The family of missing backpacker Théo Hayez met with media and the community on Sunday evening at the Byron Golf Club to reiterate their feelings of hope for finding Théo and to again thank their supporters for their help.
At the end of a day with a group of over 100 people searching through the bush around the Tyagarah area, Théo’s parents Laurent Hayez and Vinciane Delforge and his cousin Lisa, gathered with friends and supporters as they wanted to express their gratitude for the help they have received over the last few weeks.
Mr Hayez also wanted to be clear about the arrival of members of the Belgian police force.
‘I want to say that the Belgian police are not here because we don’t think that local police are not doing a good job,’ he said. ‘The Australian and Belgian police have been working closely together from the start but with an eight hour time difference.
‘Now [5pm] it is breakfast there. It is easier if they are in the same place.’
Laurent and Lisa again expressed their gratitude to the Australian community and the people of the Byron Shire.
‘We feel like everyone is family,’ said Lisa.
Ms Delforge posed briefly for photos before the event but was overcome by emotion and sat out the press conference.
The community enjoyed dinner with Théo’s family at the golf club afterwards.
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