It was her out-of-character absence from work on Wednesday which first alerted those close to Karen Chetcuti that something was wrong.

Wangaratta council’s executive officer Brendan McGrath said staff and administrators were alarmed and concerned by her disappearance.

“Our thoughts are with Karen’s family and friends and the community of Whorouly as a whole at this very difficult time,” he said.

“Karen is in her 20th year at the Rural City of Wangaratta and is very capable and skilled in her role as records coordinator, managing a small team in charge of recording council’s incoming and outgoing correspondence.

“She has an engaging personality and is a well-liked and respected co-worker.”

Ms Chetcuti was well known as being punctual and efficient and was highly regarded within the workplace.

Whorouly residents were also awaiting news of Ms Chetcuti’s welfare on Friday. 

Garry Kneebone, who lives two doors down from her Whorouly Road property, said she was friendly and well liked. 

“Something is really suspicious,” he said. 

“It just seems a bit odd. 

“Time will tell.” 

Ms Chetcuti had moved to the area from Melbourne more than two decades ago with her then husband. 

They ran the town’s hotel before taking jobs with the council.

Both continued to work at the council despite getting a divorce. 

The missing woman had been in a relationship with another man which ended around Christmas time. 

Mr Kneebone said he believed another neighbour had been drinking with Ms Chetcuti at the hotel on Tuesday night, and that both had walked home. 

She was a regular attendee at the hotel. 

Ralph Albace, who lives across the road from Ms Chetcuti’s home, said she was a “really nice girl”. 

“She’d do anything to help anyone,” he said.