Search for Missing Four-Year-Old Gus Enters Third Day as Police “Throw Everything” Into Outback Hunt

An extensive search for an “adventurous” four-year-old boy who vanished while playing in the sand on his family’s remote sheep-grazing property has stretched into a third day, with authorities vowing to “throw everything” into the operation.

The boy, known as Gus, disappeared around 5pm on Saturday from the property, located about 40 kilometres south of Yunta in South Australia’s Mid North — a vast and unforgiving stretch of semi-arid terrain marked by scrub, gullies, and open paddocks.

Police, emergency crews, and local volunteers worked through the night under harsh, cold conditions, continuing to scour the property and surrounding land in what has now become one of the state’s largest search operations in recent years.

‘A Community Effort’

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens confirmed on Monday morning that the search had intensified overnight, with more than 100 personnel on the ground, supported by aerial surveillance and specialist teams.

“This is a community effort to see if we can find this little fella,” Mr Stevens said, speaking from Adelaide. “We’ve got police, SES members, volunteers, and locals all pitching in — people from across the state have come to help.”

He said while the property appeared open and relatively easy to search from the air, the reality on the ground was far more complex.

“It is a large property, and on face value, it looks like it would be relatively easy to search, but it is proving challenging,” he said. “There are lots of places a small child might find themselves, which are difficult for us to identify as easily as people may think.”

Police said they believed Gus was still somewhere on the property and that there was no evidence to suggest he had been taken. “There’s no indication of foul play at this stage,” a police spokesperson confirmed.

Helicopters, Drones, and Dogs Join the Search

On Monday morning, the SAPOL helicopter was dispatched to Yunta to provide aerial coverage, mapping the rugged terrain and assisting ground teams. Drones equipped with heat sensors were also deployed to scan hard-to-reach areas, such as dry creek beds, sheds, and old wells.

SES volunteers set up a base camp near the property’s homestead, distributing maps and coordinating the search zones. Local farmers brought in quad bikes and utes to assist, while police divers stood ready to check any water sources if needed.

Superintendent Desmond Brown, who is overseeing the search, described conditions as “tough but hopeful.”
“The land is deceptive,” he said. “You can be a few hundred metres away from someone and not see or hear them because of the terrain. We’re systematically covering every square metre we can.”

He added that searchers were focusing on areas where a small child might seek shelter — such as under shrubs, in creek beds, or inside farm structures — particularly given the dropping night temperatures.

Family ‘Holding Onto Hope’

Family members, described by locals as quiet and hard-working graziers, are said to be “utterly devastated” but remain hopeful. Neighbours have joined the search and are supporting the family with food, fuel, and emotional support.

“They’re beside themselves,” said one local resident who knows the family. “He’s a bright little boy, full of curiosity. The whole town’s praying he’s found soon.”

The area, roughly midway between Peterborough and Broken Hill, is known for its harsh landscape — rocky soils, sparse vegetation, and long distances between properties. Nighttime temperatures in the region dropped below 10 degrees Celsius over the weekend.

Police Urge Calm and Cooperation

Authorities have urged members of the public not to enter the search zone without coordination, to prevent interference with official operations. “We know everyone wants to help,” said Superintendent Brown, “but it’s important that the search remains structured. Every footprint we add could confuse the trail.”

He confirmed that trained trackers and canine units had been brought in, and that all sheds, tanks, and structures on the property had been rechecked.

Commissioner Stevens reiterated that Gus’s image would not be released publicly, saying it would serve “no practical purpose” in the search.
“We believe he is still on the property. There’s no suggestion of abduction or anyone else involved,” he said. “Our priority is finding him — not fuelling speculation.”

A Town United

In Yunta, population barely 70, locals have rallied. The tiny roadhouse has been serving meals around the clock for search teams. Farmers have lent generators, lights, and camping gear. On social media, messages of support have poured in from across the country, with parents expressing solidarity and hope.

“This kind of story hits every family,” one commenter wrote. “Every parent knows that fear — just for a second, losing sight of your child. I can’t imagine what they’re going through.”

The Search Continues

By late Monday afternoon, the operation showed no signs of slowing. Fresh teams rotated in as fatigue set in among volunteers. The SAPOL helicopter continued aerial sweeps, while ground searchers formed grid lines across the property’s outer boundary.

Police say the search will continue “for as long as it takes.”

“Our focus is singular,” Commissioner Stevens said. “We want to bring Gus home safely.”