Major New Search Underway for Missing Queensland Woman Dawn Wells
A significant new search operation has been launched for a beloved Queensland woman who has been missing for almost two months after she failed to board a bus behind her husband. Dawn Wells, aged 70, was last seen at a bus stop on Kingston Road in Woodridge, near Logan, southeast of Brisbane, around 8pm on December 9.
Disappearance Details and Community Impact
Dawn was waiting at the bus stop with her husband, George, who boarded the bus assuming his wife was following closely behind him. However, Dawn did not get on the bus. As soon as George realised his wife was not with him, he quickly returned to the bus stop to search for her before contacting the police. She has not been seen or heard from since that evening.
Acting Inspector Warren Parker confirmed that a major new search began on Wednesday in bushland near where Dawn was last seen. The operation involves State Emergency Service (SES) personnel, police divers, the dog squad, and drones to assist in locating the missing woman. Parker described Dawn as a beloved member of the Logan community, often seen walking and using public transport.
He noted that Dawn was with her husband but they became separated before her disappearance, emphasising they are a very close couple frequently observed walking together. Dawn does not own a mobile phone, and her travel GoCard has not been activated since the night she went missing, adding to the mystery of her whereabouts.
Community and Family Concerns
Family friend Carol-Joy Patrick, a care elder at the church Dawn attends, expressed how deeply her disappearance has affected the community. She stated, "It's a part of our lives that isn't here anymore, Dawn is an integral part of who we are. We're missing Dawn, we want her to come home to her family at church."
Patrick described Dawn as a social creature who loves to speak to people, highlighting her friendly and organised nature. She added, "George is heartbroken because she's not with him," underscoring the emotional toll on her husband.
Police have released a video showing Dawn walking down Kingston Road only hours before her disappearance, marking the most significant piece of information released since she went missing. Authorities and Dawn's family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age and health vulnerabilities that may cause confusion.
Police Investigation and Public Appeal
Acting Inspector Parker addressed the investigation, noting that multiple false sightings have been reported across Queensland, as well as interstate in Sydney and Melbourne. He assured the community, "I can assure the community we have been working actively seven days a week, we chase down every sighting that has occurred. There is nothing to indicate that there is any suspicious activity in relation to Dawn's disappearance."
However, Parker also prepared for various outcomes, stating, "We are hopeful we will find her alive, but we are prepared that we may not have the best outcome for this."
Dawn is described as approximately 160cm tall, with a slim petite build, short brown curly hair, and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with the words "Justice Compassion Love" on the front, light blue jeans shorts, a brown bum bag, brown runners, and may have been wearing a black cap.
Police are urgently appealing to Dawn herself or anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to come forward immediately to assist in the search efforts.
