JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
1 September 2026
Sunshine Coast MPs Ted O’Brien and Andrew Wallace have joined the local community in expressing their deep concern for Fisher resident Renee Spry, who remains missing following the devastating floods on the Nepal-Tibet border.
Renee is one of 43 Australians currently unaccounted for following the catastrophic disaster, which has claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands more missing.
Renee, a disability support worker and mother, had been undertaking a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash when the disaster struck.
Her family understands she was at an immigration centre near the Nepal-Tibet border only minutes before the catastrophic flood swept through the area.
Mr O’Brien said Australian authorities remain focused on locating those still missing and supporting the Nepalese-led search and recovery effort in extraordinarily difficult conditions.
“We know this is a vast and difficult disaster zone, with communities cut off and critical infrastructure destroyed, but Australia must continue doing everything possible to help locate our 43 missing citizens and support the response on the ground,” Mr O’Brien said.
“From all reports Renee is a much-loved mum, partner and member of our Sunshine Coast community and there are people here at home enduring an unimaginable wait for news that she is safe.
“Renee’s family, and the families of the other 42 unaccounted for Australians deserve to know that every avenue is being pursued and that Australia will remain resolute in supporting the search efforts.”
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said Renee’s disappearance had brought the international tragedy particularly close to home for the Sunshine Coast.
“Renee is one of our own, and I cannot begin to imagine what her family are going through as they wait desperately for news,” Mr Wallace said.
“The thoughts and prayers of people right across the Sunshine Coast are with Renee and her family, and we continue to live in hope that she will be found and brought home safely.
“Renee’s daughter Ruby has spoken about how her mum would want Australians to also think of the thousands of Nepalese people whose lives have been devastated and to support humanitarian organisations helping those affected, and I think that speaks volumes about the sort of person Renee is.
“It’s believed this disaster has already claimed one Australian life and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and to every family who has lost somebody in this tragedy.
“Australia should continue working closely with Nepalese authorities and provide whatever practical assistance we reasonably can to support the search for missing Australians and the enormous humanitarian response underway.
“The Sunshine Coast is thinking of Renee, praying for her and hoping desperately that she comes home.”
Australians requiring emergency consular assistance, as well as family members concerned about Australians who may have been affected, should contact DFAT’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre:
- 1300 555 135 – within Australia
- +61 2 6261 3305 – from overseas
[ENDS]
Media Contacts:
Wallace | Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
O’Brien | Mitch Bland – 0401 257 064 – Mitchell.bland@aph.gov.au
