The family of a Canberra woman missing for 16 years have issued a desperate plea for information on the anniversary of her disappearance. 

Laura Haworth was last seen on January 5, 2008 at her friend’s house on Collett Street in Queanbeyan, NSW and has not been in contact with friends or family since. 

She left in her red Mazda 121, which was later found in Reid, in Canberra’s inner north.

Their lives changed unexpectedly when Ms Haworth disappeared all those years ago, the family said in a statement on Friday.

“Laura is a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend and we ache to know what has happened to her,” they said. 

“Every day we live with what ifs, whys, and maybes. The pain of not knowing what has happened to Laura is brutal and has a huge impact on our daily lives. 

“Laura we love you and miss you. You have a loving family waiting for news, please, please be in touch.”

Previous public callouts have resulted in people coming forward with new pieces of information, Detective Senior Constable Shannon Pugsley said.

The detective from ACT Policing’s criminal investigations unit is hoping the Summernats weekend – where tens of thousands of car enthusiasts visit Canberra for the festival – will help spur new leads.

Ms Haworth’s disappearance occurred on the same weekend the car festival was held in 2008.

“We believe there are people in the community that have information about Laura’s whereabouts and her movements that weekend in January 2008,” she told reporters on Friday.

“Summernats 21 was also taking place in Canberra at the same time Laura was last seen so there may be people who are visiting from interstate that have information.

“We’re hoping that any new piece of information could be the missing piece in the puzzle.”

The family and police have expressed hope Ms Haworth would be found safe and well.

“Over the past 16 years, Laura’s family has had to live with a significant emotional impact of not knowing what has happened to Laura,”  Sen Const Pugsley said.

“So we’re just hoping that we can get the closure for them that they deserve and they’re hopeful that Laura will be found safe and well.”

Information should be reported to police or could be done anonymously through Crimestoppers, the police officer said.

Laura’s family have shared the following statement: 

16 years ago today, our lives changed unexpectedly. Our beautiful Laura disappeared. Laura is a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend and we ache to know what has happened to her.   

Any information you, or anyone you know has, will help piece this puzzle together.     

Every day we live with what ifs, whys, and maybes. The pain of not knowing what has happened to Laura is brutal and has a huge impact on our daily lives. 

Laura‘s family thank those who have already provided information and encourage anyone else with information to report it to Crime Stoppers.  

With your help, we will get the answers. 

With your help, we will find out what has happened to Laura. Please help us find the answers. If you or anyone you know has any information, please contact Crime Stoppers. 

Laura we love you and miss you. You have a loving family waiting for news, please, please be in touch. 

Anyone with information about Laura’s disappearance should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, quoting reference number 3719859. Information can be provided anonymously.