Touching memorial honours lost loved ones during National Missing Persons Week

Organised by the Zonta Club of Peel, the memorial paid an emotional tribute to those missing and their puzzled loved ones who have been left behind. 

Among the packed Tuckey Room at the City of Mandurah was Margaret Dodd, whose daughter Hayley disappeared nearly 20 years ago. 

On July 29, 1999, Hayley Dodd vanished while walking near the Wheatbelt town of Badgingarra along North West Road.

The baffling case has attracted significant media attention over the years as police gradually pulled together clues about the Mandurah teenager’s disappearance.

In 2013, local man Francis Wark became a person of interest and at the beginning of 2018, the 61-year-old was convicted of her murder. 

Hayley’s body has never been found, and the Dodd family is still waiting for answers.

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“My daughter went missing in 1999 and to this day we have still not found her body,” she told the crowd. 

“Over 2,600 long-term people are missing in Australia.

“The majority of those peoples’ lives have come to a tragic end.

“Some by their own hand, some by the hands of others and some by misadventure but until we know what has happened to our loved ones we are forever left wondering and pray that one day we can bring them all home.

“I hear time and time again from family members of someone who has gone missing ‘this happens to other people, not to us’. 

“In reality, it can happen to anyone.” 

Mrs Dodd said when she first heard news of Hayley’s disappearance she thought “oh no, not my Hayley”.

A gut-wrenching moment, amplified by a tragic past.

As 23-years-earlier, in northern Ireland, Mrs Dodd’s father never came home after a trip to his local pub.

“Five weeks later his body was found in the canal by two teenagers who were fishing,” she said. 

“He had slipped.  It was an icy day and he had fallen into the freezing canal, causing his heart to stop.

“I was 19 at the time.

“Here today we are remembering all those who are missing, all those who have fallen through misadventure, murder or suicide.

“Let’s never forget them.” 

Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams also addressed attendees at the memorial. 

He expressed empathy for those who had lost loved ones and reminded them of the community support available to them. 

“I stand with you today not truly being able to comprehend your grief and confusion,” she said. 

He said for the tens of thousands of people who were affected by missing persons, there was double that waiting in the wings to offer their love and support. 

“Most of all I want to say to you that where ever your loved ones are, they’re with you and they’re proud,” he said. 

Mandurah Police Station officer in charge Senior Sergeant Darren Hart was also offered his support at the event.

“The issue of missing people is one that needs to remain in the consciousness of everybody in Australia,” he said. 

Senior Sergeant Hart said nationally, each year there was just short of 40,000 people reported missing. 

“It’s a very complex issue,” he said.

“The fact reminds that a significant number of family are affected by the loss.

“I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that every police officer wishes they could be the one to knock on your door and tell you your loved one has been found safe and well.”

Follow Caitlyn Rintoul on Twitter via @caitlynrintoul.