Light rain falls on already muddy ground, and the sound of excavators and machinery echoes through the bush, as the renewed search for William Tyrrell stretches into a third week.
A team of riot officers drag rakes through puddles and dirt, as Rural Fire Service volunteers remove trees and undergrowth.
It's taxing work in the wet and humid conditions yet, so far, nothing significant has been discovered, according to police.
The area of bushland at the focus of the search is about a kilometre from William Tyrrell's late foster grandmother's home at Kendall, on the NSW Mid North Coast, where the young boy was last seen seven years ago in September 2014.
While police continue their difficult and methodical work in the bush, Jackie Scott is busy making coffees and sandwiches at a store she runs with her husband on Kendall's main street.
"It was a surprise the search returned [to Kendall]," she says.
Ms Scott says it's been busier than usual lately, but for all the wrong reasons, and locals are keen for answers and closure to the seven-year investigation.
"I think others feel like me, that we need to find him … we want an outcome this time," Ms Scott said.
"We want to move forward and find William so he can rest.
"People just want answers. They want to know what's happened in their little town.
"I think it's time we find this little fella. It's important."
Ms Scott says the disappearance of William has had a lasting impact on the town.
"We were here when we went missing … we are from small towns," she said.
Bad weather hampers search
Initially police estimated the renewed search would go for two to three weeks, but consistent rain and storms has meant it is now expected to run for weeks longer.
Last Friday, Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Bennett addressed the media and described the search as "painstaking" and "difficult".
He said police were happy with the progress so far even though there were "no great milestones to report".
Earlier last month, police said "new information" had led to the latest search and a theory being explored was that William died after falling from the balcony of his foster grandmother's home on September 12, 2014.
Authorities have confirmed the inquest into William Tyrrell's disappearance will recommence next year and will include evidence found from the new search.
Meanwhile, the wet weather continues, with showers and rain forecast for the Mid North Coast for the rest of the week.
"I think in this weather at the moment, it's tedious for them [the searchers] but it's necessary," Ms Scott said.
"The weather plays a part, however the work they are doing out there is slow anyway.
