In search of closure for ‘Pom’s family

• Jon Edmunds with Tony Hage who are preparing for a three day search for missing Scottsdale man Peter Willoughby near Hollybank.

Around 55 people will search a targeted area within Hollybank next week in the hopes of finding the body of missing Scottsdale man Peter Willoughby, more than six months after he disappeared.

The 76-year-old man, affectionately known as Pom, went missing in rugged bush on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

A number of coordinated Police and SES-led searches have failed to find any trace of Mr Willouhby, who had been looking for his car that had become bogged the day earlier.

Another effort is being coordinated by a group of volunteers, including some involved in the successful search for the body of Belgian woman Celine Cremer in Philosopher Falls forest, near Waratah.

Organiser Jon Edmunds said the search effort will start next Friday and run for three days.

“We hope to bring closure for his partner Katrina (Clifford) and the rest of his family and friends,” Mr Edmunds said.

The draftsman by trade has a long history of bushwalking and outdoor experience and wants to put his skills to good use.

He said being involved in the search for Celine, who had been missing since 2023, had been an overwhelming experience. 

“When we found her phone it was unbelievable because it was the first item found in two and half years, so it was incredible. You don’t realise how invested you become.

“Peter went missing when we were preparing for Celine’s search. I only live about 10 minutes away from Hollybank so I contacted his family and enquired if they would mind us helping out.”

Police are aware of the operation being carried out next week, with the group of volunteers to follow strict procedures should any evidence be found.

“They’re confident we have that under control.”

Mr Willoughby was battling cancer at the time of his disappearance and had been described as disoriented.

He had been carrying a blockbuster which he thought he would need to cut a tree down to remove his car.

He was about 1.3km away from his car when he lost contact with his partner and two friends. He was not carrying a mobile phone.

“We will search an area to the north-east and south-east from his last location, as the tracks to the west have been covered,” he said.

“It is not as steep as the area at Philosopher Falls but there are rock drop offs, logs and scratchy vegetation.

“We are not under any illusions. It will be a difficult task locating him because he could be very well hidden or wandered further than people think. We will be conducting a grid search and have an eyeball on every square metre.

“Hopefully the weather stays like we have had lately because it was terrible weather during the initial search for him.”