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“Unsolved Cases: Women Leading the Search for Missing Aboriginal Men in Western Australia”

3 hours ago
3 hours ago

The Disappearance of Wesley Lockyer: A Mother’s Quest for Answers

Joanne Taylor fondly remembers Christmas 2021, a traditional family trip to Coral Bay, a stunning beach on Baiyungu Country. Her son, Wesley Lockyer, was by her side.

“We were always together as a family,” Joanne, a Nyamal woman, told NITV.

However, it was the last Christmas Joanne spent with her son. In October 2022, Wesley disappeared without a trace from Jinparinya, near Port Hedland.

“My son never returned,” Joanne laments. “We celebrated Christmas without him, and it was heartbreaking.”

‘Derogatory and Racist’

As the two-year anniversary of Wesley’s disappearance approaches, Joanne continues her desperate search for answers. Despite extensive initial efforts by authorities, including a search involving police, state SES, and Indigenous trackers, Wesley’s whereabouts remain unknown.

“The lack of information has made this journey incredibly difficult for us as a family,” Joanne shares. “The police’s conclusion that Wesley simply walked off is unacceptable and reminiscent of derogatory and racist attitudes.”

Joanne expresses frustration with the flawed investigation process and the lack of support from authorities, leading the family to pursue their own avenues for answers, including engaging private investigators and search teams at their own expense.

Aboriginal Men Missing Across WA

Wesley is among several First Nations men who have disappeared from the region in recent years. Joanne highlights six cases of Indigenous men missing across the Pilbara, Kimberly, and Gascoyne regions.

  • Clinton Lockyer vanished from the Pilbara around the same time as Wesley.

  • Zane Stevens’ search concluded in April this year.

  • Brenton Shar was last seen in Geraldton in May.

  • Wylie Oscar went missing from the Junjuwa Aboriginal community.

Joanne, along with other mothers and advocates, traveled to Canberra to raise awareness about these missing men and the disparity in attention given to Indigenous cases compared to non-Indigenous ones.

State Jurisdictions Must Do More: McCarthy

During their visit to Canberra, the delegation met with Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and Greens senators to discuss the ongoing issue of missing Indigenous men. Senator McCarthy emphasized the need for local authorities to step up and take responsibility for these cases.

Conclusion

Joanne Taylor’s quest for answers regarding her son’s disappearance sheds light on the challenges faced by Indigenous families dealing with missing loved ones. The lack of attention and resources dedicated to these cases highlights a systemic issue that needs to be addressed at both the state and federal levels.

FAQ

What steps have been taken to find Wesley Lockyer?

Initial search efforts involved police, SES, Indigenous trackers, and private investigators. Despite ongoing efforts by the family, Wesley’s whereabouts remain unknown.

How many Indigenous men are missing in Western Australia?

Joanne Taylor cites six cases of missing Indigenous men across the Pilbara, Kimberly, and Gascoyne regions.

The Heartbreaking Plea for Missing Indigenous Men in Western Australia

As families continue to grapple with the mysterious disappearances of six Indigenous men in Western Australia, the pain and anguish felt by their loved ones are palpable. The group of families are demanding justice and answers, pushing for action to be taken to bring their missing sons home.

The Call for Action

The families are advocating for a comprehensive approach to addressing the disappearances, including:

  • A royal commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the missing men

  • The establishment of a police task force dedicated to solving these cases

  • Changes to Western Australia legislation to classify a missing person as a suspicious disappearance after a month

  • A reward of $1 million offered by the WA Government for information leading to the whereabouts of each missing man

Joanne, a spokesperson for the families, expressed the deep sense of loss and abandonment they feel, stating, “We love our boys, all we want is them to be home with us. All we want is to bring them home to be with their families instead of living this bloody nightmare that we’re living in. Help us find our children, please.”

A Plea for Help

The families’ plea for help is a poignant reminder of the pain and suffering they endure every day as they search for answers. The emotional toll of not knowing the fate of their loved ones weighs heavily on them, and they are determined to do whatever it takes to bring their sons home.

The Fight for Justice Continues

Despite the challenges they face, the families are unwavering in their quest for justice. They refuse to give up hope and will continue to advocate for their missing loved ones until they are reunited with them.

Upcoming Rally

The families have organized a fourth ‘Bring Them Home’ rally in Roebourne on Friday, November 29, to raise awareness and keep the pressure on authorities to take action. They are determined to make their voices heard and demand justice for their missing sons.

Conclusion

The heartbreaking plea for the missing Indigenous men in Western Australia serves as a stark reminder of the pain and suffering experienced by their families. As they continue to fight for justice and answers, their determination and resilience are inspiring. The upcoming rally will be a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to bringing their sons home.

FAQs

What are the families demanding?

The families are calling for a royal commission, a police task force, changes to WA legislation, and a $1 million reward for each missing Indigenous man.

How can the public help?

By raising awareness about the missing men and supporting the families in their quest for justice, the public can help bring attention to these cases and potentially aid in finding the missing individuals.

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