Denny was last seen six months ago. Today, his family is still navigating the unseen emotional and financial toll of a missing loved one.
BUDGEWOI, AUSTRALIA, 25 October 2025
On 2 April 2025, 40-year-old Denny Smith went missing from Budgewoi on the NSW Central Coast. Six months on, the family of the much-loved father of five are navigating the enormous burden that comes with missingness.
While Denny’s family continues to face the unimaginable pain of ambiguous loss (the complex type of grief that loved ones of missing persons experience), they are also grappling with the complex financial and logistical challenges that are often unseen when a loved one goes missing.
To support Denny’s family, the Budgewoi community are hosting ‘Together Again for Den’, a community fundraiser and celebration of his life, to honour his spirit, raise awareness of the growing issue of long-term missing persons, and support those most affected by his disappearance – his children.
The event will be held at the Budgewoi Hotel on Saturday, 25 October 2025, from 2pm, featuring live music, a charity raffle, and tributes from those who know and love Denny best.
Missingness presents an overwhelming and enduring impact on families, who struggle to navigate the complex financial systems fundamental to their livelihoods – from mortgages and superannuation to routine bank accounts and daily bills.
“People don’t realise how quickly financial strain becomes part of the grief,” Mel Bowen, Denny’s cousin, said. “The bills keep coming, the kids still need to be looked after, but you can’t access the support or resources that would usually be available when someone passes away. You’re just stuck.”
The Missed Foundation, which supports families of missing loved ones, says this hidden burden is one of the most difficult aspects of missingness. “Ambiguous loss is unlike any other,” said The Missed Foundation founder, Loren O’Keeffe. “The pain of uncertainty is profound, but the financial and legal challenges add another layer of anguish on top of what psychologists consider to be the most traumatic type of loss and most unmanageable form of stress.”
Described as charismatic, talented and endlessly kind, Denny was known for his love of music and the joy he brought to those around him. The ‘Together Again for Den’ event will celebrate that joy through live performances, shared stories and community connection.
Eighty percent of funds raised will go towards a trust for Denny’s five children, helping to secure their future and honour his love for them. The remaining twenty percent will be donated to The Missed Foundation to help other families enduring similar uncertainty.
A billboard of Denny donated by long-term pro bono partners, The Mobile Billboard Company, will be placed in Budgewoi (beside the Budgewoi Hotel), amplifying awareness for Denny’s story and the thousands of other Australians who remain missing each year.
Denny’s family hopes the event will help ease the burden for his children and shine a light on the broader realities faced by families living with ambiguous loss.
“Denny was the kind of person who lit up a room,” continued Bowen. “This isn’t a farewell, it’s a celebration of who he is, and a reminder that he’s still deeply loved, still deeply missed, and still part of our lives.”
Anyone wishing to support the event can donate through the fundraising page or attend in person at the Budgewoi Hotel on 25 October 2025. For more information about the event, follow the link.
Additionally, anyone with information that can assist the family and investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
About The Missed Foundation
The Missed Foundation (Missed), previously known as the Missing Persons Advocacy Network (MPAN), is a registered Australian charity that creates awareness for missing persons and provides practical and emotional support to their families and friends. Missed exists to alleviate the financial, administrative and psychological impact on those actively searching for a loved one.
Missed was established in 2013 by Loren O’Keeffe, whose brother Dan went missing in July 2011. Missed has launched a range of creative initiatives that humanise missing loved ones, engage the public through strategic communications, empower families with opportunities and specialised supports, and educate the public on associated issues such as ambiguous loss. Missed does not receive any government or corporate funding and relies completely on community donations and fundraising.
Learn more at: missed.org.au
Contact details:
Tia Orfanidis, SenateSHJ, +61 411 293 583 | [email protected]
