Terrifying surveillance footage has emerged of a missing mother concentrated on her work for days before mysteriously vanishing without a trace.
Celeste McGain, 40, was last seen at a home in Woodwark, near Airlie Beach in Queensland’s Whitsundays region, on May 25.
Three months earlier, she had moved from northern New South Wales to live with her three sons, aged 18 to 25. She was reportedly in “good spirits” when last seen by her loved ones.
Police on Thursday renewed their appeal for information on her whereabouts and are currently investigating whether she attempted to hitchhike around the time she disappeared.
They also released new CCTV footage showing Ms McGain working at a recruitment agency in nearby Cannonvale on May 7.
Surveillance footage showed Ms McGain sitting in a waiting room with a bottle of water in her hands.
She was also filmed rubbing her eyes and forehead with both hands and then taking a sip of water.
She appeared to be staring into space with concentration, then stood up and walked over to a bookshelf to grab a newspaper and read.
Police have released CCTV footage of Ms McGain (pictured) taken on May 7 at a recruitment agency in Cannonvale in the Whitsundays region of North Queensland.
Mrs McGain (pictured) was reported missing on June 1 after her concerned family spent a week trying to contact her and trace her whereabouts, without success.
Mrs. McGain sat back down and glanced briefly at the front page. Then she put the newspaper back on the shelf and greeted someone standing out of sight with a half smile.
She was reported missing on June 1 after her concerned family spent a week trying to contact her and locate her whereabouts, without success.
On the day of her disappearance, she left behind personal belongings, including her phone and bank card.
Police officers suspect that Celeste was trying to hitchhike.
They are appealing for anyone who may have seen a small, green, ‘beach-like’ 4WD vehicle near Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale, between May 25 and June 1 to come forward.
If you have picked up a hitchhiker, or if you have CCTV footage or CCTV footage of the area, you are urgently requested to contact the police.
Queensland Police first launched a public appeal over Ms McGain’s disappearance last month.
“As Celeste has had no contact with any family members, this obviously raises concerns for her welfare as it is not in her character,” said Acting Detective Constable Georgie Carland.
We are concerned about Celeste’s access to basic necessities [including] food, water…with regard to her well-being.’
Ms McGain (pictured) is described as white, approximately 175cm tall with brown eyes and brown, curly hair. Pictured: CCTV footage from an employment agency in Cannonvale in the Whitsundays region of North Queensland on May 7
‘Celeste leads a relatively private life and has been known to travel without informing family members, which presents additional challenges.’
Detective Sergeant Carland made a desperate appeal to Mrs McGain on behalf of her sister Kate.
“We ask that as you watch this film, you reach out to your family in whatever way you feel comfortable,” she said.
‘I recently spoke to your sister Kate and she described you as a very kind and outgoing person.’
“She’s really worried, just like your sons.”
Ms McGain is described as white, 5ft 9in tall, with brown eyes and brown, curly hair.
She was last seen wearing a blue skirt and a white shirt.
Anyone with information regarding Mrs McGain’s disappearance is urged to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.