James Hunter: Police appeal to find missing Newcastle man last seen in Dubbo

Whether it was on a farm or in opal fields, James Hunter didn’t mind travelling to find work. Now, police have pinned down when he was last seen – and it was 17 months before he was formally reported missing.

He was known to work as a farmhand and chase the elusive opal across vast sections of western and northwestern NSW.

And now, no one can find former Newcastle man James Hunter.

Mr Hunter, who would now be aged 53, was first reported missing by worried relatives in July last year.

And although he had maintained contact with family members, he was last seen in person in December 2019 when the Tighes Hill man was last known to be in the Newcastle area.

Newcastle man James Hunter has been missing since February 28, 2020 when he was last seen at a pharmacy on Macquarie Street at Dubbo. Picture: NSW Police.

Orana Mid-Western police, who have already conducted several searches for Mr Hunter, have now established he was last seen at a Dubbo pharmacy on February 2020 – 17 months before he was reported missing.

Police have also confirmed Mr Hunter has not accessed his bank accounts since then.

“Police and family continue to hold concerns for James’ welfare, and are now seeking information from the public in relation to his whereabouts,” police said in a statement.

Mr Hunter was known to travel to the state’s west for work including rural properties at Dubbo, Mendooran and Dunedoo.

He was also known to frequent Walgett and Lightning Ridge where he would mine for opals.

Mr Hunter’s blue 2005 Toyota HiLux utility has also not been found. Picture: NSW Police.

Along with Mr Hunter, police are also searching for his vehicle – a blue 2005 Toyota HiLux utility with the NSW registration DVR-16B.

Mr Hunter is described as being caucasian, about 175cm tall, of a medium build with brown hair and eyes.

Information should be forwarded to Dubbo police on 6883 1599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.