MISSING Person Squad detectives, with the assistance of specialist police, have returned to the Wonnangatta area as part of their ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Russel Hill and Carol Clay.
As a result of information obtained from previous searches, investigators will now focus their efforts back towards Wonnangatta, in particular along the Dargo High Plains Rd, Cynthia Range Track, Herne Spur Track and the Wonnangatta Track.
Detectives are being assisted by the Air Wing, Drone Unit, Search and Rescue and Parks Victoria in conducting detailed searches of roadways, tracks, campgrounds, rivers and cliffs.
Detectives continue to examine items located during a search of the Mount Hotham area on April 14 to determine if they have any relevance to the investigation.
Police believe Russell left his Drouin home on March 19, 2020, collected Carol from her home in Pakenham in his white Toyota Landcruiser, then travelled via Licola spending one night at Howitt High Plains before heading into Wonnangatta Valley on March 20.
Russell was last heard from on March 20 last year via HF radio stating he was at Wonnangatta Valley in the Victorian Alps when he made the call.
Campers found Russell’s vehicle with signs of minor fire damage at their campsite, which was completely destroyed by fire, near Dry River Creek Track in the Wonnangatta Valley on March 21.
Missing Persons Squad detectives, with the assistance of specialist police, have conducted numerous searches in and around the Wonnangatta Valley over the past 12 months, however Russell and Carrol have not been located.
Investigators are also continuing to appeal to anyone who was in the Wonnangatta area around that time, including campers, 4×4 day trippers, hunters, fishermen or trail bike riders, regardless of whether they saw or heard anything.
Detectives are also keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of Howitt Plains and Zeka Spur Track on March 19 or 20, and the Wonnangatta Valley and Wonnangatta Station between March 20 and 24 who has not yet made contact with police is urged to come forward.
Detectives have also established Russell was camping alone with his Landcruiser in the area of the King Billy and Bluff Track between March 11 and 13.
Police are keen to speak to anyone in that area on those dates.
Information was later received about sighting of an older person or pair in the Black Snake Creek, Eaglevale River crossing and the Ollies Jump area on March 22 or 23, however have never been able to establish if this was the missing campers.
Detectives call for anyone in this area, any older couple who may be these people, to also come forward.
Anyone who sights Russell or Carol has been asked to phone 000 immediately.
Anyone with any other information regarding their disappearance or who has any CCTV or dashcam footage should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
