From the team behind the award-winning podcasts The Teacher’s Pet, Bowraville, Who the hell is Hamish? and Lost in Larrimah, The Australian today launches its latest investigative podcast, The Lighthouse, about the mysterious disappearance of Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez.

At the request of Theo’s family, The Australian’s national crime correspondent, David Murray, joined the unofficial search party to investigate what happened to Theo who hasn’t been seen since leaving a Byron Bay bar in May this year.

As a range of theories for his disappearance emerge, The Lighthouse delves into all possible scenarios highlighted by a major police investigation and takes you inside the extraordinary search by local volunteers who’ve never met Theo.

The podcast also explores the stark contrast between Byron Bay’s millionaires and the homeless community living in hidden bush camps, along with the role technology has played in the case and how it will continue to transform the search for missing people.

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Commenting on the release of the podcast, The Australian’s editor-in-chief, Christopher Dore, said: “Our investigative podcasts have become an essential part of Australia’s journalism landscape, giving listeners a unique opportunity to consume brilliantly told audio stories with world-class reporting in our print and online editions. The Australian‘s reporting has also led to remarkable outcomes in cases, enlivening communities and bringing stories to life in such a way that authorities have little choice but to take notice.”

Murray says: “The Byron Bay community has been rocked by Theo’s disappearance, demonstrated by the spontaneous and sustained search in the town by people who’d never met the young backpacker. The Lighthouse aims to help Theo’s family and the local volunteers supporting them in their search for answers.”

Managing director The Australian, NSW & Prestige Titles, Nicholas Gray said: “The Australian has had great success in reaching new and engaged audiences through our podcasts. By highlighting and shedding new light on such an intriguing case I’m confident The Lighthouse will assist the investigation and continue to broaden the reach of The Australian.”

A new episode will be released each Friday, with the first episode going live on the afternoon of November 1.

For more information and to listen to the podcast visit theaustralian.com.au/thelighthouse