The search for missing five-year-old Sharon Granites has entered a critical phase, with police and community groups intensifying efforts across a wide area surrounding her home in Alice Springs.
Sharon was reported missing from her home at the Old Timers town camp, south of Alice Springs, at around 1.30am on Sunday.
Northern Territory Police Executive Director of Cultural Reform Leanne Liddle said the search operation, now entering its third day, had drawn on extensive local knowledge, including the involvement of Aboriginal trackers.
“We’ve also got the assistance of the Central Land Council and the volunteers from there … but also Tangentyere Council, the ADF,” the Central Arrernte woman said.
Ms Liddle said the response from the community had been significant, with large numbers of people stepping forward to help.
“The community support has been overwhelming. We’re grateful for that. But we have enough volunteers and specialist people on the ground,” she said.
“But we are asking people to ring with any information. Any small bit of info can help us get Sharon home. Call Crime Stoppers or 000.”
She added that language should not be a barrier for those wishing to come forward.
“We do have access to interpreters in the 000 centre, Warlpiri speakers. If people want to speak in their first language, they can,” she said.
The search area has been expanded as crews continue to work through difficult terrain, supported by air and ground resources. Dozens of volunteers remain on site alongside police and emergency services.
Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley said the case was now the top priority for Northern Territory Police.
“This is the number one priority of the Territory police—to get Sharon back home safely to her family,” he said.
“Right now we have 20-odd, maybe 25 detectives involved in the case. We have major crime, and the fugitive taskforce is inbound. It’s one of the biggest investigations we’ve had going for a while.”
Mr Malley confirmed around 70 volunteers were assisting in the search but said there had been no confirmed breakthrough.
“At this stage we haven’t found what we’re looking for,” he said.
Police are continuing to investigate 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, who had been staying at the same residence and disappeared at the same time as Sharon.
Mr Malley said he was being treated as a probable suspect.
“He has a loose connection with the family,” he said, noting Mr Lewis had been released from prison just six days earlier.
Investigators are also examining whether others may be assisting him.
The case has prompted national concern, with prime minister Anthony Albanese describing it as “every parent’s worst fear.”
“This breaks the heart of everyone who hears about this story,” he said.
“We just hope that this little girl is found … on behalf of all Australians, we want to see a safe return.”
