22-year-old Gordon Copeland was last seen one month ago today, and his family has been searching for him every day.
Moree police said they last saw Mr Copeland running into the Gwydir River after seeing him near a bogged car, near Yarraman Bridge on the Carnarvon Highway.
Mr Copeland's family said they believe the Gomeroi man was chased into the river by police.
His family, including mother Narelle Copeland, are still desperate for answers and are now calling on police to ramp up their search for Mr Copeland.
“Our family, friends and the local Gomeroi community have supported us in the search, stepping in when the police stepped back from their duties," the family said in a statement.
"We have continued looking for Gordon every single day of the past month.
“We call the police station daily to ask for help, but they tell us they are busy and don’t have any units to assist.”
Police concluded their coordinated search on July 15, but they say their investigations are ongoing.
Gordon Copeland's family has continued to search for him, using their own resources. Source: Supplied
While the police search has been scaled back, Mr Copeland's family has continued their own search for him, using their own resources.
“Since the 16th of July, Narelle Copeland has spent over $8000 on boats, GoPros, wet-suits, fuel and food,” the family said in a statement.
'We can't grieve, we can't rest'
Following a rally in Moree two weeks ago, which drew a crowd of about 250 people, police said they were continuing a search of the area where Mr Copeland was last seen.
"Since the coordinated search concluded on Thursday 15 July 2021, New England Police have committed to continue searches of that area, utilising local staff, the Dog Unit, and both small boat and drone trained officers to search the waterways," a statement from NSW Police said.
"These searches will continue with the assistance of specialist resources.
"Despite extensive searches of the area, Gordon has not been located and detectives continue to conduct inquiries into Gordon’s whereabouts."
Mr Copeland's family said they are determined to continue their search, and won't rest until they have answers.
“There are no words to describe the pain of losing a family member, a young man of just 22, without any answers," they said.
"We can’t grieve until we know what happened to Gordon. We can’t rest until we bring him home."
