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

[LadyL]

She sounds really scared.

TikTok - Make Your Day

Her voice is very small and childlike in comparison with Josie's booming voice.

You can call her a snake but she's a woman, she looks kind of small in her Tik Tok videos and she's a human being sent on assignment interstate to Yunta.

Presumably she's away from her own support network, and I can imagine she's feeling quite alone.

We all deserve to go to work and come home safely. I feel also for her family who may have watched the gun interaction on the tele News.

She says that she is a mum, and she feels sympathy. Her own kids must be worried about her.

Every action has a reaction. What's going to be the repercussions for this journalist in her daily life from what she's experienced at work on that day? What if she develops PTSD or an anxiety disorder from this??

And who is going to independently tell the public what's going on with this case if we don't have independent media reporting??

Shall we get all our media updates from SAPOL?

So do they now get to control the message or this story? And why?

she can report from down the road or the field she moved to after leaving, like the other media outlets ... if she develops an anxiety disorder, it's her own fault for trespassing knowing they do not want media on the property ... she has her camera person for support

 

[Bats]

I’ve been critical at times throughout this case, but I’ve also tried to think through the “why” behind things rather than just reacting to each moment. The reporter going out there, whether people liked it or not, did show us something real. Emotions on that property are clearly intense, and Josie’s reaction showed how quickly things can escalate under stress. That isn’t speculation, we all saw it play out.

What stood out just as much was the police reaction. They didn’t treat it like a straightforward trespass situation. Their tone was more along the lines of “this has made our job harder.” To me, that suggests they’re actively trying to maintain a workable relationship with the household and avoid shutting down comms or access. When someone reacts strongly to pressure, police may think cooperation only continues if things stay stable and non-confrontational.

Seen that way, the visit didn’t “show nothing.” It gave insight into temperament and stress response, and probably interrupted whatever rapport-building approach police have going. It might also explain why the family has stayed away from the spotlight. If public pressure sparks that kind of reaction, staying out of view is a strategy in itself.

So yeah, people can dislike the outlet or how it was done, that’s fine. But it still provided context, and the police response makes more sense if you assume they’re trying to keep lines of communication open rather than close them.

In fairness, the Police have always said the family have been co-operating and that they are investigating all avenues in response to Gus's disappearance.

The public don't owe any gratitude to the silly reporter and media outlet for testing how far the rubber band can be stretched.

JMO

 

[LadyL]

Can we all please be done with the DM story about the unlawful scare tactics that Joshe deliberately used to scare trespassers away? And get back to trying to find lil Gus? We finally all see how much anger his grandparent has & what will happen if confronted by anyone wanting to help. These people are very private people who don’t want help as I see it. I say let them be to deal with this all on their own. You can’t help people who don’t want help. Where are you lil guy? I’m praying for you & will continue to until ur found. God Speed

any normal person would be outraged at the disgusting media people trespassing on their property - they aren't 'wanting to help', they're hoping to exploit - of course Josie is angry - the family never said they don't want help! just because they don't want to be harassed by media or random strangers doesn't mean they don't want help

 

[drsleuth]

<modsnip: Quoted post was removed due to no link>

Wasn't she hanging around there again on Friday, when the Dam was being searched??

 

[spiritualdreaming]

So just wondering if media are not allowed on the property and have been clearly told to stay away. Then is all the footage they got all from drone footage??

In this ABC video it looks like media were right near the dam

Then in this video with Jonica she clearly says they are following the convoy up to the homestead

So if media were on the property at the dam, then why did SAPOL not move them along

 

[drsleuth]

Yes I agree that police are trying to keep the relationship positive I think, as much as possible between the family and the police.

But there might be something more to it....

Imo

Or not.

 

[LadyL]

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7567115384269147410

<modsnip: Discussion of 'comments' is not allowed>

so now she's playing the victim
just go away lady

 

[drsleuth]

So just wondering if media are not allowed on the property and have been clearly told to stay away. Then is all the footage they got all from drone footage??

In this ABC video it looks like media were right near the dam

Then in this video with Jonica she clearly says they are following the convoy up to the homestead

So if media were on the property at the dam, then why did SAPOL not move them along

I think Media maybe able to be on the property when searches are happening , if they have gone thru the correct channels etc?

Don't think DM were on that list IMO

 

[drsleuth]

That's kinda funny, knowing they read this site, considering how many posts there are on here trashing their publication (but praising their photos!!) Somehow I'm sure they're not in the least bit bothered!

Great journalism in this article

Just posting comments from SM & re hashing previous articles.

