Australia AUSTRALIA - 4YO AUGUST (GUS) Missing from rural family home in Outback, Yunta, South Australia, 27th Sept 2025

[Puzzles]

Hi All,

So sad reading about Gus.

This is a very interesting and heartbreaking situation, I have been tracking the news all week hoping for good news but it seems to have evolved into something more unfortunate now.

It all seems quite odd to me. It would be good to get more input and discussion from experienced sleuthers.

4yo Gus is missing. Search seemingly “scaled back” (called off?) after one week. My kids are a bit older now but if one of my kids was missing in the outback or anywhere, at 4 years old or younger or older or ever, I would not stop searching and scouring the land. I would have the entire community and all our friends, family, neighbours, law enforcement, media, public, anyone who cared to help me, out looking 24/7 for weeks and months and years until the child is found.

Even after all hope of the child being found alive we would keep looking and looking and looking to ensure closure, particularly for the child’s mother. The media would be my best friend to raise awareness and get more help. I would not care if I looked guilty on the news or whether keyboard warriors cast suspicion on me on Facebook. Who cares? Find the child.

I really hope this is the case for Gus, please never give up on him. But it is not clear to me that it is the case, from media coverage I have seen. 50 people on the searches does not sound like a lot. It’s a very remote and isolated property, indeed, but it’s still only 300km (3hrs) drive north of Adelaide, a city of 1m people.

The only reason I would stop looking is if it became apparent the child was not on the property. Which means evidence of foul play, taken by someone or something? The only something realistically is a dingo or wild dog but there would surely be evidence, a dropped hat or similar. Which leaves someone? In which case you would get the child’s name, photos, info out into media so the broader community could be on the look out. Details of all the people who were in the area. Who saw him during that last day? It’s actually the best case scenario now, a Cleo Smith situation.

There has been no mention of mum or dad, or grandpa, or siblings or uncles or aunties or any other family. Grandma is the only family member who gets a mention. A few family friends have spoken out in support.

This property is about as remote as it gets in Aus. But on a 6000 ha sheep station there may likely have been other workers around. Who ecactly was living and working on the station when Gus was last seen?

So little information around.

Look forward to seeing more seasoned sleuthers pick this thread up, keen to hear what everyone thinks.

2W

Yes, Toowongs, yes to every word and thought expressed in your post.

I would want the property crawling with those from afar answering a call to come and search for little Gus, perhaps offering them a reward, if financially viable. I realize there are valid reasons against doing so, but I'd want as many searchers as possible on site.

Our children grew up in the remote bush, down a long, 4-wheel-drive dirt road. As approaching vehicles were readily heard (I was kidnapped, briefly, when aged six), and the children's understanding never to venture past this tree, or that outcrop, we allowed them to be free-range explorers.

Dressing for their days included donning a 120-decibel SOS whistle on a safety quick-release cord around their necks.

I certainly helicoptered them before they were old enough to understand about the set, physical boundaries and the importance of sticking together, and, by grace, no harm came to them.

The point of my post is to suggest that children (and adults) carry a whistle, in case there are caregivers who haven't considered the idea. And to learn the series of three short, three-long, three-short blasts to signal distress.

 

[Dotta]

Yes, Toowongs, yes to every word and thought expressed in your post.

I would want the property crawling with those from afar answering a call to come and search for little Gus, perhaps offering them a reward, if financially viable. I realize there are valid reasons against doing so, but I'd want as many searchers as possible on site.

Our children grew up in the remote bush, down a long, 4-wheel-drive dirt road. As approaching vehicles were readily heard (I was kidnapped, briefly, when aged six), and the children's understanding never to venture past this tree, or that outcrop, we allowed them to be free-range explorers.

Dressing for their days included donning a 120-decibel SOS whistle on a safety quick-release cord around their necks.

I certainly helicoptered them before they were old enough to understand about the set, physical boundaries and the importance of sticking together, and, by grace, no harm came to them.

The point of my post is to suggest that children (and adults) carry a whistle, in case there are caregivers who haven't considered the idea. And to learn the series of three short, three-long, three-short blasts to signal distress.

