William Callaghan’s dad describes Mt Disappointment search as most fearful time of his life
The father of William Callaghan has described the three days his autistic son was missing in dense bushland at Mt Disappointment as the most fearful time of his life, but he said the outpouring of support from strangers was incredible.
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Miracle teen William Callaghan’s father says the three days his autistic son was missing were the “most fearful time” of his life.
Phillip Callaghan was bushwalking with his partner and two autistic sons on Tuesday at Mt Disappointment when William ran off into the bush.
His disappearance prompted a massive search involving almost 500 people, including professional search and rescue crews and volunteers.
“The three days that my son was missing, was quite probably the most fearful of my life,” he said.
“The outpouring of community support was both astonishing and heartwarming.
“It was a wonderful example of community spirit for people who turned up from as far afield as Ballarat to join the search.”
Mr Callaghan said he was so grateful volunteer bushman Ben Gibbs had found William after the frantic three day search.
“He epitomised the volunteers who turned out, selfless,” he said.
“Willingly combing the bush to help find a boy they had previously never heard of.
“People like him, who knew the mountain personally, turned out, literally by their hundreds.
“I saw people bringing up horses and trail bikes to search, and was heartened to know all these people were giving themselves and their time.
“I am not a praying person, but am incredibly grateful to those who contributed to help a boy who you have never met.”
He commended the efforts of Victoria Police, who deployed not only the search and rescue squad but the air wing, canine unit and the mounted branch.
“(Their) quiet confidence and professionalism were very much to the fore, and these qualities were displayed by all members who joined the search,” he said.
“You can justly use the term ‘Victoria’s finest’.”
Mr Callaghan hopes the ordeal can help inform the wider community about autism.
“I believe many people have gained an insight into autism that has helped enrich the community,” he said.
The family said they would be lost without support from Mansfield Autism Services for professional advice provided during the search, which included blasting the theme from William’s favourite show Thomas the Tank Engine from speakers throughout the bush in an attempt to lure him to safety.
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