“WE LOVE YOU. YOU CAN COME HOME” — FAMILY’S DESPERATE PLEA AS GRANDMOTHER, 73, WITH DEMENTIA DISAPPEARS

A family is living through every loved one’s nightmare after 73-year-old Janet Knight vanished during an early-morning walk in Melbourne, Australia. Her children are desperately hoping someone will recognize her and help bring their beloved mother home.

Janet was last seen walking along Hoffmans Road toward Keilor Road in Niddrie at approximately 7:38 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Earlier that morning, CCTV footage captured her leaving her home on Steele Creek Drive in Keilor East at around 6:57 a.m.

Then, she disappeared.

THREE IMPORTANT BELONGINGS LEFT BEHIND

Janet’s family became especially concerned when they discovered that she had left home without her mobile phone, wallet or Fitbit.

Her daughter, Nicole, said this was completely out of character for her mother.

Nicole had last spoken to Janet on Saturday afternoon, around 4 or 5 p.m., and remembered her sounding upbeat.

When she later arrived at the family home and received no response after calling out, she realized something was wrong. She subsequently found her mother’s phone upstairs.

Janet is an experienced walker who knows the local area well. Walking has remained one of her favourite activities despite her diagnosis.

But her family fears that this time, something may have gone seriously wrong.

 A RARE FORM OF DEMENTIA MAKES THE SEARCH MORE WORRYING

Janet has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of dementia that affects her ability to communicate.

Nicole explained that her mother may know exactly what she wants to say but struggle to get the words out.

That difficulty has heightened concerns about whether Janet could explain her situation or ask strangers for assistance if she became lost.

Police have also expressed concern about the cold, wet weather and the possibility that heavy rain had flooded nearby walking tracks and waterways.

 “YOU’VE GOT FAMILY THAT ARE ALL WAITING AND LOVE YOU”

In an emotional public appeal, Nicole sent a heartfelt message directly to her missing mother.

“We love you,” she said.

“You can come home.”

She pleaded with 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.

The words capture the anguish of a family desperate for news, hoping that someone, somewhere, might be able to help.

 HAVE YOU SEEN JANET KNIGHT?

Janet is described as approximately 170 centimetres (5 feet 7 inches) tall, with a slim build and short strawberry-blonde hair.

She was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, black pants and a light-blue beanie. She was also carrying a plastic bag.

She is known to frequent the Steele Creek Trail toward Maribyrnong.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

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

Please share her information responsibly and help reach people who may have been in the area.

For Janet’s family, every moment without answers is painful. Their message remains simple and full of love: Janet, your family is waiting for you. Please come home. 🤍