Also
there are anti-lost GPS bracelets for kids:
waterproof & shockproof GPS tracker ones compatible with air tag Band.

In fact,
there are many kinds of GPS locators to choose from:
bracelets, pendants, tags, even rings, etc.
One can Google and see them.

The safety of children is the most important.
They are totally dependent on adults, their carers.

JMO

 

[TMich6811]

Also
there are anti-lost GPS bracelets for kids:
waterproof & shockproof GPS tracker ones compatible with air tag Band.

In fact,
there are many kinds of GPS locators to choose from:
bracelets, pendants, tags, even rings, etc.
One can Google and see them.

The safety of children is the most important.
They are totally dependent on adults, their carers.

JMO

Perfect opportunity for me to insert my project lifesaver comment it’s for vulnerable populations so I usually save for those threads but in case anyone needs it. They use radio frequency and not gps

Project lifesaver is a bracelet device that is used to track vulnerable populations. This program is contracted by local agencies and have specific criteria but often cover dementia, ASD, etc

You can find a local servicer here

Find an Agency - Project Lifesaver
projectlifesaver.org

 

[Lemony]

Undermining/Ridiculing the public is grave error IMO.
It might even discourage people's effort to help.

There is this saying
"2 heads are better than 1"

JMO

It’s a balancing act for the police. They’ll want the public on side and assisting with genuine information however they won’t want to get bogged down with the unhelpful tips and speculation. Missing children cases gather a huge amount of public interest and the police are probably inundated with tips. The psychics are already on it, and speculation is like a sport on some social media platforms - I can image some of the unhelpful information that is getting called in. Resources are finite and the police will want to be focusing their efforts on finding answers, not getting sidetracked with unhelpful ‘noise’. I think the police were just asking for some common sense. imo

 

[LookingForClues]

My husband used to be involved in search and rescue, although in the mountains during winter. One of the best safety tools to have, and the easiest for everyone to carry and use: a whistle! Thank you, @Puzzles, for suggesting it! Sometimes you're too injured to call for help, sometimes you've called out so much that you've lost your voice. Blowing a whistle is much easier and doesn't take as much energy. Plus it carries farther than a voice, and is louder than a voice. I always carry one when I'm outdoors, on a lanyard around my neck.

 

[SouthAussie]

There is an Advertiser article here from last night. It says (paraphrased) .....

A SAPOL spokesperson said that from the time that Gus was reported missing the Missing Persons Investigation Section of Major Crimes have provided support to the Yorke Mid North Region - which is standard practise.

Missing Persons Investigation Section will now manage the investigation, as it does in all long term missing persons cases.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/sa-police-announce-suspension-of-ground-search-for-missing-boy-gus-confirm-investigations-ongoing/news-story/e7e50fc9bd1dadb56cbdb4b042e285d3?amp

 

[tedtink]

Investigation process | National Missing Persons

www.missingpersons.gov.au

 

[BreakingNews]

Well, from what I have seen from WS members and they way they can analyse and investigate by sleuthing, I reckon put 100 of those members out there looking for Gus and if he wasn't found in the vicinity that a 4 year old can walk and he wasn't found around the homestead, then I would bet you that Gus is not on the property.
With all their marvellous resources and technology police aren't saying that are they? And I think WS people are made up of just ordinary members of the community. I'm not criticising your opinion @arrogantcat, I simply believe the police effort has so far been a failure.
I thought about something the police probably wouldn't have done in the first 5 minutes you mentioned and I told South Australian crimestoppers that today. LE should be reading WS as I believe it could be very useful to finding Gus. And that's JMO

I doubt that LE is referring to WS when they say 'keyboard warriors'. The rubbish is written on social media. Not WS. I know for a fact in Qld LE followed WS during the search for Allison Baden Clay's killer - her husband.
WS is respected, thanks to the moderators that keep us in line.

 

[BreakingNews]

Hi All,

So sad reading about Gus.

