00:01search efforts for the missing teenager have ramped up a week on from her
00:05disappearance with dozens of emergency service vehicles still stationed here
00:09behind me at the Bonham Pick walking trail. 50 Australian Defence Force
00:13personnel have joined the search today as crews continue to work day and night
00:17to comb through dense bushland. Police say there still has been no sign of Miss
00:21Hooper or her belongings since she failed to return home from a bushwalk
00:24last Wednesday. Her family released a statement for the first time via police
00:28yesterday afternoon saying they are absolutely devastated their beloved
00:32daughter is missing. They thanked all the emergency services and volunteers on the
00:36ground for their support and commitment to the search. The family says they are
00:39desperate to bring Miss Hooper home safe and asked everyone to keep her in their
00:43thoughts. In the statement they also asked for privacy and for people to please
00:47leave the search to professional crews as the terrain is dangerous. The weather
00:50today is a bit clearer after a few days of chill and on and off rainfall. Police
00:55have reiterated there is no evidence of foul play and they are holding out hope
00:58that Miss Hooper will be found safe and well. Deputy Commander at the Moss Vale
01:02SES Nick Healy told reporters that 250 members have been deployed and that no
01:07stone is being left unturned through deep ravines, bushland and clifftops. Thermal
01:12imaging cameras in police helicopters have been used above the trail since the
01:15start of the search. Police say they will continue looking for Miss Hooper for as
01:19long as necessary.
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