Authorities Intensify Efforts to Locate Gus Lamont Who Disappeared from Family Property in South Australia’s Mid-North

In the remote expanses of South Australia, hope remains alive for the family of four-year-old Gus Lamont.

The little boy, who vanished from his grandparents’ property nearly five weeks ago, could soon be at the center of a renewed search effort.

Authorities are preparing for what may be the fourth major operation to find him.

Police Prepare for Another Search at Oak Park

South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens confirmed on Wednesday that officers may return to the Oak Park property, located in the state’s mid-north, following new analysis.

Gus was last seen on September 27 at the family homestead.

Commissioner Stevens explained that the search strategy has been guided by expert advice.

“We’ve been acting on the guidance of survivability experts, doctors, and medical staff to determine how far Gus could have traveled and how long he could survive without assistance,” he said.

“That advice shaped both the distance we searched and the time we spent looking.”

He added that authorities remain committed to finding Gus to bring closure to his family.

While no exact date has been set, Stevens noted that search teams will return based on further data analysis.

Extensive Search Efforts Yield No Trace Yet

Last week, SA Police drained 3.2 million litres of water from a dam near the homestead in a desperate attempt to find Gus.

The dam, situated about 600 metres from the house and approximately 4.5 metres deep, revealed no clues.

The search so far has involved multiple major operations, with support from SAPOL, Air Pol, the Australian Defence Force, and the State Emergency Service.

Despite these efforts, no sign of Gus has been found.

Expert Reviews Highlight Opportunities Without Criticism

Commissioner Stevens confirmed that two independent reviews were conducted to examine the search efforts.

“Peer reviews by experts looked objectively at whether things could have been done differently,” he said.

“They identified ways to improve the process, but there has been no criticism of the work carried out so far.”

Family Recounts the Day Gus Disappeared

Gus’ disappearance remains a mystery. The only clue discovered has been a single footprint in the red dirt, believed to match the boots he was wearing around 5.30pm on the day he went missing.

His grandmother, Shannon, found him gone while tending to Gus’ one-year-old brother, Ronnie.

The family reported him missing about three hours later.

Police believe there were no suspicious circumstances and that Gus may have simply wandered off.

The Vastness of the Station Makes Getting Lost Easy

Reports indicate that Gus’ mother, Jessica, was searching for lost sheep roughly 10 kilometres from the homestead at the time of his disappearance.

A close family friend suggested that Gus might have tried to find his mother on his own.

“It is very easy to get lost on a station that size,” the friend said.

“Shannon grew up out there and she almost got lost herself a few years ago while sorting sheep on motorbikes.

She had to stop and listen for guidance to find her way back.”

The friend also described Gus as a cheerful but independent child.

“He’s happy to do his own thing, but when you speak to him directly, he gets shy and sometimes hides,” they said.

The Search Continues

With weeks having passed since Gus vanished, the community continues to hope for his safe return.

Police remain focused on leaving no stone unturned in their ongoing efforts to locate the little boy and bring him home to his family.