URGENT SEARCH FOR MISSING 73-YEAR-OLD GRANDMOTHER WITH DEMENTIA AS FAMILY MAKES HEARTBREAKING PLEA

Janet Knight disappeared from her Melbourne home during severe weather, leaving behind her phone, wallet and other belongings. Police and her family are increasingly concerned for her safety as the search continues.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — An urgent search is underway for a 73-year-old grandmother who disappeared from her home during stormy weather, prompting a desperate appeal from her family and growing concerns from police.

Janet Knight was last seen leaving her home on Steele Creek Drive in Keilor East shortly before 7am on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

The grandmother lives with dementia, and authorities are concerned about her welfare after she left without her mobile phone, wallet or other belongings.

As cold, wet and windy conditions swept through Melbourne, police and her loved ones appealed to the public to help bring her home safely.

LAST SEEN WALKING TOWARDS NIDDRIE

CCTV footage reportedly captured Janet leaving her home at approximately 6.57am.

She was later seen walking along Hoffmans Road towards Keilor Road in Niddrie at around 7.38am.

Police believe she may have travelled towards the Steele Creek Trail, a route she is known to frequent on her walks towards Maribyrnong.

Janet is described as approximately 170 centimetres tall, with a slim build and short strawberry-blonde hair.

When she disappeared, she was wearing a black hooded jacket, black pants and a light-blue beanie. She was also carrying a plastic shopping bag.

Authorities have urged residents in Keilor East, Niddrie and surrounding suburbs to remain alert and report any possible sightings.

FAMILY FEARS FOR HER SAFETY

Janet’s disappearance has left her family deeply worried, particularly because leaving home without her usual belongings was described as completely out of character.

Her daughter, Nicole Knight, said her mother would normally take her phone and wallet with her when going for a walk. She would also usually wear her Fitbit.

Instead, family members discovered that these items had been left behind.

Nicole said she last spoke with her mother on Saturday afternoon, when Janet appeared to be in good spirits.

When she later went to the family home and received no response, she realised something was wrong.

The family’s concern has intensified because Janet has a rare, aggressive form of dementia that affects her ability to communicate.

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

This could make it particularly difficult for Janet to explain her situation or ask strangers for assistance if she becomes lost.

‘WE LOVE YOU. YOU CAN COME HOME.’

In an emotional appeal, Nicole urged her mother to seek help from anyone she encounters.

She reminded Janet that her family is waiting for her and that her children and grandchildren love her.

The family is hoping someone may have seen Janet during her walk or captured useful footage on a home security camera or vehicle dashcam.

For her loved ones, every possible sighting could provide an important clue about where she went after leaving home.

POLICE CONCERNED ABOUT COLD AND WET WEATHER

Victoria Police have expressed concern about the conditions Janet may have encountered after disappearing.

Heavy rainfall has raised particular worries about flooded walking tracks near Steele Creek and the Maribyrnong River.

Police are also concerned that Janet may have spent the night exposed to cold, wet and windy weather without adequate shelter.

Officers and emergency services have been searching areas around Niddrie and nearby walking routes as they work to establish her movements.

Residents are being encouraged to check security cameras, while drivers who were in the area after 7.30am on Sunday are being asked to review dashcam footage for anything that might assist investigators.

HOW THE PUBLIC CAN HELP

Anyone who sees Janet should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts or relevant CCTV or dashcam footage can contact Sunshine Police Station on (03) 9313 3333.

Even information that seems minor could help police reconstruct her movements and locate her.

As the search continues, Janet’s family is holding on to hope that she will be found and safely reunited with the people who love her.

Janet is someone’s mother, grandmother and deeply loved family member. Her loved ones are waiting for her to come home, and the community’s help could make a vital difference.