The Missing Australia
Someone, somewhere, knows something. Almost 38,000 missing people are reported to police every year in Australia; that’s one every 14 minutes. Some do not return home. For their families, it’s a never-ending nightmare. For police, the search for answers can sometimes last for decades. The Missing Australia exists to change this. Presented by former police officer Meni Caroutas, it aims to break new ground on these cold cases – because there’s always someone out there who knows what happened to a missing person.
Episodes
Did Milat kill Keren Rowland? | 2
Acting on a desperate plea from her family, retired Detective Hugh Hughes has spent years investigating the unsolved 1971 murder of Keren Rowland, his wife's cousin. He believes Keren was one of Ivan Milat's earliest victims, citing Milat's presence in the area and key similarities to his known crimes. Frustrated by what they see as police inaction, the family is still fighting for answers more th
The night I hid from Ivan Milat | 5
Trapped beneath a caravan with a killer nearby - former undercover cop Roy speaks publicly for the first time about his covert mission inside Ivan Milat's property. Tasked with planting listening devices, he discovered a caravan filled with weapons before being forced to hide beneath it as Milat returned home. In this gripping account, Roy reveals the dangers of the operation, his belief that Mila
Searching for Joanne and Caroline | 3
Two women set off on an adventure, never to be seen again. Former Detective Neville Scullion speaks publicly for the first time about leading the investigation into the disappearance of British backpackers Joanne Walters and Caroline Clarke, whose bodies were found months after their April 1992 disappearance in the Belanglo State Forest. He coordinated with British authorities and faced the
The arrest of Ivan Milat | 6
Former Detective Paul Gordon speaks for the final time in this second interview, recounting the dramatic arrest of Ivan Milat. Unexpectedly placed on the arrest team, he recalls the moment he handcuffed Milat, the terror he felt, and the overwhelming media attention that followed. Paul reflects on the evidence found, his belief that Milat had many more victims, and the lasting impact the case had
The overlooked report | 1
Former Detective Paul Gordon uncovered the Paul Onions report - the lead that should have cracked the case wide open. But within weeks of joining Task Force Air, he was told to look for reasons why Ivan Milat wasn't the killer, despite the evidence. In this interview, Detective Gordon recalls the moment he named Milat as a suspect, the frustrations inside the taskforce, and the six square metres o
20 years of letters to Ivan Milat | 4
What crucial clues does a killer spill to their pen pal? Criminologist Amanda Howard spent two decades communicating with jailed serial killer Ivan Milat, gaining his trust through years of letters. She uncovered his claims of innocence, his disdain for lead investigator Clive Small, and rare glimpses of his human side. In this episode, Amanda shares excerpts from Milat's letters, his chilling min
Introducing The Missing Australia - MILAT UNTOLD
Serial killer Ivan Milat died in prison in 2019… but for those left behind, the horror may never end. How many more victims lie in unmarked graves? Investigative journalist, former police officer and host of blockbuster, award winning The Missing Australia podcast, Meni Caroutas uncovers stories never heard before from key figures involved in the Milat task force. From the cops who caught h
Bonus episode: Q&A with Meni Caroutas
Meni answers your questions and tells the behind-the-scenes stories from the last season of The Missing Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Snatched at the footy | 6
Confronting claims are made about the abduction of two children, Joanne Ratcliffe and Kirste Gordon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Vanishing shadows | 5
A detective wishes things could have been different in the case of 12-year-old Rhianna Barreau Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Pakenham man | 4
An unidentified man last seen catching a train in suburban Melbourne has left unanswered questions If this episode raises any issues for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Without a trace | 3
Joining the search for Warren Meyer, who disappeared while hiking in the Victorian High Country Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The missing mum | 2
Mother-of-five Lorrin Whitehead was last seen at a shopping centre in Geelong and her children do not believe she ran away Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
One step closer | Bonus episode
A potential breakthrough in one of the most heartbreaking cases in Australian history Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Echoes of an abduction | 1
New witnesses come forward with new evidence about the disappearance of 16-year-old Gordana Kotevski Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing The Missing Australia - Season 3