This is a very interesting and heartbreaking situation, I have been tracking the news all week hoping for good news but it seems to have evolved into something more unfortunate now.

It all seems quite odd to me. It would be good to get more input and discussion from experienced sleuthers.

4yo Gus is missing. Search seemingly “scaled back” (called off?) after one week. My kids are a bit older now but if one of my kids was missing in the outback or anywhere, at 4 years old or younger or older or ever, I would not stop searching and scouring the land. I would have the entire community and all our friends, family, neighbours, law enforcement, media, public, anyone who cared to help me, out looking 24/7 for weeks and months and years until the child is found.

Even after all hope of the child being found alive we would keep looking and looking and looking to ensure closure, particularly for the child’s mother. The media would be my best friend to raise awareness and get more help. I would not care if I looked guilty on the news or whether keyboard warriors cast suspicion on me on Facebook. Who cares? Find the child.

I really hope this is the case for Gus, please never give up on him. But it is not clear to me that it is the case, from media coverage I have seen. 50 people on the searches does not sound like a lot. It’s a very remote and isolated property, indeed, but it’s still only 300km (3hrs) drive north of Adelaide, a city of 1m people.

The only reason I would stop looking is if it became apparent the child was not on the property. Which means evidence of foul play, taken by someone or something? The only something realistically is a dingo or wild dog but there would surely be evidence, a dropped hat or similar. Which leaves someone? In which case you would get the child’s name, photos, info out into media so the broader community could be on the look out. Details of all the people who were in the area. Who saw him during that last day? It’s actually the best case scenario now, a Cleo Smith situation.

There has been no mention of mum or dad, or grandpa, or siblings or uncles or aunties or any other family. Grandma is the only family member who gets a mention. A few family friends have spoken out in support.

This property is about as remote as it gets in Aus. But on a 6000 ha sheep station there may likely have been other workers around. Who ecactly was living and working on the station when Gus was last seen?

So little information around.

Look forward to seeing more seasoned sleuthers pick this thread up, keen to hear what everyone thinks.

2W

LE haven't given up. Major Crimes were back at the property after the search was called off.

 

[packetgravy]

Yes on going back and reading some articles, Daniel disappeared in winter when it was cold.
He was found near a limestone wall under the house.
The coldness of the weather and the limestone wall combined to help prevent odours.

Ahh makes sense, thank you.

 

[packetgravy]

After examining the more recent statements, I do wonder if they have moved toward the “calm surface, active undercurrent” approach.

<modsnip>

MOO

 

[packetgravy]

Yes - and a statement from police to clarify might help reduce speculation “we have identified everyone present at the time of Gus’s disappearance, there were x family members and y staff on the station at the time and they have all assisted with enquiries, have been ruled out as persons of interests and all have participated in the extensive search efforts…”

Depending on the case and available evidence, this may not necessarily be the right approach.

 

[Lucy.D]

<modsnip: Quoted post was removed>

I agree with you wondering about police and the analogy of a duck calmly swimming along with little feet swinging madly below.
There are cases where I have seen that happen and police do get a result and I think they do that because they don't want to frighten a suspect.
Hopefully, it's happening with Gus

 

[packetgravy]

According to the ABC, Gus was last seen around 5 pm near the homestead and police were called about three hours later.

That three hour window just sits with me. I have a four year old myself and even in a crowded playground if I lose sight of her for ten seconds I feel that jolt of panic, that cold rush that something might be wrong. Three minutes feels like forever. Three hours feels unimaginable.

We cannot know how anyone reacts in the moment but as daylight fades and the temperature drops out there calling for help sooner would seem instinctive. Maybe there is context we do not have but it is hard not to focus on that timeline.

IMO I have considered this timeline myself and I agree. I suspect the police were notified shortly after it was discovered Gus was missing. This is just a theory and I would need to watch/listen to the statement from the Grandmother before drawing any conclusions.

Another part that stands out is how police have described Gus. They said he was shy, a good walker, but had never left the family property before. It is a strange combination of traits to then use as the foundation for a theory that he simply wandered off and vanished.

