Seven Tasmanian missing persons cases are being highlighted as part of National Missing Persons Week which starts today. The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘I’ll see you later’.

“Missing Persons Week is held annually and is a time when we aim to raise awareness and seek information that could help police to locate a missing person,” said Sergeant John Delpero of the Tasmania Police Missing Persons Unit.

“When someone goes missing the impact on families and friends is significant. Those left behind always deserve answers about what happened to their loved one and police will not close a missing person case until the answers are found.

“If you know anything about a missing person, even if you think it may be insignificant, please come forward – you could have the piece of information that assists police to locate a missing person and find answers for the loved ones left behind,” said Sergeant Delpero.

Seven Tasmanian missing people are being highlighted this week:

• Margaret Sarnek was last seen on 22 August 1975, aged 40.
• Dale Nicholson was last seen on 11 December 2016, aged 59.
• Helen Munnings was last seen on 23 July 2008, aged 20.
• Ian Nichols was last seen on 18 September 1989, aged 51.
• Ronald Johnstone was last seen on 4 July 1956, aged 53.
• Barry Calvert was last seen on 17 April 1963, aged 25.
• Dale Bellette was last seen on 25 April 2004, aged 32.

“In Tasmania, around 125 people are reported missing each year.  While over 97% of missing persons are located, sadly a small number of those people are not located safe and well,” said Sergeant Delpero.

Information in relation to a missing person can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Margaret Sarnek

Margaret Sarnek, also known as Nancy, was last seen on 22 August 1975, aged 40.

Margaret was last seen at Franklin Street in George Town. She was reported missing by her husband, who has since passed away.

Margaret was 157cm tall, of slim build with greying hair and green eyes. She spoke with an English accent. She was wearing slacks and a dark coloured blouse.

Margaret has three daughters who desperately seek answers to their mother’s whereabouts.

Anyone with information in relation to Margaret’s disappearance is asked to come forward.

Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

A report into Margaret’s disappearance is being prepared for the Coroner.

Dale Nicholson was last seen on 11 December 2016, aged 59.

Dale Nicholson

Dale Nicholson was last seen on 11 December 2016, aged 59.

Dale was last seen leaving his home address in New Norfolk, as he did every Sunday morning, to get the morning paper and breakfast for himself and his neighbour. He did not return and hasn’t been seen since.

Dale was driving a 1993 blue Ford Fairmont, registration DE8536. He would rarely venture far from home in his vehicle. His vehicle has not been located.

Dale had a beard at the time of his disappearance.

Dale’s disappearance is very out of character.

Anyone who has seen Dale or his vehicle since he went missing is asked to come forward.

Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

A report into Dale’s disappearance is being prepared for the Coroner.

Helen Munnings

Helen Munnings was last seen on 23 July 2008, aged 20.

Helen was last seen at Marine Terrace in Burnie. At the time she was wearing plain black trousers, a black hooded top and had her hair in ponytail.

Helen is around 160cm tall, of small build, with a fair complexion and brown hair. She has a small tattoo of stars and the moon on her right wrist, and a butterfly on her lower back.

In June 2012 the Coroner declared Helen to be deceased, having died on or about 23 July 2008.

The investigation surrounding Helen’s disappearance remains open and is being treated as suspicious.

A $250,000 reward is offered for information leading to the conviction of a person or people involved in the death of Helen.

Anyone with information in relation to Helen’s disappearance is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Ian Nichols

Ian Nichols was last seen on 18 September 1989, aged 51.

Ian was last seen at Dago Point, Lake Sorell where he was involved in the construction of a shack in conjunction with the Vietnam Veterans Association. He normally resided at Kingston Beach.

Ian was last seen by two anglers heading towards the boat ramp to enquire about getting a lift to Hobart.

Ian has tattoos on both his forearms.

Ian’s daughter was 15 years old at the time he went missing and is seeking information to locate her father.

Anyone with information in relation to Ian’s disappearance is asked to come forward.

Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Ronald Johnstone

Ronald Johnstone was last seen on 4 July 1956, aged 53.

Ronald was last seen aboard the vessel ‘MV Merino’ which was docked at Kings Wharf in Invermay. He a night watchman and was last seen at 2.30am.

Ronald was reported missing by his wife after he failed to return home.

Ronald’s bicycle was located at the wharf and he was last known to be wearing khaki overalls, a khaki shirt and a dark tweed suit jacket.

An extensive search was undertaken however Ronald was not located.

Ronald is survived by a daughter.

Anyone who has seen Ronald since around the time of his disappearance is asked to come forward.

Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

A report into Ronald’s disappearance is being prepared for the Coroner.

Barry Calvert

Barry Calvert was last seen on 17 April 1963, aged 25.

Barry was last seen at the Paterson Army Barracks on St John Street in Launceston. At the time of his disappearance Barry was a solider.

Investigations revealed differing possibilities surrounding Barry’s disappearance. It is possible that Barry may have travelled to the mainland shortly after his disappearance.

Barry may also go by the surname of Broomhall.

Anyone who has seen Barry since 17 April 1963 is asked to come forward.

Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

A report into Barry’s disappearance is being prepared for the Coroner.

Dale Bellette

Dale Bellette was last seen on 25 April 2004, aged 32.

Dale was last seen at Hartz Mountain in Geeveston.

Dale informed his family he intended to visit the Hartz Mountain area with the intention of returning home later the same day.

Dale left his residence at Warrane driving a white Holden Sunbird, which was later located in the carpark at the start of the walking track at Hartz Mountain.

Dale was carrying a dark blue and grey backpack and wearing a grey crew neck jumper, fawn Sherpa lined jacket and black boots.

A man matching Dale’s description was spoken to by another walker.

An extensive search was conducted however Dale was not located.

Anyone with information in relation to Dale’s disappearance is asked to come forward.

Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.