Tasmania Police is highlighting National Missing Persons Week (NMPW) which started on Sunday 3 August.

The week, coordinated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), this year focuses on the link between missing people and dementia.

There are 157 long term missing people in Tasmania, dating back to 1955.

Most people are located within a couple of days of going missing.

Last year 110 people went missing in Tasmania, five were not located.

Dementia sufferer Nick Sallese went missing in his car from Sheffield in November 2008.

While his family accept he is most likely deceased, they remain hopeful of locating him.

Tasmania Police spokeswoman for NMPW, Senior Constable Natalie McIntee said:

“Dementia is often a factor when people go missing, especially when older people go missing.

“The sooner a person is reported missing the better chance we have of locating them.

“It’s definitely not the case that you should wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing. As soon as you have concerns for their safety you should report it.”

In Tasmania around 6% of people reported missing are aged over 65. The rate of moderate to severe dementia in Australia is one in 15 over the age of 65.

Mental health is also often a factor when people go missing and was the theme of last year’s NMPW.

People reported missing in Tasmania:

• 2008/09: 175 – Not located: 3
• 2009/10: 165 – Not located: 2
• 2010/11: 155 – Not located: 4
• 2011/12: 129 – Not located: 8
• 2012/13: 110 – Not located: 4
• 2013/14: 110 – Not located: 5

To view a list of people missing in Tasmania go to the Missing Persons website.

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Nicola SALLESE

Sheffield man Nicola (Nick) Sallese has not been seen since 17 November 2008. Mr Sallese is believed to have been travelling in his silver Toyota Camry sedan FH2973. This vehicle has accident damage to the vehicle’s left hand side and is displaying a small ‘nodding’ brown dog on the rear parcel shelf.

Whilst Mr Sallese was known to frequent the areas around Sheffield, and Devonport, possible sightings were reported all over Tasmania. It is also believed that Mr Sallese may have attempted to drive to Launceston or Hobart for personal reasons.

Mr Sallese was born in 1939 and is described as approximately 150 cms tall, of stocky build with closely cropped white hair. The top of his head is bald and he has a well maintained white moustache. Mr Sallese is of Italian decent and has an accent. Mr Sallese was most likely wearing a blue driving cap and a green jumper.

Mr Sallese’s family continue to hope that he will one day be found and they can know what happened to their beloved father and grandfather.

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Zedric WOOLLEY

Zedric Woolley of Franklin was last seen on 8 April 2012 in Huonville. He was aged 81 at the time. His vehicle, a blue 2011 Hyundai hatch back was found on a bush track between Lightwood Creek Road and Watsons Road on 14 April 2012.

He is described as 175 cm tall, of medium build with grey hair.

His family would like any opportunity to promote his case in the hope of further information coming to light about his disappearance.

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Christopher WATKINS 

Christopher Watkins was last seen on 7 August 2013 in the Mayfield area aged 28.

He is described as 170cm tall, of medium build with blue eyes and a shaven head.

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Matthias LEHMANN

Matthias Lehmann was last seen in Devonport, Tasmania on 5 August 2012. He is believed to have boarded the Spirit of Tasmania. He frequently traveled between Tasmania and Victoria. Grave concerns are held for his welfare.

• Last seen: Sunday, 05 August 2012
• Year of birth:1974
• Height:178 cm
• Build: Slim
• Eyes: Blue
• Hair: Close cropped/shaven
• Complexion: Fair

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Rachel FUNARI

Rachel Funari, a 36 year old American tourist was last seen around 10pm on 3 March 2011 at Bruny Island, Tasmania. Grave concerns are held for her welfare.

• Last seen: Thursday, 03 March 2011
• Year of birth: 1975
• Height: 165 cm
• Build: Medium
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Long Brown Curly
• Complexion: Fair
• Gender: Female