Fears held for German backpacker missing in rural area
Fraser Barton |

A German backpacker is missing in rural Australia more than a week after last making contact with friends, with police fearing for her safety.
Friends last heard from Carolina Wilga on June 29, while she was known to be in the Beacon area in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt.
The 26-year-old’s mother has pleaded for anyone with information to contact authorities.
“I’m her mother and need her help, as I can’t do much from Germany,” Katja Will commented on the WA Police force’s Facebook post about the missing woman.
“Carolina is still sorely missed. If anyone has any information, please contact the police. Please keep your eyes open!!!”
Ms Wilga has not been seen or heard from since her last contact with friends in Beacon.
WA police have sent significant land and air resources to the region more than three hours northeast of Perth.
Authorities believe Ms Wilga was at a convenience store on Saturday, June 28, in Toodyay and could be travelling in a black and silver 1995 Mitsubishi van with WA registration 1HDS 330.

She had been backpacking in Australia for two years, staying mainly in hostels, police said.
Ms Wilga is described as having a slim build, with frizzy or curly long dark blonde hair and brown eyes.
She has several tattoos, including one which depicts symbols on her left arm.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or dash-cam, drone, CCTV or mobile phone footage in the Beacon area and surrounding Wheatbelt area between June 29 and July 4 to come forward.
AAP