“MUM, PLEASE COME HOME”: FAMILY’S DESPERATE PLEA AS GRANDMOTHER, 73, WITH DEMENTIA VANISHES IN MELBOURNE

Janet Knight disappeared during an early-morning walk, leaving behind her phone, wallet and Fitbit. Now, her heartbroken family is pleading for help as police search for the missing grandmother.

A family in Melbourne, Australia, is enduring an agonising wait after 73-year-old Janet Knight disappeared without warning, prompting serious concerns for her safety.

Janet was last seen on Sunday morning, October 25, 2026, after leaving her home in Keilor East. Her disappearance has raised particular concern because she lives with a rare and aggressive form of dementia that affects her ability to communicate.

SHE LEFT HOME WITHOUT HER PHONE OR WALLET

CCTV footage reportedly captured Janet leaving her home on Steele Creek Drive at approximately 6:57 a.m.

At around 7:38 a.m., she was seen walking along Hoffmans Road towards Keilor Road in Niddrie.

But when her family realised she was missing, they discovered something deeply worrying: Janet had left behind her mobile phone, wallet and Fitbit — items she would normally take with her.

Her daughter, Nicole, described the disappearance as completely out of character.

Nicole had last spoken to her mother on Saturday afternoon, when Janet appeared to be in good spirits. The following morning, Nicole went to the family home, called out for her mother and received no response.

She subsequently discovered that Janet’s phone had been left upstairs.

A MOTHER WHO MAY STRUGGLE TO ASK FOR HELP

Janet’s dementia has affected her ability to communicate, making the search particularly distressing for her family.

Nicole explained that her mother may know what she wants to say but struggle to find the words to express herself.

Despite her diagnosis, Janet is physically active and loves walking. She regularly explores familiar local routes, including Steele Creek Trail towards Maribyrnong.

Her family fears that, if she becomes lost or needs assistance, she may find it difficult to explain her situation to someone she encounters.

GROWING CONCERNS AS COLD, WET WEATHER HITS

Police have expressed serious concern about Janet’s welfare, particularly because of the cold, wet and windy conditions.

Investigators have also raised concerns about nearby waterways and walking tracks that may have been affected by flooding.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain alert and report any information that could help locate her.

Every passing hour is an anxious one for a family desperate to know that their mother and grandmother is safe.

 “WE LOVE YOU. YOU CAN COME HOME.”

In an emotional appeal, Nicole addressed her missing mother directly, hoping Janet might somehow hear the message.

“We love you,” she said.

“You can come home.”

She urged Janet to approach anyone she encountered and tell them she needed help, reminding her that her children, grandchildren and wider family were waiting for her and loved her.

Nicole and her brother Chris said they were deeply shaken by their mother’s disappearance.

Their message was simple: Janet is loved, she is missed, and her family wants nothing more than to bring her home safely.

🚨 HAVE YOU SEEN JANET KNIGHT?

<text color=”secondary” size=”sm”>Information released by Victoria Police</text>

• Age: 73
• Height: Approximately 170 cm
• Build: Slim
• Hair: Short, strawberry-blonde
• Last seen wearing: A black hooded jacket, black pants and a light-blue beanie
• Carrying: A plastic bag
• Last known locations: Steele Creek Drive, Keilor East, and Hoffmans Road towards Keilor Road, Niddrie

Janet is known to frequent Steele Creek Trail towards Maribyrnong.

Anyone who sees Janet should call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Anyone with information about her whereabouts should contact Sunshine Police Station on (03) 9313 3333.

Please share Janet’s story. Someone may have seen her during their morning walk, noticed her on a nearby street or captured something on a dashcam or security camera. Even a small detail could help investigators.

Janet’s family is waiting, hoping and praying for her safe return. May she be found safe and reunited with the people who love her.