Sydney model Kate Delaney found after going missing at dance party

The successful search for a Sydney model found on Tuesday cost $30,000 and could have been avoided, police say. The 23-year-old had wandered off into the wilderness on her own from a Hunter Valley dance party and was found only 2.5km away from the site.

A Sydney model was found on Tuesday by police after disappearing from a Hunter Valley dance party and wandering off on her own into the wilderness.

And, while officers were delighted to find Kate Delaney safe and well — if a ­little disorientated — they said the episode could have easily been avoided, adding the wide-ranging search ­operation had meant police “weren’t able to respond to other jobs”.

Kate Delaney is taken into Singleton Hospital by a paramedic in a wheelchair.

Ms Delaney was treated at Singleton Hospital.

Ms Delaney, from Roseville on Sydney’s north shore, disappeared from the remote Hunter Valley property’s campsite and ­apparently had no idea her friends had reported her missing.

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Kate Delaney. Picture: Instagram

The 23-year-old was spotted by a police helicopter 2.5km away from where she had been partying with her mates in the Howes Valley area, ­wandering barefoot through the bushland dressed in a red sarong late Tuesday morning­.

“I think some alcohol had been consumed by the group at the campsite but we have yet to confirm exactly what happened,” Hunter Valley Police District Commander Chad Gillies said.

A 20-strong team of local officers, SES volunteers, dog squad handlers, trail bike raiders, medical staff in a command bus and a police helicopter containing three staff all took part in the search.

Police Ms Delaney shivering and alone. Picture: Instagram

The UTS student attended Loreto Kirribilli on Sydney’s north shore. Picture: Instagram

They were summoned at sunrise — at a cost of at least $30,000 — after Ms Delaney’s panicked friends reported her missing.

She had not been heard from since 1.45am on Monday and left her shoes and phone behind when she wandered off into the night.

Distressed friends took to social media to ask for public help in finding Kate.

Ms Delaney had attended a small dance party in Howes Valley. Picture: Instagram

­Ms Delaney spent four hours being ­treated at Singleton Hospital for sun exposure after helicopter police staff found her wandering aimlessly through bushland at 11.40 the following morning.

“This was a very expensive operation involving more than 20 police personnel and costing thousands,” Supt Gillies said.

“Our priority is to make sure she is located safe and well … This highlights the risks of why it’s important to inform police of events on private properties, so emergency services can get to anyone in need.”