Family hopeful missing Ballina woman will be found safe, grateful for public support
The family of missing Ballina woman Cicily Spiers say they remain hopeful she will be found safe, drawing on past experience where she disappeared for months before later returning.
Cicily’s mother, Carmen Watson, said the family was encouraged by the level of public concern since the police appeal was issued and wanted to thank the community for its support.
“We’re very grateful for the concern people have shown,” Mrs Watson said.
“That support means a great deal to our family.”
Ms Watson said Cicily is her only daughter and has lived with chronic mental illness for many years.
She said Cicily has previously disappeared for extended periods, sometimes for months, before being found safely.
“This has happened before,” she said.
“She has gone missing for long periods and then come back.”
Ms Watson said that history underpins the family’s hope that the same outcome will occur again.
Decision to delay appeal explained
Mrs Watson said the decision to delay a public appeal was made by her as Cicily’s senior next of kin, not because police failed to act.
She said the timing was chosen to protect Cicily’s 17-year-old daughter and avoid public attention during school and the lead-up to Christmas.
“I didn’t want this becoming public before Christmas,” she said.
“I wanted her daughter to get through Year 10 and into the holidays without added stress.”
Mrs Watson said Cicily’s daughter is being well cared for by her father and lives close to her grandparents, with strong family support in place.
“She’s surrounded by people who love her,” Ms Watson said.
“She’s not on her own.”
Police response backed by family
Mrs Watson said she had been in close and regular contact with police since Cicily was reported missing and was satisfied with the investigation.
“I can’t fault the police,” she said.
“They’ve been excellent.”
She specifically addressed speculation surrounding river searches after reports that Cicily’s personal items were found near the Richmond River.
Mrs Watson said police conducted a thorough search of the river using sonar and other specialist resources, and she was comfortable with the work carried out.
“I was satisfied with the river search,” she said.
“They know what they’re doing, and I trust their expertise.”
Ms Spiers is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165 to 175 centimetres tall, of thin build, with light brown hair.
Police said she is known to frequent the Ballina, Yamba and Tweed areas and may be travelling in a silver Honda CR-V with NSW registration AZ56MC
Police outline investigation steps
NSW Police confirmed Cicily was reported missing about 2.30pm on October 15 and that a missing person investigation commenced immediately.
Police later established she was last seen in Ballina about 4pm on October 18.
Authority to release information publicly was signed by the senior next of kin on December 29, with the public appeal issued the same day.
Police said extensive patrols of car parks, headlands and beaches were carried out through late October.
After personal items belonging to Cicily were located, the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command conducted sonar searches of the Richmond River, while Police Rescue searched riverbanks and South Ballina using drones, all-terrain vehicles and on foot in early November.
Police said reports of a possible vehicle sighting at a boat ramp were investigated but could not be confirmed.
The investigation remains active.
Gratitude and hope
Mrs Watson acknowledged the role of community members who have remained alert and shared information.
“We’re thankful for the public support and the people who are keeping an eye out,” she said.
She said the family’s greatest hope remains that Cicily is safe and will return when she is able.
“That’s what we’re holding onto,” she said.
Police have urged anyone with information about Cicily’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers.
Earlier story: https://ballinanewsdaily.com.au/2025/12/why-did-it-take-two-months-concerns-raised-over-alert-for-missing-ballina-woman/
