URGENT SEARCH FOR 73-YEAR-OLD JANET WITH DEMENTIA — ELDERLY WOMAN VANISHED DURING STORM WITHOUT HER PHONE OR WALLET

Police and family are growing increasingly concerned for Janet, who left her home in Melbourne’s northwest early Sunday morning and has not yet been publicly confirmed found. Heavy rain, strong winds and cold conditions have added to fears for her safety.

An urgent search is underway for a 73-year-old woman named Janet who disappeared from her home in Keilor East, Melbourne, Australia, during severe weather on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Janet was last seen leaving her home on Steele Creek Drive shortly before 7 a.m. According to Victoria Police, her family and authorities are particularly concerned because she has dementia, which can affect her ability to find her way home or communicate with others.

The circumstances have left her loved ones desperately hoping for news as the search continues.

SHE LEFT HOME WITHOUT HER PHONE, WALLET OR KEYS

Janet’s disappearance has raised additional concerns because she reportedly left behind several belongings she would ordinarily have with her.

Her phone, wallet, keys and smartwatch were not with her when she left home.

For her family, this was especially worrying because it meant she could not easily contact them or use her usual devices to help establish her whereabouts.

According to reports, Janet left home at approximately 6:57 a.m. CCTV footage reportedly captured her walking along Hoffmans Road towards Keilor Road in nearby Niddrie later that morning.

Investigators and her family are working to establish where she went next.

A DESCRIPTION THAT COULD HELP BRING HER HOME

Victoria Police have released a description of Janet and appealed to members of the public for assistance.

Janet is described as:

• Age: 73
• Height: Approximately 170 centimetres
• Build: Slim
• Hair: Short, strawberry-blonde
• Last seen wearing: A black hooded jacket, black pants and a light-blue beanie
• Carrying: A plastic shopping bag

She is known to frequent the Steele Creek Trail towards Maribyrnong, an area that may be particularly important to the ongoing search.

Police are asking residents in surrounding suburbs to remain alert and report any possible sightings.

FEARS GROW AFTER A NIGHT OF COLD, WET WEATHER

The weather has added another layer of urgency to the search.

Reports indicate that Janet may have spent the night outdoors as cold temperatures, rain and strong winds affected the area.

There are also concerns that heavy rainfall could have affected walking paths near Steele Creek and the Maribyrnong River.

Because Janet has dementia, she may have difficulty recognising familiar surroundings or asking strangers for help. Her family and police are therefore particularly concerned about her welfare.

Residents are being encouraged to check security cameras, doorbell cameras and dashcam footage that may show Janet walking through the area.

Even a brief sighting could help investigators piece together her movements.

HER FAMILY IS DESPERATE FOR NEWS

For Janet’s loved ones, every passing hour brings uncertainty.

Her disappearance is especially distressing because she left without the belongings that could have helped her contact family or return home independently.

Police have appealed for public assistance and released an image of Janet in the hope that someone will recognise her and provide information about where she may have gone.

Anyone who sees Janet should call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Anyone with information about her whereabouts can contact Sunshine Police Station on (03) 9313 3333.

PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD

Janet is someone’s mother, grandmother and loved one. Her family is waiting for news, and the community’s help could make a meaningful difference.

If you live in Keilor East, Niddrie, Maribyrnong or nearby suburbs, please check your cameras and remain alert for someone matching Janet’s description.

If you have relevant footage or information, contact police rather than relying solely on social media comments.

Every moment matters when a vulnerable person is missing in dangerous weather.

Please share Janet’s details responsibly and help the search reach as many people as possible.