Barry PODMORE
Barry PODMORE
REWARD OFFERED - $500,000
Barry Podmore was last seen on Tuesday 3 December 2024, at his home address in Beacon, WA 6472. Barry left his address in his camouflage painted, 1981 Mercedes Benz, WA registration MM151, to go prospecting in the area of Karroun Hill, WA 6472.
Extensive searching failed to locate any signs of Barry or his vehicle and both remain outstanding.
Barry is described as Caucasian male, approximately 170cm tall, of solid build, with short gray hair and hazel eyes.
Anyone with information which may assist in locating the whereabouts of Barry are urged to anonymously contact Crime Stoppers on their website or free call 1800 333 000.
Police are searching from the air for a 73-year-old prospector missing in West Australia’s wheatbelt.
Barry Podmore, from Beacon, was last believed to be prospecting in the Karroun Hills area, about 320 kilometres north-east of Perth, on December 3.
His family reported him missing on Wednesday after they were unable to contact him.
Mr Podmore is described as a Caucasian male, about 170cm tall, of solid build, with short grey hair and hazel eyes.
Inspector Tony Vuleta said police began searching the Karroun Hill area from the air yesterday, looking for his 1981 green camouflage four-wheel-drive Mercedes.
He said Mr Podmore had not indicated where or for how long he would be in the bush, but is known to prospect in the area.
Police are yet to launch a ground search.
Karroun Hill and its associated nature reserve falls within the Mount Marshall Shire.
Shire president Tony Sachse said temperatures had exceeded 40 degrees this week and while recent rain could have left areas boggy, creeks and rock holes were likely to hold water.
"Karroun Hill Nature Reserve is noted for its biodiversity, there are areas of thick wattle and areas of some salmon gum and mulga country," he said.
"The closed wattle country is quite thick and access is difficult, even on foot.
"There are a few tracks … but access is difficult apart from the perimeter."
Mr Sasche said the area was not frequented by prospectors and there was no risk from old mines.
Anyone who sees Mr Podmore or has information on his movements should contact police immediately on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or contact www.crimestopperswa.com.au
The discovery of an abandoned vehicle in remote bushland in Western Australia's Wheatbelt has sparked a fresh search effort linked to a 73-year-old prospector missing for almost six months.
Barry Podmore, 73, was believed to be prospecting in December in Karroun Hill, about 310 kilometres north-east of Perth, before he was reported missing.
Police said Mr Podmore was last seen on December 4 and had a phone call with someone on December 5.
The phone call was the last known contact with Mr Podmore, police said.
However, a WA Police spokesperson said a recently discovered four-wheel drive was a "vehicle of interest."
"A ground search of the location, between Paynes Find and Southern Cross, commenced on Monday," the spokesperson said.
"A team of police officers from the Emergency Operations Unit and the Wheatbelt District has been deployed to the region to undertake searches in the Karroun area."
The ABC understands the vehicle was locked when found, but no further details have been released.
Since the initial search effort wrapped up in December, Mr Podmore's family — who said it was out of character for the 73-year-old not to make contact — have made repeated trips to the Karroun area to continue searching.
Anyone with information on Mr Podmore's disappearance should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.