“MUM, PLEASE COME HOME” — DESPERATE SEARCH FOR MISSING 73-YEAR-OLD GRANDMOTHER WITH DEMENTIA

Janet Knight disappeared during an early-morning walk in Melbourne, leaving behind her phone, wallet and Fitbit. As cold, wet weather raises concerns for her safety, her family is pleading for anyone with information to help bring her home.

An Early-Morning Walk Ends in Mystery

An urgent search is underway for 73-year-old Janet Knight, who disappeared after leaving her home in Keilor East, Melbourne, on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

According to Victoria Police, Janet was last seen leaving her residence on Steele Creek Drive shortly before 7 a.m. CCTV footage later captured her walking along Hoffmans Road towards Keilor Road in nearby Niddrie at approximately 7:38 a.m.

Since that sighting, her whereabouts have remained unknown in the latest reports available.

Police and her family are increasingly concerned for her safety, particularly because Janet lives with dementia and may have difficulty communicating with people she encounters.

She Left Behind Her Phone, Wallet and Fitbit

Janet’s family became especially worried when they discovered that she had gone out without several belongings she would normally take with her.

Her mobile phone, wallet and Fitbit were all left behind — something her daughter, Nicole, described as highly unusual.

Nicole had last spoken to her mother on Saturday afternoon, when Janet appeared to be in good spirits. When Nicole later arrived at the family home and could not find her, she realized something was wrong.

The missing belongings added to the family’s fears that Janet may not have been prepared for a long walk or an unexpected situation.

Despite her diagnosis, Janet is an active walker who knows the local area well. One of her familiar routes is the Steele Creek Trail towards Maribyrnong.

A Condition That Could Make Asking for Help Difficult

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 what she wants to say but struggle to find the words to express herself. This has heightened concerns about whether Janet would be able to explain her situation or ask a stranger for assistance if she became lost.

Police have also raised concerns about the cold, wet and windy conditions. Heavy rainfall could have affected walking tracks and waterways near the routes Janet is known to frequent.

Authorities are urging people in the surrounding suburbs to remain alert and report any possible sightings.

“We Love You. You Can Come Home.”

As the search continues, Janet’s family has made an emotional appeal directly to their missing mother.

“We love you,” Nicole 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.

The message reflects the anguish of a family left without answers, hoping that someone might recognize Janet or remember seeing her during the morning she disappeared.

For Nicole and her brother Chris, every potential sighting could offer a crucial lead in the search for their mother.

Have You Seen Janet Knight?

Victoria Police describes Janet 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
• A light-blue beanie

She was also carrying a plastic shopping bag.

Police are asking residents in Keilor East, Niddrie and surrounding areas to check CCTV and dashcam footage that may help establish where Janet went after her last confirmed sighting.

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

A Family Waiting for Her Return

For Janet’s loved ones, this is more than a missing-person investigation. It is an agonizing wait for a mother and grandmother whose absence has left her family deeply worried.

They are hoping that someone who was out walking, driving through the area or reviewing security footage may have noticed something that could help police locate her.

As the search continues, their message remains simple and heartfelt: Janet is loved, her family is waiting, and they want her home safely.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Victoria Police without delay.