Overview

• The A$1 million reward is the largest ever offered in Victoria for an arrest, with tips sought via Crime Stoppers to help secure a peaceful capture.
• More than 450 officers with Australian Defence Force aerial support are searching rugged high‑country terrain near Porepunkah with no confirmed sightings since August 26.
• Specialist teams are clearing caves and disused mine shafts as investigators weigh whether Freeman is alone, receiving assistance, or has died.
• Operational measures include an extended 7.5km no‑fly zone around Porepunkah Airport and renewed searches of Freeman’s Rayner Track property where electronic devices were seized.
• Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart was farewelled with full honours on Friday, with a service for Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson scheduled for Monday.