 

[jepop]

so now she's playing the victim
just go away lady

It's become all about her, lol. And all about the DM. Well done Ms Bray. Actions speak louder than words and all you've succeeded in doing is to take the focus away from what's important and stirr up online vitriol against the victims and the extremely hard working, dedicated SAPOL. Bravo Maaam and Bravo to your employer!

I'm not wasting another word on this Daily Mail created drama. It's only fuelling the BS( Moo,). Recognising this is just my personal view at this point. Jmo

 

[drsleuth]

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7567884258069450002

Bit misleading saying the gun was pointed at you Jonica IMO

Clearly you've taken stills from the video , making out the gun was pointed at you , when it was being raised in the air & again lowered.

 

[jepop]

I see what you mean. As you have said and also my opinion, I think that if the Police stated, "we are invistigating if there had been any foul play" then they are basically pointing the finger at the family. I'd doubt we'd hear the Police say that type of thing in a media conference in this particulartype of situation. They would likely update the public in a very general way rather than verbalising "foul play" may be involved.

Equally, I don't think they'd state "we don't suspect foul play" if in fact they were in the middle of investigating evidence that did suggest foul play.

The Police are normally very careful with their language in these types of situations.

Whilst they have said they don't suspect foul play, they have also said they are investigating all avenues. To me, this says they currently have nothing to suspect foul play. Or at least as from the last time they stated that. In order to not suspect foul play, they'd have checked all the normal channels.

JMO

ABC journos have been doing a good job since day 1. I'll just post one article here but at the bottom are links to further pieces. I've been privately following their news and for anyone interested, you can read these and see it's reported that major crime scene officers have been involved since the early days as a matter of protocol.

I have no idea why anyone would assume that SAPOL and Task Force Horizon are not doing police 101 from the onset.

What we know about search for missing boy on sheep station

Authorities are searching for a missing four-year-old boy on a sheep grazing station in the mid-north of South Australia. Here's what we know about the search so far.

www.abc.net.au

Above is a good summary of the day by day SAPOL investigation. Includes reference to crime scene detectives being on the scene and doing due diligence. I think it's safe to assume family were questioned and angles with neighbours etc have been followed up appropriately. Moo

 

[drsleuth]

ABC journos have been doing a good job since day 1. I'll just post one article here but at the bottom are links to further pieces. I've been privately following their news and for anyone interested, you can read these and see it's reported that major crime scene officers have been involved since the early days as a matter of protocol.

I have no idea why anyone would assume that SAPOL and Task Force Horizon are not doing police 101 from the onset.

What we know about search for missing boy on sheep station

Authorities are searching for a missing four-year-old boy on a sheep grazing station in the mid-north of South Australia. Here's what we know about the search so far.

www.abc.net.au

Above is a good summary of the day by day SAPOL investigation. Includes reference to crime scene detectives being on the scene and doing due diligence. I think it's safe to assume family were questioned and angles with neighbours etc have been followed up appropriately. Moo

Police phone lines 'inundated'​

Assistant Commissioner Parrott said speculation and theories online from "keyboard detectives" about Gus's disappearance were not welcome and were hurtful to the family.

"Can I just remind people that it's not helpful, it’s not appropriate to speculate in these circumstances," he said.

"It becomes incredibly traumatic and upsetting … particularly in circumstances where you don't necessarily know the answers."

It comes as police say their phone lines are being tied up with unwelcome speculation about the fate of the missing boy.

Police scale back search for missing 4yo boy Gus in outback SA

South Australian Police are scaling back the search for a four-year-old boy, who disappeared in the state’s mid-north almost a week ago.

www.abc.net.au

 

[Bats]

ABC journos have been doing a good job since day 1. I'll just post one article here but at the bottom are links to further pieces. I've been privately following their news and for anyone interested, you can read these and see it's reported that major crime scene officers have been involved since the early days as a matter of protocol.

I have no idea why anyone would assume that SAPOL and Task Force Horizon are not doing police 101 from the onset.

What we know about search for missing boy on sheep station

Authorities are searching for a missing four-year-old boy on a sheep grazing station in the mid-north of South Australia. Here's what we know about the search so far.

www.abc.net.au

Above is a good summary of the day by day SAPOL investigation. Includes reference to crime scene detectives being on the scene and doing due diligence. I think it's safe to assume family were questioned and angles with neighbours etc have been followed up appropriately. Moo

Yes agreed @jepop
Really good article outlining the simple facts.

Also notable, is the mention of support from the local community. In my opinion, it says a lot.

I too have no idea why anyone would think SAPOL wouldn't be going through all the normal investigative procedures and due diligence.

