The family of missing 42-year-old Stephanie Cordery have spoken publicly for the first time, appealing for information 26 days after she vanished in northern New South Wales. Ms Cordery was last seen on 5 August driving from temporary accommodation in Ballina towards her boyfriend's remote property, with her car tracked through Lismore and Nimbin, before her boyfriend later found the vehicle on his land with no sign of her nearby. Her disappearance has triggered an extensive police search and left her family unable to grieve while they wait for answers.

Her handbag, wallet and keys were found inside the car, while her phone had been left behind at the Ballina accommodation, details her sister Monique described as "very strange". NSW Police led a 13-day search involving Police Rescue, the Dog Unit, SES and RFS, including divers checking nearby dams on 26 August, but this has now been suspended after finding no trace of her, while relatives have separately searched 60km of bushland themselves. Police hold serious concerns for her welfare due to a medical condition requiring medication, and have urged anyone with information, even anonymously, to contact them or Crime Stoppers.