Missing 85-year-old Harrietville man's car seen driving through Omeo

An 85-year-old man, Jacobus 'John' Bakkum, has been reported missing from Harrietville in Victoria's High Country since Sunday night. His silver 2007 Toyota Prado, registered WBD-077, was captured on CCTV driving through Omeo at 9:44 p.m. on Sunday.

Further reports indicate the vehicle was spotted in the Biggara area, nearly 200 kilometers northeast of Harrietville, on Monday morning. Mr. Bakkum was last seen leaving the Harrietville Hotel shortly after 8 p.m. on Sunday. His wife had walked home as part of their routine, but Mr. Bakkum is believed to have driven off in the opposite direction.

Police have ruled out foul play in his disappearance and believe he is driving on his own. Mr. Bakkum is described as Caucasian, slim, about 170 centimeters tall, with a hunched back and uses a walking stick. He has mobility issues and cannot walk long distances. He was last seen wearing a brown vest, a blue and pink checkered shirt, a dark baseball cap, green or grey denim pants, and brown shoes.

An extensive search involving a police helicopter and ground crews in Hotham Heights, Dinner Plain, Harrietville, and surrounding areas has so far failed to locate him. Police are urging anyone in Omeo, Biggara, and Corryong to contact them if they see Mr. Bakkum. He is a well-known figure in Harrietville, having received an award from Alpine Shire Council in 2021 for his community work.