Community refuses to give up search for missing jogger Samantha Murphy

Members of the public continue to search for missing mother Samantha Murphy, who disappeared without a trace more than two weeks ago, despite police winding back resources.

Members of the public continue to search for Samantha Murphy.

Members of the public refuse to give up hope with some saying they continue to hit the ground daily to search for missing jogger Samantha Murphy, who vanished without a trace more than two weeks ago.

The 51-year-old mother of three was last seen 16 days ago when she left her Ballarat East home for a morning run on Sunday 4 February.

Victoria Police reduced its resources dedicated to the operation 11 days ago on 9 February, when it called in the missing persons squad, which continues to investigate the matter.

CFA and SES crews, which had been assisting with combing through the bushland surrounding Ballarat, were stood down that same day with the CFA confirming its services were no longer required from 2pm and an SES spokesperson stating its crews were released later that afternoon.

SES and CFA crews were stood down from the search on 9 February. Picture: Tony Gough

But an SES spokesperson said its volunteers and staff remained available to assist if requested or required.

“Victoria Police scaled back that phase of the search on Friday 9 February,” the spokesperson said.

“Over 230 VICSES volunteers and support staff were involved in the effort. We remain available to assist Victoria Police should there be a further request or requirement.

“We hope for a positive outcome for Samantha.”

Despite police reducing its efforts, members of “Ground Crew”, which describes itself as a “volunteer-based community search group dedicated to assisting in locating Samantha Murphy in the Ballarat area”, have said they continue to search every day and have planned a “mega ground search” this coming Saturday.

The group, which has more than 130 members on Facebook, has called on other members of the public to join Saturday’s search “to assist in combing through designated areas in and around Ballarat.”

Samantha Murphy has been missing since 4 February. Picture: Ian Wilson.

On the Facebook page for Saturday’s event, the group wrote that it remained “steadfast in believing that searching for anything that can assist the authorities is worth pursuing.”

“After researching other similar incidents, our group plans on keeping the forward momentum and enthusiasm going in our efforts to find answers. In other words, we don’t want the search for Samantha to just fade away like so many others have,” it said.

The group say “safety is of the utmost importance” and asked local businesses to donate fluorescent vests, whistles and other items that may help with the search.

One member of “Ground Crew”, Chloe Farout, said its members were “definitely showing how amazingly determined the community is to get answers for Samantha’s family”.

“We are very hopeful that we can at least find one thing to assist the authorities,” she said.

“We have a large amount of Ballarat locals in the group but also members from Melbourne and Geelong willing to travel up in the search for Sam. We even have one member from Adelaide making the journey.”

Ms Murphy’s husband Michael and daughter Jess address the media on February 8. Picture: NCA Newswire / Nicki Connolly

This comes after Ms Murphy’s husband, Michael, told the Herald Sun on Monday that the search efforts for his wife had been “extraordinary”.

“We [would] like to thank each and every person that has donated their time for searching for Sam,” Mr Murphy told the Herald Sun.

“I hope we can find something soon.”