Husband of Missing Mother Samantha Murphy ‘Deeply Disappointed’ After Major New Search Called Off Without Findings

BALLARAT, VICTORIA — Hopes for a breakthrough in the disappearance of Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy faded again on Wednesday afternoon, after a large-scale police search failed to uncover her remains. The renewed operation — described by authorities as “significant” and based on fresh intelligence — was suspended at 2.30pm, leaving Samantha’s family once again without the answers they desperately seek.

Her husband, Mick Murphy, who was briefly seen at the search zone before returning home, later told 7NEWS he was deeply disappointed by the outcome and pleaded for anyone with information to come forward.

“Please — anything that helps us find her,” he urged, as the emotional toll of three months of uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on the Murphy family.

A New Search, New Hope — and Another Painful Setback

Police descended on Buninyong Bushland Reserve, south of Ballarat, early Wednesday morning, focusing on dense forestland surrounding Sandys Hill Road. The reserve, known for its thick vegetation, steep gradients, and difficult access paths, has previously been flagged as an area of interest during earlier phases of the investigation.

This latest search was prompted by what police described as “intelligence derived from a number of sources.” While authorities declined to reveal specifics, the decision to deploy specialist units indicated a lead they considered credible enough to warrant immediate action.

It was the first major coordinated operation since police conducted renewed searches in the Enfield area earlier this year, and community expectations were high.

Large-Scale Operation Quickly Mobilised

More than a dozen police vehicles were stationed at Royal Park, which served as the command and coordination hub for the effort. Officers deployed sniffer dogs, motorbikes, and specialist search teams trained for rugged terrain. Their objective was to comb hard-to-reach sections of bushland, where dense foliage and uneven ground made the search slow and physically demanding.

The operation extended across walking tracks, shallow gullies, and thick undergrowth as search crews meticulously scanned the area for any trace of the missing mother-of-three. Police closed off several sections of reserve track, requesting the public remain clear of the zone to avoid disrupting the operation or compromising potential evidence.

By midday, search teams had expanded their sweep, but no discoveries were reported.

At 2.30pm, officers began to regroup, and shortly after, the search was officially suspended. Victoria Police said the area had been thoroughly examined but yielded “no remains or items of evidentiary significance.”

Mick Murphy Watches, Hopes — and Waits for Answers

Samantha’s husband Mick arrived at the search site briefly, quietly observing the activity before departing. It was yet another difficult day in what has become an excruciating, open-ended ordeal for the family.

Following news the search had been called off, Mick spoke to 7NEWS, expressing his disappointment but also his gratitude for police efforts.

“It’s hard … very hard,” he said, describing the emotional weight of watching officers comb yet another area without success. He reiterated his hope that someone, somewhere, might hold information that could finally bring Samantha home.

“Please, if anyone knows anything — anything at all — we need to find her,” he said. His plea reflects the deepening urgency felt by both the family and the wider community, as the question of Samantha’s whereabouts remains unanswered more than three months after she vanished.

A Case That Grips the Community

The disappearance of 51-year-old Samantha Murphy has become one of Victoria’s most closely followed investigations, drawing extensive volunteer involvement, public appeals, and ongoing media attention. Samantha was reported missing earlier this year after failing to return from a routine morning run. Multiple large-scale search efforts have taken place since, spanning forests, reserves, farmland, and water bodies around Ballarat.

Dozens of SES volunteers, forensic experts, mounted police, and specialist taskforces have contributed to the search — yet despite enormous resources and public support, her body has not been found.

The emotional hardship for the Murphy family has been compounded by the prolonged lack of closure. Still, they attend every court hearing, respond to every update, and continue to publicly support investigative efforts. For Mick, searching has become a daily ritual — often walking through bushland or driving rural roads — a way to cope and to remain active in the fight for answers.

Police Remain Committed to the Investigation

Victoria Police emphasised on Wednesday that the suspension of the search does not mean the investigation is winding down. Officers continue to assess new information, analyse evidence, and pursue leads. A spokesperson reiterated that detectives remain committed to uncovering the truth about Samantha’s disappearance.

“The investigation remains active. Any credible information will be thoroughly followed up,” the spokesperson said.

A Plea That Continues

As the sun set over Buninyong on Wednesday evening, the reserve returned to its quiet state — but for the Murphy family, the silence remains torturous.

Mick’s message was clear:

“We just want her found.”

Police continue to urge anyone with information — no matter how small — to contact Crime Stoppers.