had been carrying when he went missing.
The bag was found near the Midland Hwy and Central Ave on Wednesday afternoon.
Gary, 73, who has dementia, was captured on CCTV at the Shepparton Railway Station about 10pm the day he went missing.
Police have now said extensive canvassing of the Shepparton area had uncovered CCTV footage of Gary that had been captured at the Midland Hwy nears Doyles Rd, at Shepparton East, about 11pm on the day he left his home.
SES members split into groups as they searched along the Midland Hwy at Shepparton East for any sign of Gary Butt.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Searchers on Wednesday focused on the roadside and properties along the Midland Hwy east of Doyles Rd.
SES commander Nick Dawson said about 45 SES personnel from 17 units in the Loddon Valley and Hume region were involved in Wednesday’s search.
He said while there had been a fair bit of coverage in the media about Gary disappearing, the search had ramped up on Wednesday.
“This is getting boots on the ground,” he said.
Searchers conducted line searches along the highway, and also split into groups to look through nearby orchards and properties.
The Victoria Police Search and Rescue team used a drone to fly over crops in the area.
Police have not ruled out the possibility Gary may have received a ride in a car or a truck, and ask anyone who may have given him a lift to come forward.
Missing Golden Point man Gary last seen at Shepparton Railway station.
Police said Gary had a “distinctive appearance”, with a slim build, long grey hair and a white beard, and he usually wore a black beanie.
He was last seen wearing a long black jacket, a black beanie, a brown and white chequered flannel shirt, light-coloured pants and dark-coloured shoes.
Anyone who saw Gary on September 22 or on any days since then is urged to phone 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au
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