Nathan Fitzpatrick was safe and well, much to the relief of his family, police and community members after an anxious land and aerial search that lasted almost six hours.

“Everyone involved did a sterling job,” said Hamilton’s Sergeant Paul Stanhope, who helped co-ordinate the operation which included  a police helicopter crew from Melbourne.

“We searched creeks, drains, bush and roads, checking and re-checking — it was extensive.

“It seems he went out for a walk with his backpack on. He was spotted by a passer-by from Adelaide on the main Hamilton road and taken to Coleraine police station.”