Daughter’s plea over clue in search for missing Bannockburn mum Lorrin Whitehead

The daughter of a missing Bannockburn woman who vanished without a trace has responded to revelations about a mysterious vehicle potentially involved in her disappearance.

The daughter of a missing Bannockburn woman who vanished without a trace has responded to revelations about a mysterious vehicle potentially involved in her disappearance.

Detectives taking a fresh look into the baffling case of Lorrin Whitehead are confident people within the Golden Plains communities could unlock the secret of her whereabouts, after the new lead emerged last week.

It’s understood a witness saw her hopping into a red four-wheel-drive on the day she disappeared more than 11 years ago.

One of her five children, Amelia Grozdanovski, has issued a heartfelt plea in light of the new clue as their search for the truth intensifies.

Amelia Grozdanovski, the daughter of missing Bannockburn woman Lorrin Whitehead, is still searching for answers of her mum’s vanishing. Photo: Peter Stoop.

“As a family member of someone who is missing, we know that we are relying on the public and their knowledge to help bring our loved ones home,” she said.

“I plead that if you have any information about Lorrin, big or small, please come forward and contact police.”

Ms Whitehead was seen outside a supermarket in Bannockburn on February 8, 2013, with security footage showing her buying a bottle of water, a card, and a pen.

A witness has since told investigators she entered the driver’s seat of a red four-wheel drive in central Bannockburn before seemingly vanishing into thin air.

The same vehicle was spotted near her property earlier that day, although the 41-year-old didn’t own one.

Detective acting sergeant Clive Martella has called for its owner to come forward, and for people in the Bannockburn region who may know something to speak up.

Lorrin Whitehead captured on security footage on High St in Bannockburn on the day she disappeared.

“They may be able to lead us to Lorrin,” she said.

“Lorrin’s disappearance remains a deeply concerning case for both investigators and her family.”

Ms Whitehead’s bank accounts have not been touched since her last sighting.

Police have long held the theory she left of her own accord, although Ms Grozdanovski has her own suspicions.

A handwritten card carrying the words: “Don’t cry. It’s over. Smile. Because it happened” was delivered to her mum’s home five days after she went missing.

“This investigation is very much active, and we are as committed as ever to finding answers for Lorrin’s family,” Sgt Martella said.

“If you remember seeing or hearing something, no matter how small it may seem, we urge you to come forward and speak with local police or contact Crime Stoppers.”

A police image of how police believe Lorrin Whitehead would look today.

Ms Grozdanovski, speaking to News Corp earlier this year, claims she confronted a person she believes may have played a part in her mum’s plight.

“We’ve searched high and low for a decade with no answers,” she said.

“She was the best I’d seen her in a long time … she was trying to think about maybe getting a passport and going on holiday. She was planning. She was studying … we were planning a mother, daughter trip.”

Detectives have released an age-progressed image of Ms Whitehead in the hope someone may recognise her.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Originally published as Daughter’s plea over clue in search for missing Bannockburn mum Lorrin Whitehead