Husband of missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy speaks out as search continues

The husband of the 51-year-old woman who went missing from Ballarat East on Sunday has spoken out.

The husband of a 51-year-old woman who went missing from Ballarat East on Sunday has spoken out following her surprise disappearance.

Samantha Murphy did not return from her run on Sunday morning around 7am, prompting an immediate search from Victoria Police.

Her husband, Michael Murphy, remains hopeful his wife will return safe despite the circumstances.

Police and family have concerns for her welfare due to the hot weather on Sunday and her disappearance being out of character,” Acting Inspector Lisa McDougall said on Monday.

“Obviously, yesterday was a hot day … there (is) obviously increased risk there because of the heat.

“It raises the urgency of the search for us and obviously we account for the fact that will have an impact on someone’s health.”

Mr Murphy said he was remaining calm and mentioned wife regularly runs the area.

“It’s just up in the air, we don’t know,” Mr Murphy said via theHerald Sun.

“It’s just a whole time thing at the end of the day.”

Samantha Murphy did not return from her run on Sunday morning around 7am, prompting an immediate search from Victoria Police.

A large-scale search is underway.

Ms Murphy is an active member of the local community and has been involved with the Ballarat Centre of Music and Arts for over 20 years.

Director Paula Heenan said the community has rallied together to find their friend.

“She will do anything for anybody, she’s been a good parent helper,” she said.

“She adores her children, absolutely adores her children.

“There’s a lot of people in the community looking in different areas.

“There’s a lot of very concerned people looking for someone we love very much.”

Public information about the search for Samantha Murphy at Buninyong Police Station.

The search for Ms Murphy has expanded, with more than 100 officers from various units.

The search for Ms Murphy has expanded, with more than 100 officers from various units including the dog squad, mounted branch, and air wing, alongside SES, CFA, and Parks Victoria personnel, concentrating on the Canadian State Forest.

Inspector MacDougall said data received from Ms Murphy’s phone, which she had been carrying at the time, pinged near the golf course.

Ms Murphy is described as caucasian, about 173cm tall with a slim build and shoulder-length blonde hair.

She was last seen wearing black half-length leggings and a maroon/brown coloured singlet.

Anyone who sights Ms Murphy is urged to contact Ballarat East Police Station on [phone].