Caringbah Mum Fakes Her Own Disappearance to Avoid Mother’s Day Lunch with In-Laws

Sandy Shores | Editor in Chief | Sutherland Shire Gazette

11 May 2025

CARINGBAH — In what authorities are calling “a bold act of maternal self-care,” local mum Vanessa Harding allegedly faked her own disappearance on Sunday morning in an attempt to avoid the annual hostage situation known as Mother’s Day lunch with her in-laws.

Vanessa, 42, was last seen that morning around 7:30am telling her family she was “just ducking out for croissants.” She then vanished. A search was launched shortly after when her husband realised he would have to "prep the roast himself" and the kids began arguing over who was in charge of flowers.

The trail led to Miranda Westfield, where Vanessa was located six hours later reclining in the dimly lit bar area of Hoyts Lux, sipping a glass of pinot gris behind a potted palm, watching Challengers for the second time.

“She just needed a day off from being appreciated,” explained friend Mel, who had been texting her location in code. “We love our families, but nothing says ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ like hosting six people and doing your own dishes.”

Psychologists are calling it “a textbook case of domestic flight response.”

In-laws were reportedly “disappointed” but also “stayed for seconds.” Her husband posted an Instagram story captioned “Grateful for this amazing woman 💕” over a photo of the roast he burned.

Vanessa has been issued a formal warning by local authorities for “failing to turn off Find My iPhone,” and is now planning an annual Mother’s Day decoy involving a decoy croissant run and burner phone.

“It’s not about escaping the family,” she clarified. “It’s about escaping the lasagna.”

And to all the mums, stepmums, mother figures, fairy godmothers, and women holding it all together across the Sutherland Shire — we salute you.