Search for missing 17-year-old continues near Cowwarr and Walhalla

Victoria Police said 17-year-old William from the La Trobe Valley went missing on Friday while camping with his stepbrother in the Walhalla East area. He was last seen around 4 p.m. near Stoney Creek Road, between Cowwarr and Walhalla, close to the T2 Track. Police noted that William was wearing only shorts and work boots and had left his mobile phone, food, water, a tackle box, pillows and a fold-out tabletop at the drop-off site.

Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said additional volunteers would join the search on Tuesday and expressed optimism that William’s fitness would aid his survival. "William’s 17, he’s fit and healthy, he’s quite a tall, strong lad," Benbow said. "So we’re really hanging on to hope that his health will get him through for these days until we can find him."

Police have spoken to the occupants of a white 4WD who provided information and have established a command post in Cowwarr to coordinate the effort. They are asking anyone who was in the Cowwarr, Stoney Creek or lower Thomson River areas on Friday, and who may have dash-cam footage or other details, to contact the Sale police station at (03) 5142 2200 or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.