FOUND: Two women missing, Nanango

Both women have been found alive. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

UPDTE: Both found alive.

Two women missing from Nanango have been found, following a two-day search and rescue operation in the area.

The 54-year-old woman and 36-year-old woman left to go prospecting at 7 Mile Diggings on Old Esk North Road on Friday, 23 June, but were reported missing after they failed to return home that night.

A search and rescue including aerial assistance from Polair recommenced for a second day this morning, Sunday, 25 June.

Just after 8am this morning, two trail bike riders reported that they had found the missing women in a structure near the search area.

Emergency crews managed to navigate the difficult terrain to reach the women, who were then airlifted to Kingaroy Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

SES and volunteers from Queensland Remote Area Tracking (QRAT) also assisted in the search efforts from the ground.

Police would like to thank the public for their assistance in this operation.

EARLIER:

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two women, aged 54 and 36 years old missing from Nanango.

Michelle Lyn Melbourne (54yo) and Nikita May Bennett (36yo) were last seen leaving an address on Nanango Tarong Road around 11am yesterday, 23 June.

Investigations reveal the pair left to go prospecting at 7 Mile Diggings on Old Esk North Road at Nanango.

They were reported missing after they failed to return home last night.

Family and police hold concerns for their welfare due to the difficult terrain and the discovery of personal items, believed to belong to the pair, located in the area.

The women’s vehicle, a white Ford Falcon utility was located at 7 Mile Diggings locked and secure with mobile phones inside.

A search and rescue commenced in the area this morning, with SES assisting police in the investigation.

Michelle is described as Aboriginal, approximately 155cm tall, with a heavy build, brown eyes and long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing a yellow jumper, blue jeans and steal cap boots.

Nikita is described as white, around 165cm tall, with a proportionate build, brown eyes and blonde hair with pink and purple streaks.

She was last seen wearing a checkered shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of either of the women is urged to contact to police.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2301038761