Editorial Opinion

NATIONAL: The ongoing story of the murder of an Aboriginal woman from Dubbo, and the disappearance of another Aboriginal woman, goes beyond mere words on paper. It’s a story about three families who are struggling to find closure from a mystery that clouds every day of their lives.

It’s been a long six years since Lateesha Nolan disappeared, since Kristy Scholes died, and since the man suspected of the crimes, Malcolm Naden ran off into the bush.

Since then, local media have reported sightings of Malcolm Naden everywhere from Kempsey and Moree to Barrington Tops and Inverell.

Many of these reports are sensationalised, and often they do more harm than good. They can drum up fear within communities, and have in some cases added to the mystique surrounding Malcolm Naden.

He’s become enough of an urban legend as it is. The large bounty – $100,000 – on his head, has also drawn media comparisons to Ned Kelly.

But he’s not Ned Kelly. He’s a man who holds the answers to the murder and disappearance of two young Aboriginal mothers, whose fate is crippling their families. It is harming the family of Malcolm Naden as well.

The families of the victims have asked Tracker to appeal particularly to the Aboriginal community to come forward to police with any information they may have.

If you have urgent information about Malcolm Naden’s whereabouts please phone ‘000’. Otherwise, please contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are reliant on the public to keep the search for Malcolm Naden alive.

The families of Kristy and Lateesha deserve answers.