In my opinion, you can read a lot from the language the Police present to the media. I am not getting anything sinister but displaying caution not to rule out all possibilities.

IMO

 

[HoneyBunOne]

Interested as to how this may work if the occupier had previously asked someone to leave and the Police are reiterating and relaying what the occupier has asked on many occasions in the weeks earlier?

I imagine they would have erected "no trespassing" signs by now. I know I would have.
MOO

 

[Ellery84]

she can report from down the road or the field she moved to after leaving, like the other media outlets ... if she develops an anxiety disorder, it's her own fault for trespassing knowing they do not want media on the property ... she has her camera person for support

What??

That's so harsh.

TikTok - Make Your Day

This is Jonica Bray's video showing the gun was pointed at her.

 

[Ellery84]

So just wondering if media are not allowed on the property and have been clearly told to stay away. Then is all the footage they got all from drone footage??

In this ABC video it looks like media were right near the dam

Then in this video with Jonica she clearly says they are following the convoy up to the homestead

So if media were on the property at the dam, then why did SAPOL not move them along

Who knows?

I'm surprised their drone didn't get shot down.

 

[BreakingNews]

Why was she 'shocked and shaken'. She knew she wasn't supposed to be there. So annoying. As Josie said, Get Out! Stop trying to exploit this poor family.

So it appears that the reporter returned the next day behind the convoy. What doesn't she understand about staying away from the property. She obviously wasn't too frightened if she returned the next day.

 

[jepop]

So just wondering if media are not allowed on the property and have been clearly told to stay away. Then is all the footage they got all from drone footage??

In this ABC video it looks like media were right near the dam

Then in this video with Jonica she clearly says they are following the convoy up to the homestead

So if media were on the property at the dam, then why did SAPOL not move them along

No sign of missing 4yo after dam drained, SA police say

Police say "nothing of significance" was found after a dam was drained on Friday in a search for missing four-year-old Gus that was undertaken "out of an abundance of caution".

www.abc.net.au

The photos from the 30th Oct dam drain in report above are clearly marked as supplied by SAPOL. I assume it's the same for the video taken on that date. It should be specified on the site if anyone wants to confirm. Jmo

"SA Police with the assistance of the SES have drained and searched a dam on a property in the state's mid-north. (Supplied: SA Police)"

( Caption from photo).

Moo a decision was made not to have the media present en-masse around the dam draining event, which makes sense in the event that a body was recovered and the location being very close to the homestead where the residents were perhaps anxiously waiting. Jmo

'No evidence' during new Gus search, as police announce taskforce

As SA Police and the Australian Defence Force resume their search for missing four-year-old Gus in South Australia's arid mid-north, authorities have announced a new taskforce.

www.abc.net.au

During a search of the property in mid- Oct an ABC reporter describes journalists being escorted to a staging area.

From above report.

"ABC reporter Genevieve Blandin de Chalain arrived at the property on Tuesday morning, which she said appeared "incredibly dry" with "challenging" terrain.

"From afar the ground looks deceivingly flat but it is uneven and covered with dry shrubbery and trees," she said.

"All the vehicles have had to battle difficult obstacles of sandy roads and unreliable dirt tracks.

"The drive into the staging area on the property is almost one hour from the Yunta township itself and completely on unsealed road."

ETA, Imo SAPOL would have documented the dam draining in detail via stills and video.

ETA x2 From ABC report re dam drain

"ABC reporter George Yankovich said police vehicles could be seen moving into the property from Thursday afternoon in preparation for the drainage of the dam."

So if you read the report it's apparent that Police updated the media about the results afterwards. The ABC reporter would have been reporting from the public road as some vehicles turned onto the property on the Thursday in prep for the next day. Moo

Sounds like Bray may have followed some time after those vehicles ,(who were probably setting up away at the dam,) rather than respectfully remain on public land. Moo the media were not invited to attend the dam drain. And this was on the Thursday. Moo

 

[jepop]

So it appears that the reporter returned the next day behind the convoy. What doesn't she understand about staying away from the property. She obviously wasn't too frightened if she returned the next day.

I think she was there the day before and tried to gaslight Josie and Shannon by saying she was just following the convey. As if she had special permission. It's BS of course. I just posted about how ,moo, no media was invited to be present at the draining of the dam. But according to the ABC, some official vehicles went up to the dam on Thurs arvo in prep for the drain on the Friday. Bray was there on the Thursday and can be heard disingenously using them as an excuse. Jmo

I was to move on from this but I had not realised the sneakiness factor was that bad. It was news to me.Moo