Yes and so we ask ourselves, what is defined as “wandered off.” Does it depend on the individual?

Can this be measured by distance? (For example, can a four year child “wander” off on their own property and what would be the minimum distance?)

Does “wandering” imply the child acted alone or can we assume the possibility of an accomplice?

The language from police has also been noticeably careful. They continue to say they believe Gus wandered off, yet the search has been called off and moved into a recovery phase. When asked about suspicious circumstances they replied “with the evidence available to us at the moment,” which feels like very deliberate wording.

You are right to notice the strategic language from those involved in the investigation. This is deliberate without being deceptive MOO

Police have not called for dashcam footage or public sightings which suggests they are confident he did not leave the property. They have held that line firmly. But after a week of searching with all the tech and manpower they have used it is tough to square that with there being no trace at all.

I agree with the police here, I do not believe the child left the property at all.

This case has really got under my skin. I will probably step back from posting for a bit but that three hour gap and the wording being used just do not sit right with me.

Sorry everyone for the spam, I should have done my replies all in one post but here we are.

 

[HoneyBunOne]

Outside the box, and too obvious not to have been investigated but things do get missed -- how were mail and packages delivered to the property. 5 pm... were they in a regular scheduled route?

Accident. Stowaway. Even an undiscovered stowaway who found himself lost in a completely new area where no one would know to look?

It comes down to the obvious. Either he's still in the area, unfound, or he left the area. This might be one way how.

JMO

I can't speak for all country properties, but my knowledge is this (I'm in Victoria, not South Australia):

- Mail deliveries are only once a day, Monday to Friday. (nearing Christmas there's Saturday mail too) Gus went missing on a Saturday.
-In some country areas, there are groups of mailboxes at a certain point, like a cross road, intersection etc where people further down the road or on smaller roads nearby come to collect their mail.
-Some places are too remote to have a regular delivery service. I believe they would generally collect their mail from a nearby town, whenever they come in for supplies. Based on my knowledge, I doubt this property had a regular mail delivery service.

I understand SAR dogs were used during the initial search.

One would assume that a cadaver dog would be brought in during the 'recovery' phase to scour the area, but I haven't heard any mention of that.

The only cadaver dogs in Australia are in New South Wales and Queensland, not South Australia. That's not to say that SAPOL can't request use of the dogs, much like VicPol did in the ongoing case of SM.

 

[packetgravy]

I agree with you wondering about police and the analogy of a duck calmly swimming along with little feet swinging madly below.
There are cases where I have seen that happen and police do get a result and I think they do that because they don't want to frighten a suspect.
Hopefully, it's happening with Gus

You got it!

All the evidence indicates Gus having NOT left the property (alone, on foot.) Beyond that, it’s almost like he was never outside at all.
IMO the public line of inquiry and investigative procedures may offer up clues on the police’s initial theories.

Something interesting about this case is the delayed release of Gus’s photo (there are of course factors involved that can prevent public release but I suspect this may not be the case here.)

If there are immediate signs of abduction and/or foul play, I wonder if those limitations can be bypassed under policies for missing persons and/or privacy act laws? Particularly if evidence suggests the immediate release could increase the potential of locating an individual and/or prevent serious harm.

MOO

ETA: Found some info that may be of interest:

Guide to the Privacy (Persons Reported as Missing) Rule 2024

A guide for any entity the Australian Privacy Principles covers, and for other entities to understand, and use the Privacy (Persons reported as Missing) Rule 2024

www.oaic.gov.au

Unreasonable or impracticable to obtain consent

An APP entity should be able to point to one or more clear reasons that make it unreasonable or impracticable to obtain an individual’s consent. Relevant considerations may include:

• the potential consequences for the individual associated with any delay to the disclosure of the information to the locating entity. For example, where there is concern for the safety and welfare of the person reported as missing, the urgency of the situation and level of potential threat may require use or disclosure before it is possible to seek consent
• the possible adverse consequences for an individual if their consent is not obtained before the use or disclosure — it may be more difficult for an entity to establish that it was unreasonable or impracticable to obtain the individual’s consent as the risk of adversity increases
• the capacity of the person reported as missing to give consent. For example, it may be unreasonable or impracticable to obtain consent where the person reported as missing is incapable of communicating consent because of their physical state, their psychological state, or their age. Capacity is discussed as part of ‘consent’ in Chapter B (Key concepts) of the OAIC’s APP guidelines.

