Family plea for help to locate missing 81-year-old Patricia Backhurst

The family of a Victorian woman with Dementia have issued an urgent plea for help to find the 81-year-old who hasn’t been seen since Wednesday.

An 81-year-old woman has been missing near Inverloch since Wednesday.

The family of a Victorian woman missing since Wednesday have pleaded for help after a widespread search operation has failed to locate the 81-year-old.

Patricia Backhurst was last seen at her home last week in Inverloch, a seaside town southeast of Melbourne in west Gippsland.

Both family and authorities have revealed “concerns for her welfare” as she has Dementia.

An appeal was issued on Friday night but the desperation to locate Ms Backhurst intensified on Sunday as police launched search and rescue operation with the assistance of various agencies, including State Emergency Service volunteers, Parks Victoria and Bush Search and Rescue.

The search is focused on walking tracks in Screw Creek to the east of the township.

Patricia Backhurst has been missing since Wednesday.

“Searches are also scouring the coastal area between the Inverloch Yacht Club and the Inverloch Life Saving Club in the hope of locating Patricia,” Leading Senior Constable Kendra Jackson said.

“Patricia, who is physically fit for her age, is familiar with the area and it is not unusual for her to do extended local bush walks.”

Ms Backhurst was last seen at her Beilby Avenue home about 12pm on Wednesday.

Residents in the area have been urged to check sheds, barns, walking tracks and beach access paths for the woman described as about 168cm tall, with a slim build and shoulder length white hair.

She was likely wearing blue jeans and runners.

Anyone who spots the 81-year-old has been told to contact Wonthaggi Police Station on 03 5671 4100.