Renewed Appeal to Locate Missing Lake Macquarie Man

newy.com.au – Authorities are intensifying efforts to locate 35-year-old Andrew Dumbrell, who has been missing from the Lake Macquarie area since 14 January 2025. Andrew was last seen around 9:00am near the intersection of Lorna and Edith Streets in Waratah on this day. Concerns for his well-being are heightened due to his medical conditions, which necessitate regular medication.​

Andrew is described as being of Caucasian descent, standing between 165cm and 170cm tall, with a medium build, grey hair, and brown eyes. CCTV footage from the day of his disappearance shows him wearing a black tank top with a white logo, dark shorts, and no footwear. He is known to utilise public transport and frequent areas such as Windale, Warners Bay, Charlestown, and Belmont.​

Investigations reveal that Andrew left a hospital in Waratah before travelling towards Warners Bay. His presumed route includes Edith Street Waratah, Lambton Road Waratah, Griffiths Road Lambton, Newcastle Road Lambton, Croudace Street Lambton, Lookout Road New Lambton Heights, Newcastle Inner City Bypass, Hillsborough Road Hillsborough, and Hillsborough Road Warners Bay. The last known sighting places him near Hillsborough Road and Macquarie Road in Warners Bay.​

Family members have expressed frustration regarding the circumstances of his disappearance. Angela Jackson, Andrew’s mother, told the ABC that she had requested the hospital to delay his discharge until she could collect him, a request she claims was acknowledged but not honoured. She said Andrew was discharged without shoes, money, or means of communication, and was directed towards a bus stop. Angela also said, “He had nothing, not even a drink, no shoes, no money, just him and his clothes.” ​

A search operation conducted on 21 February 2025, involving NSW Police and the State Emergency Service, focused on bushland in Warners Bay but did not yield any significant findings. ​

Detectives are appealing to the public for any CCTV or dashcam footage from the specified route between 14 and 15 January 2025. Individuals with pertinent information are urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.