Season 3 of The Missing Australia launches on the 25 February. Series host Meni Caroutas has news of breakthroughs in cases that featured in Season 2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Still missing | 6
In 2012 Paul Stevenson vanished without a trace. One morning he got up to go on a motorcycle ride and he was never seen again. A decade later his family is still searching for answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Echo Point man | 5
Science, art and chance combine to identify an unnamed man’s body found at the bottom of a cliff in the Blue Mountains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who killed Katie? | 4
Mum-of-five Katie O’Shea disappears and her family face a terrible decision over who to suspect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Two new suspects | 3
A breakthrough on the baby in the post episode. False leads and fresh hope in the case of missing teenager Gordana Kotevski. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A baby in the post | 2
A clerk makes a grim discovery in a Darwin post office, uncovering a mystery that spans the continent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Milat and my daughter | 1
Sixteen–year-old Debbie Ashby goes missing a few footsteps from her home, leaving her family to fear the very worst. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing: The Missing Australia - Season 2
Introducing series two of The Missing Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Saving Lives
Two years ago Detective Inspector Glen Brown established the NSW Police Missing Persons Registry, revolutionising the way police investigate missing persons cases. I speak to Glen about the stunning success of the Registry, and how police are now not only finding people who disappear faster, but also saving the lives of people who are vulnerable by using the latest technologies to locate them befo
"Don't Forget Us."
You have seen my face on a poster, and heard my name. I am a mother, a father, a brother or sister, someone's dearly loved relative and friend. We are nearly 3,000 of us. We are missing, and we must be found. Please Don't Forget Us. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The audio quality is better in series 2 (from June 2023), but the content and story is just
Bodies in the bag.
A man reports to police that his wife has gone missing. 17 days later her crumpled body is discovered inside a bag buried in a popular suburban park. As police follow every lead to catch her killer, they stumble upon a shocking and gruesome find. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The audio quality is better in series 2 (from June 2023), but the content and
Magic Mushrooms and Witchcraft.
Bill Roach was a loving son and brother who disappeared suddenly in 1993. Police are convinced the outgoing university student was murdered, and a large team of forensic experts and police divers descend on the remote farmhouse where Bill lived to search for his remains. Police discover a potential crime scene inside the farmhouse. Follow the police investigation as they eagerly await the results
The Free Spirit.
Mother of four Joanne Butterfield disappeared from far North Queensland in June, 1998, after visiting a friend. Three days later personal property belonging to Joanne including the dress she was wearing when she was last seen alive, was found near a railway track 150 kilometers away. This month Police renewed an appeal for information into Joanne's disappearance. Please note: this is an older epis
A Faceless Man. A Missing Tourist.
In Episode 18, “A Faceless Man. A Missing Tourist”, we crack not one but two long-term missing persons cases. Learn how a call from a listener, helped shed light on the unsolved cases that have baffled police for nearly 20 years. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The audio quality is better in series 2 (from June 2023), but the content and story is just as
Taken.
Crimes against children horrify us. Australia has a tragic history of children going missing. From the Beaumont children in 1966 to toddler William Tyrell more recently. In this episode Meni examines three chilling child kidnappings that remain unsolved. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The audio quality is better in series 2 (from June 2023), but the cont
It hurts so much.
We have seen images of missing people on posters and on tv. We feel sad, but we have no idea of the heartbreak and trauma suffered by the families left behind. In this episode Meni explores this unresolved grief, through the eyes of the family of murdered schoolboy, Daniel Morcombe. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The audio quality is better in series 2 (
The Nice Guy
Steven Goldsmith appeared to have the perfect life. A close loving family, a fantastic circle of friends and a great job, but one night he went missing after withdrawing money from an ATM. The disappearance of the 28 year old left his family and friends devastated, and the police baffled. Steven's parents David and Leslie have never stopped searching for their son. Please note: this is an older ep
Kind and caring Christine.
