The search for Sharon Granites, the five-year-old girl who police believe has been abducted by a family acquaintance is into its fifth day.
Police are keen for experienced civilian horse riders to join the search teams.
Sergeant Matt Hall from the NT Police Search and Rescue said there had been no developments in relation to finding any leads or locating items of interest despite the use of drones overnight.
Sgt Hall said the search would continue throughout the day using ground crews and aerial resources.
Civilian volunteers have turned out in force to join emergency services personnel in the operation.
“This morning we’ve got a total, at this stage, of 72 staff … 44 of those are volunteers,” Sgt Hall said.
“Yesterday we had 172 volunteers, so the community support is being shown.”
NT Search and Rescue said about 6sqkm of the 20sqkm search zone had now been extensively covered by foot, with a helicopter in the air on 30 April focusing over the Mt Johns area and nearby bushland, with more air assets expected to deploy.
An NT Police spokesman said they were happy for people to help with the search.
“The public are asked to attend the initial staging point at the end of Heath Road near the racetrack,” the spokesman said.
“If these volunteers have adequate attire and water, SRS coordinators have been utilising them for searches and they have been of great assistance.
“Experienced civilian horse riders are also requested.
“You must be able to bring your own horse and safety gear.
“It’s not easy riding, and experience is paramount,” the spokesman said.
Mayor Asta Hill and Member for Araluen, Robyn Lambley were among the volunteers who joined townsfolk in the fifth day of searching.
NT Police still hold hope of finding the little girl safe and well, as they continue to scour the terrain in the 20sqkm area on the outskirts of Alice Springs.
Assistant Police Commissioner Peter Malley acknowledged at a media conference on Wednesday afternoon, 29 April, the fourth day of the search, that time was of the essence.
“I think we’re right on the threshold of that, if she’s wandered away,” he said
“Hence the urgency … as time goes on, the chances of finding little Sharon alive are well reduced.”
Police are also searching for 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, the man believed to have led the Sharon away from her residence at Old Timers Camp late on Saturday night, April 25.
They believe he is being aided by members of the community to avoid being found.
Police Commissioner Martin Dole has urged anyone who knows of Mr Jefferson’s whereabouts to let police know.
“Tell us what you know. Tell us where he is. Tell us how to contact him,” Commissioner Dole said.
Police can be contacted on 131 444 by anyone with any information.
Interpreters are available and any information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.
