Australian music legend Jimmy Barnes has long been a household name, known for his powerhouse vocals, iconic hits, and larger-than-life stage presence.
But this week, the Cold Chisel frontman is making headlines for a far more personal and heartbreaking reason: a desperate plea to the public to help find a missing family member.
On Sunday, Jimmy took to Facebook to share the distressing news that his son, Jackie James Barnes’s nephew, 14-year-old Blake Powell, has gone missing in Sydney.
The post, which quickly gained traction among fans and concerned citizens alike, included a missing person’s report and a heartfelt request: ‘Please help us find Blake, Jackie’s nephew.’
Blake was last seen in Castle Hill, Sydney, at around 4pm on Friday. Described as 185cm tall, of thin build, weighing 70kg, with an olive complexion, brown hair, and brown eyes, Blake’s disappearance has left his family and the wider community deeply worried.
The post notes that Blake is known to use public transport and often spends time at shopping malls around Sydney, which may provide crucial leads for anyone who might have seen him.
‘Police and family hold concerns for his welfare given his young age,’ the post reads, urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Castle Hill Police directly.
This isn’t the first time Jimmy Barnes has faced adversity in recent months. The beloved singer has been in and out of hospital since late 2023, enduring a string of health challenges that would test even the toughest among us.
After two hip operations and open-heart surgery to combat a persistent staph infection, Jimmy’s resilience has been nothing short of inspiring.
In a recent social media video, he was seen using a walking frame just 24 hours after surgery, joking, ‘I’m walking, day one. Woohoo! I’ll be jogging by tomorrow. Dancing by Friday.’
Despite these setbacks, Jimmy made a triumphant return to the stage in October, performing with Cold Chisel as part of their 50th anniversary tour, The Big Five-0.
The tour sold more than 150,000 tickets across 16 shows, cementing the band’s place in Aussie rock history and proving that Jimmy’s spirit is as unbreakable as ever.
But even rock legends need help sometimes. The search for Blake is a sobering reminder that no family is immune to hardship, and that community support can make all the difference in times of crisis.
For many Australians, Jimmy Barnes isn’t just a music icon—he’s a symbol of resilience, family, and the power of coming together when it matters most.
If you live in Sydney or have friends and family in the area, please keep an eye out for Blake Powell.
Even the smallest piece of information could be the key to bringing him home safely. And if you’ve ever experienced the anxiety of a missing loved one, you’ll know just how much every call, every sighting, and every share on social media can mean.
We also want to take a moment to acknowledge the emotional toll that situations like this can have—not just on the immediate family, but on the wider community.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the stress of a missing loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Organisations like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are there to help.
Have you ever been involved in a community search or supported a family through a similar ordeal? What advice or words of encouragement would you offer to the Barnes family right now? Please share your thoughts, experiences, and messages of support in the comments below. Your voice could make a world of difference.
And to Jimmy, Jackie, and the entire Barnes family: our thoughts are with you. We hope for Blake’s safe return and send strength to everyone involved in the search.
If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact Crime Stoppers or Castle Hill Police immediately.
Let’s show the true spirit of the Australian community—let’s help bring Blake home.
UPDATE: As of 15 June 2025, Blake Powell has been found, according to a Facebook post by The Hills Police Area Command.
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