News
6 August, 2026
Fresh appeal to solve 17-year mystery of missing Yass man
Police have renewed their appeal for information into the disappearance of Yass man Peter Collier, whose family has lived without answers for more than 17 years.
Police have renewed their appeal for information into the disappearance of Yass man Peter Collier, whose family has lived without answers for more than 17 years.
The appeal forms part of this year's Missing Persons Week campaign, "Answers Still Matter", which runs from 2 to 8 August and highlights the ongoing commitment to solving long-term missing persons cases.
Peter Collier, who was 78 when he disappeared, was last seen on Laidlaw Street in Yass on Sunday, 7 June 2009.
Despite living a transient lifestyle and spending much of his time in remote bushland across regional New South Wales and Victoria, Peter would regularly write letters to his family each year. When those letters stopped, concerns grew and he was officially reported missing on 31 October 2024.
Police describe Peter as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175 centimetres tall, with a thin build, grey hair and blue eyes.
His sister, Violet Carrapetta, said the family has never stopped thinking about him.
"Peter lived a quiet, private life, but he was still our brother – someone we loved deeply. Not knowing what happened to him has left a hole in our family that time hasn't been able to fill," she said.
"He spent a considerable amount of his time in remote parts of regional NSW and Victoria, travelling primarily on foot. He's always in our thoughts, and the silence around his disappearance has been incredibly hard for our family."
She urged anyone who may remember seeing Peter, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.
"If anyone remembers seeing Peter, even briefly, please come forward. We just want to understand what happened and bring some peace to our family."
Detective Inspector Paul Fenwick from the NSW Police Missing Persons Registry said investigators remain committed to finding answers.
"Peter Collier has been missing for many years, and our commitment to establishing what happened to him has not diminished," Detective Inspector Fenwick said.
"We continue to review information, revisit his known movements, and appeal to anyone who may recall seeing him.
"Someone may have seen him without realising the significance at the time. Even a small recollection could help us understand his movements and progress this investigation.
"For his family, the uncertainty has lasted far too long. Answers still matter, and we are urging anyone with information to come forward so we can help provide the clarity they deserve."
Anyone with information about Peter Collier's disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.
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