“I JUST WANT MY SON BACK HOME”: MOTHER’S HEARTBREAK AS MASSIVE SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING 17-YEAR-OLD WILLIAM IN AUSTRALIA
WALHALLA EAST, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA — November 10, 2026
A mother is living through every parent’s worst nightmare as the search for her 17-year-old son, William, continues across dense bushland in eastern Victoria.
William disappeared on Friday afternoon, November 6, while camping with a teenage friend near Stoney Creek Road and the T2 Track in Walhalla East, in the Gippsland region.
More than three days later, there is still no confirmed sign of the teenager.
His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, has spoken about her growing fears for her son, explaining that he has Level 2 autism, anxiety and very little experience camping. She said he was unfamiliar with the surrounding area and could struggle to find his way through unfamiliar terrain.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance have made the search especially concerning: William reportedly walked away from the campsite without his mobile phone and was wearing only shorts and work boots.
A SHORT WALK THAT ENDED IN A TERRIFYING DISAPPEARANCE
William had been camping with another teenager for the weekend. The pair had been dropped off near the area before making their way to their campsite.
At some point on Friday afternoon, William walked back toward the drop-off area to collect additional camping equipment and supplies. The journey was expected to take approximately 20 minutes.
But he never returned.
When his friend realized William was missing, he began searching the surrounding area and calling out for him. Despite his efforts, there was no response and no sign of the teenager.
Police believe William may have become disoriented and accidentally walked in the wrong direction through the surrounding bushland.
His mobile phone had been left behind at the campsite, meaning he could not easily contact his family or emergency services for help.
HIS MOTHER’S FEARS: “I JUST WANT HIM BACK HOME”
For Elizabeth, the uncertainty has been unbearable.
She told ABC News that William had little camping experience and was not familiar with the area. Given his autism and anxiety, she fears he may become overwhelmed, frightened or confused if he finds himself lost.
She also worries about the physical conditions he may be facing.
William is described as tall, fit and physically strong, but his mother fears that the cold nights, lack of food and difficult terrain could put his safety at serious risk.
“I can’t sleep knowing I’m safe in bed and warm and he is somewhere out there and he’d be so scared,” she said.
His mother has also expressed the anguish of not knowing whether he is safe or where he might be.
“I just want him back home,” she said.
THE DISCOVERY OF HIS BELONGINGS RAISES MORE QUESTIONS
During the search, rescuers located an esky — a portable cooler — along the track. It reportedly contained food and water that William had been expected to collect.
However, finding the item did not lead searchers to the missing teenager.
Other camping belongings were also believed to be missing, including pillows, a fishing tackle box and a small table.
His family has urged anyone who may have come across these items in the area to contact police, as even a small discovery could help investigators establish which direction William travelled.
POLICE APPEAL TO A COUPLE IN A WHITE 4WD
Investigators are also trying to identify a man and a woman who may have important information about the events of Friday evening.
According to Victoria Police, the pair stopped to assist William’s teenage friend while he was trying to find help.
They were travelling in an older-style white four-wheel-drive ute with a tray and a dark-coloured canopy.
Police believe the vehicle was travelling along Stoney Creek Road between approximately 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on November 6.
Authorities have emphasized that they simply want to speak with the couple because they may be able to provide information that helps clarify the timeline and the search.
A MASSIVE SEARCH OPERATION CONTINUES
Emergency services have deployed extensive resources to locate William.
The operation has involved local police, specialist search-and-rescue officers, police dogs, mounted officers, motorcycle units, drones, helicopters and other emergency personnel.
A command post was established at Cowwarr to coordinate the search.
On Tuesday, November 10, ABC News reported that around 80 emergency service personnel had been involved in the operation. Police said they remained hopeful of finding William and had no plans to scale back the search.
Acting Inspector Jason Benbow described William as a fit and strong teenager, saying authorities were holding on to hope that his physical condition would help him survive until rescuers could reach him.
The surrounding bushland is difficult to search, and cold conditions over the weekend have added to concerns about his welfare.
POLICE URGE ANYONE WITH INFORMATION TO COME FORWARD
Victoria Police are asking anyone who may have seen William, noticed unusual activity near Stoney Creek Road or encountered the missing camping equipment to contact authorities.
Anyone who sees William should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Sale Police Station on (03) 5142 2200.
William’s family is waiting desperately for answers. As search crews continue working through the surrounding bushland, every possible sighting and piece of information could make a difference.
For Elizabeth, the hope remains painfully simple: that her son will be found and brought home safely.
THE SEARCH IS STILL UNDERWAY. A FAMILY IS WAITING. AND EVERY HOUR MATTERS.