Christine Redford was a friend to everyone, who devoted her life to helping others. A grief counsellor and Salvation army volunteer, Christine was dearly loved by her family and friends. One day she walked out of her flat and vanished forever. Her disappearance in 1998 has baffled police and bewildered those close to her, who now fear the worst. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing
They Must Be Found
Detective Inspector Glen Brown heads the NSW Police Missing Person's Registry, which has revolutionised the way police investigate missing persons cases. Since it's inception the registry has solved 30 long term missing persons cases. I talk to Glen about the new technologies and processes being used to find people who disappear. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few year
Niamh Maye. Our Daughter
'Niamh' Neeve Maye took a gap year before University to go fruit picking in the NSW Riverina area, and then suddenly disappeared. What happened to 18 year old Niamh? Her parents make a heartfelt plea for answers. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The audio quality is better in series 2 (from June 2023), but the content and story is just as important. Hosted
The Missing Frenchie Part 2
French tourist Antoine Herran faked his death 22 years ago, to start a new life in Australia. In Part 2 of this fascinating mystery, I speak to his sister Sophie from France about the devastating impact his decision had on their family. Despite the pain her brother has caused, Sophie still loves Antoine and just want to know that he is alive and well. Please note: this is an older episode of The M
The Missing Frenchie
A triple 0 call from a notorious suicide spot, sparks a nationwide search for a missing French tourist. Did Antoine Herran leap to his death, or did he fake his death in an elaborate hoax to begin a new life. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The audio quality is better in series 2 (from June 2023), but the content and story is just as important. Hosted on
My Missing Half. Part 2
In Part 2 of the Lynette Melbin disappearance, a dogged ex Detective excavates a Sydney Park searching for the missing 15 year old girls remains. After 48 years of searching, and not knowing what happened to Lynette, will her family finally get closure. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The audio quality is better in series 2 (from June 2023), but the conte
My Missing Half - Part 1
15 year old Lynette Melbin vanished in 1972. Now 48 years later her families unrelenting search for answers and the dogged determination of an ex cop may finally solve her disappearance. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The audio quality is better in series 2 (from June 2023), but the content and story is just as important. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p
Before it's too late
Not every case we cover has to end in despair or an ongoing sense of confusion - loved ones never having the answers they crave. An elderly man in Sydney, who suffered from a chronic heart condition had a race against time, and remarkably he survived. This episode is about incredible survival against incredible odds. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The au
Loss of Innocence
One night in July 1979 two teenagers in the Illawarra told their families they were going out to the movies. They never came home. Four decades later, ex-classmates at Lake Illawarra high school caught up for a sobering 40-year reunion. Meni attended the event and spoke to those who knew Kay Docherty and Toni Cavanagh about how their disappearance has changed everyone's lives forever. Please note:
What's buried beneath
Someone, somewhere, knows something. There simply must be an answer out there for desperate families, and parents. It’s particularly hard for them when young people in their lives vanish. In South Australia, a German-born girl goes missing in suspicious circumstances, taking belongings with her. Meanwhile, further north in Brisbane’s outer suburbs, two siblings disappear on their way to school. Pl
Lost and Alone
The elderly are among the most vulnerable in our community, and when they go missing, it becomes a race against time to bring them home. They can be frail, and dementia can take a toll. On New South Wales’ South Coast, a much-loved veteran, father and grandfather has wandered off from his aged care facility, seemingly without a paper trail. Meanwhile, further north, police search for another elder
The Runaways
Of all types of people to go missing, teenagers - and particularly girls - are the most vulnerable, in danger of exploitation by predators. This episode tells the baffling stories of two teenage girls who went missing from the ACT and Northern Territory without a trace, and have not been seen or heard from since. Please note: this is an older episode of The Missing from a few years ago. The audio
Where's Nicola?
When someone goes missing, the first 24 hours are crucial in bringing that person home. In Tasmania, a desperate family are continuing their search for elderly man Nicola Sallese after his baffling disappearance. This episode tracks their progress, first featured on Missing Persons Unit. Meanwhile, police use key technologies in an attempt to identify a faceless man. Please note: this is an older
A boy called Daniel
Missing can affect anyone, regardless of race, gender, social status or age. The reality of that fact hit Australia hard when Queensland boy Daniel Morcombe vanished from a bus stop in 2003. This episode revisits the infamous case, detailing the harrowing years between Daniel’s disappearance and the discovery of his remains. Meanwhile, in the Northern Territory, police search for a needle in a hay
