There is not a day that goes by when John and Maryann Hausia don't think of the last time they saw their daughter 27 years ago.
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Seventeen-year-old Amelia, like many teenagers, had a mind of her own and on December 17, 1992, she said she needed time to think on her own. She left.
And that was it. The time to reflect did not lead to a time to return. Her mother still clutches a heart-breaking letter from the daughter she hasn't seen in nearly 30 years.
In it, Amelia wrote her farewell, saying how much she loves her parents. She asks for forgiveness "for not being here in the morning".
But there was no hint about where she was heading. She had split up with her boyfriend so she was distressed. And there has been no hint since of where she might be - or even of whether she is still alive.
Time stands still to us. It's something we'll never forget or give up on.
- Maryann Hausia
Her mother weeps to this very day.
"We never give up hope," she said, her husband stroking her shoulders as she explained why the pain remains.
"Time stands still to us. It's something we'll never forget or give up on.
"We miss Amelia very much," said the mother who is now 74 years of age.
Her husband, John is 68. Neither parent is getting any younger.
The missing girl would now be a woman in her mid 40s. She may well have a family and a life of her own.
Many of the family she left have since died, including the grandparents with whom she was staying in Downer.
"We just need to hear from you," said the mother. She would be satisfied if the daughter simply got in touch with the police to say that she is alive and fine.
Mrs Hausia said, "It's not a crime to go missing. If she's happy, that's OK but let us know and then we can get on with the rest of our lives."
Amelia is one of 14 missing people in the ACT who continue to be unaccounted for. One lady would now be 107 but the police keep the file on all of them open.
The police are doing a publicity drive this week to job memories or prompt a missing person to make that call, if not to home then to them.
There are posters on buses, trams and at the airport. "We need your help," Detective Superintendent Jamey Bellicanta said. The Raiders will wear yellow socks with the word "missing" down them.
The officer added that "there could be some new piece of information that could be vital".
"These people can contact the police and the police can contact loved ones. We will not give details or location.
"But we can provide solace."
- If you can help, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Steve Evans
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