 

[HoneyBunOne]

According to the ABC, Gus was last seen around 5 pm near the homestead and police were called about three hours later.

That three hour window just sits with me. I have a four year old myself and even in a crowded playground if I lose sight of her for ten seconds I feel that jolt of panic, that cold rush that something might be wrong. Three minutes feels like forever. Three hours feels unimaginable.

We cannot know how anyone reacts in the moment but as daylight fades and the temperature drops out there calling for help sooner would seem instinctive. Maybe there is context we do not have but it is hard not to focus on that timeline.

Another part that stands out is how police have described Gus. They said he was shy, a good walker, but had never left the family property before. It is a strange combination of traits to then use as the foundation for a theory that he simply wandered off and vanished.

The language from police has also been noticeably careful. They continue to say they believe Gus wandered off, yet the search has been called off and moved into a recovery phase. When asked about suspicious circumstances they replied “with the evidence available to us at the moment,” which feels like very deliberate wording.

Police have not called for dashcam footage or public sightings which suggests they are confident he did not leave the property. They have held that line firmly. But after a week of searching with all the tech and manpower they have used it is tough to square that with there being no trace at all.

This case has really got under my skin. I will probably step back from posting for a bit but that three hour gap and the wording being used just do not sit right with me.

I get your concern with the 3 hour thing, but respectfully, losing sight of a child in a crowded playground, and losing sight of a child on an isolated property that's almost a small village in itself, is not the same thing. I get that it's hard to place yourself in the position of waiting 3 hours, but I don't think it's as concerning as you feel it is. All MOO of course.

In any case where a child is missing, I think words have to be chosen carefully. If you try to read between the lines, you might say that him being shy means he wouldn't readily or easily go with someone he didn't know well. Being a good walker suggests he can travel quite a distance for a little kid and wouldn't necessarily be within the initial search area. Saying that he never left the property implies, to me, that although he's a "good walker" he had never walked so far as to get to the property boundary and leave. MOO. Carefully selected words by police? Possibly, or just a few short statements to address a few key issues the wider public seems to have.

Even if it's a case of having wandered off, there comes a time that you have to start thinking it IS a recovery mission. A 4 year old boy on his own in the outback, will likely succumb to his surroundings, given that it's highly unlikely he has access to food or water. Sadly, they can't have full resources on site, day after day, when it's likely Gus is no longer with us.

 

[BreakingNews]

That's also my feeling and somewhat explains the 3 hour wait to call LE. MOO

But did they wait 3 hours to call? I have seen that LE arrived at 8.30 & 9.30 in msm. It would have taken quite awhile for them to get out there.

 

[packetgravy]

I get your concern with the 3 hour thing, but respectfully, losing sight of a child in a crowded playground, and losing sight of a child on an isolated property that's almost a small village in itself, is not the same thing. I get that it's hard to place yourself in the position of waiting 3 hours, but I don't think it's as concerning as you feel it is. All MOO of course.

You’re right, losing a child in a populated area is absolutely not the same as losing a child in the outback. A child lost in an isolated area is IMO at greater risk.

This comes down to factors such as:
- limited visibility
- delayed emergency response times
- environmental hazards
- terrain
- lack of resources

The unique challenges and risks associated with isolated areas suggests a missing child may be at greater risk (when compared to urban areas.) Its crucial these factors are considered and assessed promptly in the event of a missing persons.

Considering the time of day (17:30) and limited daylight, I feel it was crucial a report was filed MUCH sooner for Gus.

MOO

 

[LadyL]

I call this little guy Gus Gus in my head when I think about him
and I think of him often throughout the days
nothing could be worse for those who love him than the decision to transition to recovery process JMO
I'm glad there seems to be good community support for them