By Mitchell Clarke
Victoria Police will launch a number of fresh searches for missing Pakenham Country Women’s Association (CWA) president Carol Clay.
Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad and Wellington Crime Investigation Unit launched a fresh appeal for information on Monday 11 May, as they continue to search for Ms Clay and her friend, Drouin man Russell Hill.
Despite numerous searches over the past seven weeks, the pair hasn’t been heard from since 20 March.
It’s still unknown why the pair mysteriously vanished and police aren’t sure whether the disappearance is suspicious.
Ms Clay, a much-loved member of the local community, is understood to have left her Pakenham home on 19 March to go on a touring trip along the Dargo River.
She told friends she was expecting to return home on 28 or 29 March.
The last known contact from the pair was made by Mr Hill via HF radio, when he was confirmed to be at the Wonnangatta Station.
A day later, campers located Mr Hill’s vehicle with signs of minor fire damage at their campsite near the Dry River Creek Track.
The examination of the fire scene by arson chemists proved inconclusive and police are hoping to speak with anyone who witnessed the fire or the smoke from it.
In a statement, a Victoria Police spokesperson said: “Police continue to hold concerns for the welfare of Russell and Carol due to the amount of time they have been missing.”
Police have previously said it was “highly unlikely” the pair will now be found alive.
The Pakenham CWA have declined to comment on the mysterious disappearance but released a statement to their Facebook page in April.
“Pakenham Branch, out of respect, took a stance of no comment to all media and posting anything on social media,” the statement read.
“All Pakenham members are shocked and wish to send Carol’s family and friends our love at this difficult time.”
Ms Clay has served as the president of the Pakenham Country Women’s Association (CWA) branch for the last four years and is well respected in her local community.
The new searches are expected to resume in the coming weeks depending on the weather.
Anyone who sights Russell or Carol is urged to contact 000 immediately.
