THERE are serious concerns for a missing mother and daughter which grow as more time passes.
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Search and rescue crews have been scouring an area between Benalla and Tatong in the search for Isabel Stephens, 89, and her daughter Judy, 53.
The last confirmed sighting of the pair was at Tatong about 1pm on Sunday, but police are investigating possible sightings in Benalla later that day.
Judy has an intellectual disability and is insulin dependent, requiring daily medication.
There are also concerns for her mother given her age.
Senior Sergeant Mark Byers said fears for the pair were growing the longer they were missing.
About 25 to 30 people from a range of agencies were searching the area between Benalla and Tatong during daylight hours on Wednesday.
The search, which has included the airwing, will resume early Thursday.
The pair are thought to have been travelling from Tatong to Benalla in a white Toyota Yaris, registration WAB580.
They are well-known in Benalla and family members on Wednesday said they live “very ordinary lives”.
Senior Sergeant Byers said an incident control centre had been set up to co-ordinate the search, which has focused on the 30-kilometre stretch between the towns.
There has been strong support from members of the public who have passed on possible sightings and information.
“They were together on Sunday afternoon at Tatong, just for a social event,” he said.
“But we’ve had unconfirmed reports post that, which have mostly been between Tatong and Benalla.
“After 1pm, no-one has had any contact with them.”
The last sighting was at The Tatong Tavern and it is unclear where the pair headed after eating lunch.
Isabel’s daughters Helen and Barbie Stephens appealed for information at a press conference on Wednesday.
Senior Sergeant Byers said the community support had been positive.
“Every little bit of information has been helpful,” he said.
“It’s been really valuable.”
But he urged people not to conduct their own searches.
Some of the search area is in rough terrain that can only be accessed using a four-wheel-drive.
People are instead urged to call police directly.
“It’s very out of character for both of them,” Senior Sergeant Byers said.
“At the moment, we’re open to all possibilities.
“There’s no specific focus of the investigation – all avenues of enquiry are being investigated.”
Call (03) 5760 0200 with information.