Search for missing NSW Indigenous man resumes, as police probed over events leading up to final sighting
Gordon Copeland's sister Bianca (left) and mother, Narelle, at a rally to express unhappiness over police efforts to find the missing 22-year-old. Tahlor Swan
NSW Police have launched a new search for missing Indigenous man Gordon Copeland, four months after police watched him enter a river near the northern NSW town of Moree.
The Gomeroi man has not been seen since, with the 22-year-old's family critical of police efforts to find him.
Today NSW Police reactivated a three-day search, with the family allowed to help direct the 70-strong search team to any key areas of the river and surrounds they believe could yield important clues.
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The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Gomeroi man Gordon Copeland has prompted community action. Stella Fernando stands next to a photo of her missing grandson, Gordon. Tahlor Swan
New England Police Superintendent Steve Laksa described the search area as "rugged" and "treacherous".
"It's infested with snakes and other other vermin out there," Superintendent Laksa said.
"The (Gwydir River) runs for 12 kilometres and hits an area ... which is a congealment of trees and debris, where the river stops."
That part of the river could be where a body might drift and be found, Superintendent Laksa said.
"Today really gives the family an opportunity over the next three days to identify locations of the river that they feel that needs to be searched."
Mr Copeland, who has a three-year-old son, was last seen near the Gwydir River at the Yarraman Bridge, near Moree, on July 10.
He was wearing a grey 'Gant' hooded jumper, a Louis Vuitton cap, and black Adidas track pants.
The new search will involve a team of 70, including drones, boats and 13 members of the SES Bush Search and Rescue Team.
Do you know more? Email msaunoko@nine.com.au
Police initially searched the area in July for five days, and then followed up with a three-day search in August.
Superintendent Laksa played down suggestions the family were unhappy with police search efforts, but he confirmed an "independent investigation" by Oxley Police District was now underway, "in relation to the circumstances leading to the disappearance of Gordon Copeland."
He admitted communication with Mr Copeland's family, who have never given up searching the area, could "always be better".
Police had offered Mr Copeland's family the opportunity to pinpoint locations on a map that would be relevant to search, he said.
"This is sensitive," he said.
"It's very emotive.
"It involves family members and the disappearance of a family member."
Superintendent Laksa said any bodycam footage potentially showing what happened before police watched Mr Copeland head into the river would be given to the coroner for review.
The investigation by Oxley Police District would be independent, transparent and thorough, he said.
New England Police had made extensive efforts to find Mr Copeland, he said, including the use of choppers and boats.
"The police that are involved in this search and the SES personnel and all the other emergency service personnel should be commended."
No representatives of Mr Copeland's family appeared alongside police at this morning's briefing.
Do you know more? Email msaunoko@nine.com.au
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