Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl reported missing from the Lake Macquarie area.
Shykoda Payne, aged 12, was last seen at Gateshead about 1.15pm yesterday (Wednesday, 30 April 2025).
When she could not to be located, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her young age.
Shykoda is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Straight Islander appearance, with medium build and brown hair.
She was last seen wearing black tights, a grey jumper, and carrying a schoolbag.
She is known to frequent the Gateshead and Charlestown areas and may have travelled toward Sydney.
Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
