GREG FOX reports that new light is hoping to be shone on an almost half-century old mystery – the disappearance of Southport man Graham Craig.
Mr. Craig’s granddaughter Shannon McManus, 23, has come forward in seeking new information in the 33-year-olds concreters disappearance, who vanished during the winter of 1978. Last year McManus restarted communication with Queensland police about her grandfather’s missing persons status and the specifics of the case file.
The almost 50-year mystery revolves around the events of the night of Saturday 15th July 1978. Craig attended a friend’s 30th birthday party at Coobowie Street, Broadbeach Waters – never to be seen again, after leaving alone in the early morning.
Those at the party indicated nothing was out of the ordinary other than Craig was likely intoxicated. The man was in a good state of mind in general – although recently he may have been suffering from migraines. Before he departed the gathering, Craig was witnessed slumped or sleeping for a short time in the front seat of his vehicle parked in the street. His long-time partner would say Craig later drove away with only eight dollars in his wallet. The man nor his sports car have ever been located since exiting the cul-de-sac at approximately 3.00am.
Craig was employed by building materials firm Pioneer Concrete. Police confirmed at the time of his disappearance he had an unclaimed pay packet from his work. It seemed highly unlikely to those that knew Craig that he left the coast to start a new life somewhere else. The Missing Persons Unit of the QPS reported Craig had no bank account or Medicare Card activity. Further, in January 1978, Craig with his de facto had purchased a house on Ferry Road in Southport.
Adding to the mystery, Craig was driving a near new two-door Datsun 240Z, olive green in colour – car registration 219NFC. Only a few months earlier the missing man purchased the vehicle via a personal loan with the Commonwealth Bank.
McManus, a Bond University Honours Graduate, is hoping to piece together the events leading up to vanishing of her grandfather.
“It’s a challenging process, in trying to pull together details from old reports”, said McManus.
“Some of my older relatives are still praying for answers”.
“What I do know about my grandad is he was a good bloke who loved playing footy and riding his motorcycle – plus having a drink and a catch-up with mates at the Broadbeach Hotel”.
“He was living his best life on the Gold Coast – and then he just vanished”.
One police theory is that during his journey home in the early morning hours Craig lost to control of his vehicle and drove into a canal. It had been speculated the car could be completely submerged in a water course somewhere in the Broadbeach Waters or Florida Gardens area.
Broadbeach Waters on 15/7/1978
Graham Craig was known as Graham McCracken at birth (born in 1945) but his name was changed during his childhood when his mother remarried. The missing man was described as being of medium build, 175cm tall, and very tanned – with blond hair and blue eyes.
Craig had moved to the Gold Coast from Melbourne in 1974 and thereafter became a popular player with the Broadbeach Cats AFL club. Although separated by distance from two young daughters that resided down south, Craig remained a loving dad to his children who often came to visit the Gold Coast.
McManus asserts she will continue exploring the possibilities of what could have happened 48 years ago.
“I believe someone knows something. And it’s time they stepped up and unburdened themselves”.
“I do feel I am getting closer to figuring out what happened … and I won’t stop until I find answers”.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10 April 2026
For more information contact Greg Fox –
Phone: 0409 769 883 or Email: gregfox12@outlook.com