JOURNALIST: Now, this news of missing Sharon has shocked the nation. Can you tell me your reaction to this news?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: It's important to be here with all the volunteers, with the Northern Territory police and emergency services, in particular with Tangentyere Council, all the volunteers who've been here from day one. It was important to be able to come and support them and say thank you. But also acknowledge the seriousness of this moment. The police have not located little Sharon and we certainly reach out to the families, here, in particular. Our hearts, like most Australians, are really with the families of Alice Springs right now.
JOURNALIST: I was going to say, could you send that message that you want to send to the family, to the community of Alice Springs? But to everyone who's really worried about little Sharon, what that message is.
MINISTER: My message to little Sharon is that we're all here for you and we certainly hope we can find you. And my message to Sharon's family is that we are certainly here with you. Our hearts, our love and our prayers and thoughts are with you. We're here in action, in terms of the search that's going on. Over 100 staff from Tangentyere Council, nearly 300 volunteers from across Alice Springs, and those who have come in to help. All of us are with you, and so are the hearts of all Australians.
JOURNALIST: What do you feel when you see all these volunteers taking off this morning? Dozens of residents, community members, wanting to be a part of this search.
MINISTER: It's quite overwhelming really, I’m deeply touched to see the effort that's taking place here, as it should. It's really beautiful when community can come together. Everyone. And we've seen that on display these last three or four days, and I'm sure going into the future, it will continue. It's so important that the whole community comes together, and I thank the people of Alice Springs for doing that.
JOURNALIST: One thing that I would say, growing up in this place, I grew up around 2007, I saw a lot of things change. I just want to talk about how important it is to react sensitively and generously, and to listen and understand. What do you think about that?
MINISTER: There's a really strong support here, not just with volunteers, but with all the businesses around Alice Springs. We've had the IGA donating foods, we've had the bakery come and donate food. We’ve got so many people coming to provide water, all sorts of replenishments that the volunteers need when they come back. It’s really tough terrain out there. It's not easy country. And the police have shown us through their maps, the work that they're doing in terms of the areas that they're searching. And so, for the businesses of Alice Springs to come together and support and volunteer and provide assistance here to the Tangentyere Council and all of those who are based here with the setup, just shows that everyone's working together, and it's a beautiful thing to see.
JOURNALIST: Thanks for your time.