Mystery surrounds the disappearance of grandmother-of-15 Yvonne Whear - as her heartbroken family reveal what they think happened

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 13:34, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 13:40, 3 August 2026 A heartbroken daughter desperate for answers fears that her missing mother was abducted and harmed, as the six month anniversary of her disappearance looms. Yvonne Whear, 73, was last seen driving along Queensland Road in Murwillumbah, in Far Northern NSW on February 19, 2026. The grandmother of 15 had left a TAFE course in Murwillumbah and stopped at a service station on her way to her hobby farm in nearby Dungay. Her boots, shirt and hat were later located at the property but there has been no trace of the grandmother since, despite extensive search efforts. Ms Whear's vehicle - a gold-coloured Ford Escape wagon with NSW registration EWS28P - also has not been sighted since she vanished. Phone records showed her phone was active until about 4.45pm on February 19 and her device last pinged east of Dungay at 10.10am the following day. NSW Police are yet to rule out foul play. Ms Whear's family believe that she was harmed, insisting that she had no signs of depression, mental illness or dementia prior to her mysterious disappearance. Yvonne Whear (above) was last seen driving along Queensland Road in Murwillumbah on February 19, 2026 Ms Whear (above) was travelling from a TAFE course to her hobby farm in Dungay 'We don't believe she had any ordinary reasons to leave the property that evening,' daughter Gillian Hallac told reporters on Monday. 'I believe that she may have been taken from the property, and that her vehicle has been deliberately concealed. 'That is my belief, as her daughter, based on what I know about the circumstances in which she disappeared.' Ms Whear had a close relationship with her family and loved ones, who've spent the last six months wondering what happened. She has also missed the recent birth of her first great-grandchild. 'I miss her advice, her voice, her presence. It's the everyday moments that hurt the most - the ones we never thought we'd lose,' Ms Hallac said. 'We just need to know where she is and what has happened so our family can finally breathe again. 'Our family is doing everything we can to cope, but the uncertainty is overwhelming.' Ms Hallac issued her emotional appeal as part of Missing Persons Week, an annual week-long NSW Police campaign. The great-grandmother was captured on CCTV at a service station on her way to her hobby farm in nearby Dungay about 3.15pm on February 19 Yvonne's gold-coloured Ford Escape wagon also has not been sighted since her disappearance Ms Whear (above) is known to frequent the Murwillumbah and Dungay areas 'The support from the community has meant so much and we just hope someone out there holds the piece of information that will bring Mum home,' Ms Hallac said. 'Someone out there knows something. Even the smallest detail could help bring Mum home, and we're begging people to share what they know. 'Our family, especially her grandchildren - need answers.' The missing car initially led police to believe Ms Whear may have run into trouble while on the road, as the region has several dangerous cliff roads. Extensive searches uncovered 10 cars in nearby rivers, but none were Ms Whear's. Drones, boats, trail bikes, helicopters and sonar equipment have all been used in large searches of the area. Ms Whear didn't like to drive at night, rarely drank and didn't use any substances which could have altered her mental state. Detective Acting Inspector Chris Elliott also confirmed 'investigators have not identified any evidence to suggest Yvonne intended to voluntarily disappear'. 'The investigation remains open. Detectives continue to examine all available information, and at this stage we are keeping an open mind as to what may have happened,' he said. 'While this remains a missing person investigation, we are pursuing every opportunity and assessing all information received from the public. Police urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ms Whear (above) to come forward 'Anyone who saw Yvonne, spoke with her, or noticed her vehicle around the time she went missing should contact police - even a small detail could help move this investigation forward.' Missing Persons Registry's Detective Inspector Paul Fenwick added: 'Yvonne's disappearance has had a profound impact on her family and the wider community, and finding answers for them remains a priority. 'Every lead is assessed, every piece of information is followed up, and we continue to appeal for public assistance. 'Someone in the community knows something that could help us. Even the smallest detail - something you may not think is important - could be the key to locating Yvonne.  'Now is the time to come forward.' Ms Whear is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, around 154cm tall, of a medium to solid build and with long grey/brown hair. She is known to frequent the Murwillumbah and Dungay areas. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.