A sea of red and blue was seen walking down Dean Street on Saturday morning as Albury put its support behind the search for missing toddler, William Tyrrell.
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About 80 people, made up mainly of local families, took part in the Walk 4 William event and made their way from QEII square along Dean Street, to the Albury Botanic Gardens, before finishing at Hovell Tree Park for a sausage sizzle.
The three-year-old boy disappeared from the front yard of his home in Kendall, NSW, on September 12, 2014 and police are yet to find out what happened.
The Albury walk was one of many held simultaneously around the country to encourage anyone with information on the disappearance to come forward.
Local organiser Julie Fenton-Smith said the group wore red and blue as a nod to William’s favourite superhero Spider-Man, who he was dressed as when he disappeared.
“Lots of the kids were dressed up – we had some Spider-Men and Spider-Girls,” she said.
“Even going down, there were people in their cars giving us a beep and a wave, so we felt supported.”
The group also signed a book with messages of hope and support, which will be sent to the Tyrrell family.
“They know all of Australia is behind them,” Ms Fenton-Smith said.
“It’s an awareness not just for women, but for all families that this could happen to you.”
The gathering after the walk gave the group a chance to discuss issues of community safety within the Albury community, with police providing flyers on issues of stranger danger and cyber safety.
Ms Fenton-Smith said the families at the event included children aged from babies to teenagers and it was worth a “gentle nudge” to get everyone thinking about being safe.
She said the mood was more sombre than at some of the other walks that featured activities such as jumping castles.
“I didn’t want it to be a celebration sort of thing,” she said about the Walk 4 William event.
“It was just about being grateful that you’ve got your kids.
“Give them a big hug.”
The police investigation into the boy’s disappearance continues with the hope he is still alive and authorities have called for any new information.
Reports can be made anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.