Lake Cargelligo Community Information

NSW Police Response

Police wish to reassure the community that a large-scale search in Lake Cargelligo and surrounding areas remains a priority.

Further specialist and general police resources have been deployed to the area to not only assist in the search but to ensure community safety.

The community should not be alarmed by the extra police, and we ask everybody in the area to remain vigilant.  Enhanced police resourcing in the Lake Cargelligo area will be maintained for as long as necessary.

Members of the public who witness any suspicious activity or have concerns for their safety should call Triple Zero (000).

For any information that may be relevant to investigators that is not an emergency, please continue to use 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police also urge the community to use reliable sources of information such as the NSW Police Force website and NSW Police Force social media sites to stay informed.

Supports for Lake Cargelligo Central School community

The Department of Education is working closely with Lake Cargelligo Central School to ensure supports are in place to help students return to school safely, with assistance available for those who need it.

Supports available include:

  • The school will be open on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 February for families, with school staff and counsellors available and open classrooms from 2–3pm.
  • Ongoing counselling and mental health support will be available from 9 February
  • Staff will receive psychological support to help provide trauma‑informed support to students
  • NSW Police ACLO and community youth officers will attend the school on 9 February to support a safe and reassuring return for families.

For updates and information about the school’s return and available supports, families can check the Sentral Parent Portal or contact the school directly at lakecargel-c.school@det.nsw.edu.au. 

 

Supports for Lake Cargelligo and surrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community

Community-led and culturally safe supports are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Lake Cargelligo and surrounding areas.

  • Social and emotional wellbeing support are available at the Murrin Bridge Aboriginal Health Service, 10 Foster Street (02 6898 1533). No appointments needed.
  • 13 YARN (13 92 76) offers 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • For support to families impacted by a loss, call Thirrili on 1800 805 801. 

 

In-reach support available

Community members may prefer not to leave their homes. In‑reach support is available.

  • Wellways and Lifeline Central West teams are visiting people at home to provide support and help with practical needs, including accessing food and essentials.
  • Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing teams are checking in with families at home and connecting people to culturally safe services.
  • NSW Health mental health clinicians are also doing door‑to‑door visits for those who prefer support at home.
  • For in-reach support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 / 13 Yarn (13 92 76),  or text 0477 13 11 14. 

Mental health support

Lifeline Central West Rapid Response is open at the Lake Cargelligo Youth Centre for in-person support. 9am – 4pm, 7 days a week.

The NSW Mental Health Line is available 24/7, call 1800 011 511.

General support helplines for the community are also available:

  • Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online
  • Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online
  • Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online
  • 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online
  • 13 Yarn: Call 13 92 76
  • MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.

Supporting conversations with children following traumatic events

After a frightening or traumatic event occurs many children will experience some initial distress.

While these feelings of distress can be uncomfortable and frightening, they are the brain’s way of trying to process the event and make sense of what has happened.

The following resources provide support for carers and children:

Legal support

Legal Aid NSW offers free legal help if you’ve been affected by the Lake Cargelligo crimes.

Legal Aid NSW can help with legal problems including financial hardship, workplace rights, insurance claims and disputes, housing and tenancy, Centrelink, domestic and family violence and more.

Find out more at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au.

Other supports

Service NSW mobile service centre

A Service NSW Mobile Service Centre will be in Murrin Bridge, Tuesday 17 February 2026, 12–3pm at the Women’s Health Care Building, Riverside Drive.

Online resources

 

Fundraising

The following fundraisers have been approved by the Quinn and Macqueen families:

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