Opinion
3 May, 2026
Opinion - A circling police plane tells a bigger story
One of our team was still working when a police aircraft appeared on radar over the Southern Highlands.
While you were sleeping, police and other emergency services were hard at work.
At The Southern Wire, we regularly report on incidents across the region involving police, ambulance, RFS and SES crews. Most of the time, those stories land after the fact — once the situation is under control and the details are clear.
Last night was different.
One of our team was still working when a police aircraft appeared on radar over the Southern Highlands.
Heading south, the plane began circling - more than 30 loops over a small area near Tumbarumba.
Something was going on.
We contacted NSW Police Media just before midnight and received a prompt response confirming a search operation was underway for a missing bushwalker.
Officers on the ground, PolAir overhead, and SES volunteers were all looking for a 75-year-old man.
After midnight police gave us an update. The man had been found and was being assessed by paramedics.
Good news for the man and the emergency services.
But it’s also a reminder.
While most of us are asleep, there are emergency services workers out there working through the night — in the cold, in the dark, and often in difficult terrain — doing everything they can to help someone they have never met.
The Police Media Unit are proactive, responsive and professional. They make it possible for the public to understand what is happening in their community in real time.
The next time you hear a helicopter or plane overhead late at night, it’s worth pausing for a moment. Someone needs help, emergency services are on their way, and the police media unit will ensure we have the information we need.
We certainly are in good hands.
--------------
The Southern Wire Newsletter is now here! Subscribe for free at the link below.
https://subscribe-forms.beehiiv.com/1986abc6-c89e-4781-9db2-cf35c9dd71e4
If you value independent local journalism across the Highlands, Tablelands and Wollondilly, please click the link below to support us as we are paywall free.
Read More: Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands, Wollondilly