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NEWS
Wednesday August 3, 2016
Reach out during Missing Persons Week The Member for Monaro John Barilaro is encouraging the community to stay connected to loved ones as part of this year’s Missing Persons Week. National Missing Persons Week 2016 runs from 31 July – 6 August and aims to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia. Mr Barilaro said the week is a reminder that for each missing person, 12 people are affected in some way, be it emotionally, physically, psychologically or financially. “The stress of a missing loved one and living with the unknown has a huge impact on friends and family members,� said Mr Barilaro. “It can affect everything from their health and wellbeing, to work responsibilities, and of course is very emotionally tiring. “Anyone who is struggling in anyway because someone in their life is missing should not hesitate to reach out for support. If you have concerns or information about a missing person I urge you to follow your instincts and contact the police.� Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant said Missing Persons Week is also a reminder of the tireless work emergency services personnel do to find answers and reunite families. “I want the community to remember there is no minimum time frame to wait before contacting NSW Police with a missing person’s report,� Mr Grant said. “If you have fears for the welfare of anyone please don’t hesitate to contact the police as all information can be crucial to an investigation.� Three local people are still missing, although one, Sylvia Pajuczok, has since been declared dead by the NSW Coroner. Peter Messariti Mr Messariti was last seen at the ‘Athame’ property in Bombala on November 15, 1998. His car was seen that afternoon in Bukalong, a short distance from the property. It was parked as if it had broken down – it was unlocked and still contained personal papers.
Police from Strike Force Clayland conducted extensive investigations into Mr Messariti’s disappearance, including thorough searches of surrounding bushland and interviews with people who knew him. Despite these efforts, and the identification of some persons of interest, Mr Messariti has not been found and no one has been charged over his disappearance. Police are convinced there are people who know what happened to Mr Messariti and they are encouraged to come forward. Sylvia Pajuczok A grandmother of four, Ms Pajuczok went missing from the Rockton area near Bombala around Christmas of 2008. She was 53 when she was last seen on December 23, 2008, and the NSW Coroner has since declared Sylvia dead in what he described as suspicious circumstances. Sylvia lived in Eden, but her abandoned van was found further west on the Monaro Highway, about 10km south of Bombala. She left her clothes, mobile phone and glasses at a friend’s house and has not touched her bank account. Details have been released of a white, possibly camper-style van, that was seen parked on the Monaro Highway near a home Ms Pajuczok had been visiting. Police say the van’s movements could prove crucial to the investigation and detectives want to speak to the driver. Several searches have been conducted in the area, including the use of cadaver dogs, as well as mounted police and searchers on trail bikes. No trace of Sylvia has ever been found.
Kellie-Anne Levitski Kellie-Anne Levitski was last seen at 8.30pm on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at her father’s rural premises on Mount Darragh Road, Mount Darragh, between Merimbula and Bombala. It is believed that Kellie-Anne left her father’s property that evening or early the following morning and was believed to be walking. She left behind her wallet, bankcards and mobile phone and has not been seen or heard from since. Ms Levitski has been described as caucasian, 178cm tall, with a heavy build and long dyed-blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a grey polar fleece top and a long black dress, and was 38 years of age when she went missing.
Kellie-Anne Levitski has been missing from Mt Darragh since 2014.
Peter Messariti went missing from a property near Bombala in 1998.
Sylvia Pajuczok disappeared from the Rockton area around Christmas of 2008.
Travel Tips- Singapore
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Here are my top tips for Singapore:
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1. Use the public transport: Singapore has a wonderfully efficient, quick and cheap Train System called the SMRT. If in doubt, just ask someone, the staff are very helpful!
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2. Taxis are cheap! If you do not wish to use the SMRT or would like a more direct trip, the taxis in Singapore are very reasonable. The 20-30min trip from the airport to the city rarely breaks the $30SGD mark (and only if there is traffic!) 3. Ask a local: Ask your taxi driver or someone on the street where the best place to eat is, and 9
times out of 10 you will receive a passionate recommendation and directions! 4. Obey the rules: Singapore is often referred to as the City of Fines. Be polite to everyone and they will offer the same courtesy. Gum is illegal, so is littering and smoking in most areas. Food and drink cannot be consumed on the trains. Large fines may be issued for violating these rules, do be aware. 5. Stray away from the tourist areas: Visit a local Hawker center or explore the suburbs, there is more to Singapore than Raffles! 6. But do the Tourist thing as well: Don’t miss out on the Gardens by
the bay, especially at night when they light up! Visit Sentosa Island, or the zoo or Raffles for a Singapore Sling. These places are popular for a reason! 7. Language! Although Singaporeans speak a variety of languages as a multicultural city, most are very fluent in English. 8. Too hot? Find a Mall! They are everywhere, air-conditioned and you can almost traverse the CBD without leaving them! 9. Try a Hop on Hop off Bus. Not only do they stop at major attractions, you also get an audio tour of the history of the city and are great for getting orientated in the city.