Ash, where are you?

The true heartache of missing the missing...

...is an article that appeared in the Woollahra Village Voice for the 2008 National Missing Persons Week in August in which Jeni (Ash's mum) was interviewed by Ben Douglas.

Click here to link to the article.

Darwin and the dive

Jeni went to Darwin September 2007, distributed Ash's posters
everywhere.

A dive was conducted 30 June in the area where Ash was frequenting
before his disappearance, Diamond Bay and Rodney Reserve, Dover Heights.
A boat was charted and four divers from the Abyss Diving School searched
the area for some items that could be in the area eg a pushbike,
records, army style back pack.

Nothing was found. One of the divers said he had frequently searched
the area of the last few years and not come across any of these items or
anything else suspicious.

Smashley Film Festival

Each year an estimated 30,000 people are reported missing in Australia. While 99.5 per cent are located, most within hours, but there is a percentage known as the "long term missing". The impact on families, friends and the missing people themselves, can be devastating (http://www.afp.gov.au/national/missing). Questions are left unanswered for these friends and family: did the person leave because they wanted to? has something happened to them? what should you/we do etc etc?

Ashley Bindon is a long term missing person, who went missing over 2 years ago at then age of 25. His friends have organised a film festival:
* to raise awareness of missing persons
* to assist in support the prevention of “Missing Persons”
* to celebrate the fun and art works (“Us and Ash”) of Ash as a way to process the concept of Ashley being “Missing”;
* having a process where friends can feel they can contribute to the search of Ash

The film festival includes 2 bands (Ash's friends); a presentation on the overview of "Missing" and Ash's situation by Sarah Wayland of The National Missing Person's Coordination Centre; film footage of Ash's performances as a screen and stage actor; two short films that Ash wrote, directed, produced, co edited and acted in with his friends; and also friends and
family celebrating the fun in Ashley's fun and mischievous style.

Ash's short films and footage flirts, with a tongue in cheek approach and allows the viewer to peek into the window of youth culture and relationships in the inner city of Sydney in the early to mid 90s.

The National Missing Person's Coordination Centre and the Chauvel Cinema have funded the event and other generous sponsors include: Retro-a-go-go, Sydney Theatre Compony, Sydney Women's AFL - Charity Match, The Mingram
Family, co.pidgeon ground public, hidden valley retreat.

Ash's friends who are: film makers, actors, musicians, event organisers, buddies etc have prepared this event with great energy, love and a positive attitude to continue their search for a much missed friend.

Stirring of love …. memories and a journey or two !

Ashley Bindon was last seen 26 February 2005 at lunchtime at Rose Bay, Sydney.

On Sunday 26 February at lunchtime, please take a moment to think of Ash. If you have a bell ring it for the safe return of Ash and other Missing Persons.

Ash’s mum would like to put together a collection of Ashley’s special moments and adventures, that she hopes one day to publish to continue the memories of his adventures, and love of the arts, for all to share (and for Ash on his return). This artwork is also a positive way of putting your love and uncertainty of Ash into a safe loving place. Ash’s friends, family and work colleagues are invited to contribute pieces that could include: a poem; a song; a journal page, a short letter; a drawing; a cartoon; a picture of a sculpture for Ash; a short film skit; play idea; recipe; or anything else that strikes your imagination that you know Ash would love. Even if you are not artistically inclined, have a go!

Send text, or pictures of artwork on a disc please and include written permission for items to be used in a book; for exhibitions or as part of a performance some time in the future. It is hoped that this would provide comfort to families and friends of missing people and support them through the unknown journey.

Jeni Bindon
23/220 Goulburn St Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Ash’s mum and some close friends will be having a quiet Sunday picnic (under the tree near the duck pond in the Botanical Gardens, close to the foreshore wall) on the day at lunchtime. If you would like to join in or pass by, you are welcome. If you come and have a bell bring it along. If you can’t come send love out there anyway.

“Thank you for the amazing solidarity, unification and out pouring of love for Ashley and his safe return home. I know many of you are in deep pain too and I send you my love to comfort you. Love Always Jeni Bindon xxx”

What you can do

• distribute posters
  
• if you are travelling (especially to somewhere you think he may have gone), let us know or reply to this post
• keep an eye out anywhere or everywhere you go
• keep us informed of all your efforts, so that we can coordinate
• email or phone Jeni on 0405 589 073 with any up-to-date information
  

Messages to Ash

Please reply to this post if you would like send a message of love to Ash, where ever he may be.

Ash's Hotmail account is also being kept open in case he is accessing it.

If you would like to share any links or photos related to Ash, please email them to Linda