A multi-agency search is underway for a missing woman, who failed to return to her campsite after getting bogged while on her way to collect water.
Melissa Reeves, 48, is an experienced camper who has spent the past month camping by herself in NSW’s Olney State Forest, west of Lake Macquarie, near the Central Coast.
Police say Reeves’ ute got bogged on Saturday while she was en route to get fresh water.
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About 6.30am on Monday, Reeves told a family member she was going to walk into the forest to collect water.
The family member raised the alarm when they went to drop off food at the campsite at midday and discovered Reeves was not there.
Police immediately began combing the area with the help of the dog squad, to no avail.
A co-ordinated land search involving the State Emergency Service was launched on Tuesday.
Reeves is of Caucasian appearance with a tanned complexion, about 165cm tall, of medium build, black hair and brown eyes.
She was driving a white Toyota Hilux 2WD with NSW registration DF 24 KZ.
While she has good knowledge of the area, having spent many years camping in the forest, police and Reeves’ family are concerned about her safety and welfare.
Police have urged anyone with information into her whereabouts to contact Tuggerah Lakes Police or Crime Stoppers.