By Ashley Nickel,Editor

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August or ‘Gus’ last seen on Saturday

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By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: 02:09 BST, 1 October 2025 | Updated: 04:34 BST, 1 October 2025

A child’s footprint has been discovered on the fourth day of the desperate search for a four-year-old boy who wandered off on his family’s sprawling sheep station.

August Lamont, also known as Gus, was last seen playing in sand near the home, roughly 40km south of Yunta in South Australia’s Mid North, about 5pm on Saturday.

The little boy was last seen wearing a grey broad-brimmed hat, blue long-sleeved shirt with a Minion picture from the movie Despicable Me on the front, light grey pants, and boots, which will help protect him from the elements.

Yorke Mid North Superintendent Mark Syrus told ABC Radio Adelaide on Wednesday morning that the ‘prominent’ footprint was found the previous afternoon.

The footprint was discovered about 500m from the property’s homestead.

‘We’ve positively identified that it’s a child’s footprint,’ Superintendent Syrus said.

‘It’s a very similar boot pattern to what Gus was wearing when he went missing.’

A skilled tracker has been brought in to follow the trail.

Family friend Bill Harbison (pictured) said Gus’ loved ones were ‘devastated’

The search continues for the four-year-old who was last seen at his home near Yunta

Police have brought in specialist divers (pictured) to search dams and water tanks

‘This person is very experienced,’ Superintendent Syrus said.

‘He’s got a very good connection with the country – he came up yesterday, he assisted us in the search and he’ll continue on today.’

Despite the positive breakthrough, the family are being prepared for the possibility that their little boy has succumbed to the elements.

‘Gus has now been missing for into the fifth day – 84 hours – and a young boy without food, water, shelter for that period of time, it’s going to be pretty tough on that little lad,’ Superintendent Syrus said.

‘We always hold out hope that he’s a tough lad and he’s crawled under a bush and he’s still alive, but we’re just preparing the family for the fact that we may be moving from a search effort to a recovery.’

Police have thrown everything at the search for Gus, including specialist divers to check water tanks and dams, infrared cameras, dogs, ATVs, and drones.

Family friend Bill Harbison previously read a statement on their behalf on Tuesday.

‘This has come as a shock to our family and friends, and we are struggling to comprehend what has happened,’ it read.

Superintendent Mark Syrus (pictured) announced a child’s footprint was found on Tuesday

A large number of volunteers have assisted SA Police in searching for Gus (pictured)

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‘Gus’ absence is felt in all of us and we miss him more than words can express.

‘Our hearts are aching, and we are holding onto hope that he will be found and returned to us safely.

‘At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we focus all our energy on supporting the search and working closely with the police.’

South Australia Police have not released photos of Gus as per his family’s wishes.

Police do not believe Gus has been taken, noting that only people who would travel on this road are station owners.

Supt Syrus said it was ‘unusual’ for Gus to wander as he ‘normally stays within the confines of the area’.

‘But, who knows what goes through a four-year-old’s mind?’ he said.

‘We understand he’s a pretty quiet sort of lad but he is, as you know, a country lad and he’s pretty adventurous as well.

‘But him moving out of the area is a little bit unusual.’

Anyone with information that may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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Major update in search for young boy who disappeared from his family’s outback station without a trace

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