Murphy, 52, went missing while on a run in the Canadian Forest on February 4, 2024, and while a murder charge has been laid, her body has never been found.

Ballarat mayor Tracey Hargreaves said locals have felt the impact of Murphy’s shock disappearance and alleged murder far and wide.

“On behalf of the City of Ballarat and its residents, we want to express our deepest sympathy and support to the family of Samantha Murphy during this incredibly difficult time,” Hargreaves said in a statement to 9news.com.au.

“The disappearance of Samantha has profoundly affected our close-knit community, and we continue to stand together in solidarity with Samantha’s friends and family.”

Hargreaves said she has been buoyed by the community support offered to Murphy’s loved ones as police investigate the whereabouts of the missing woman’s remains.

The tragic loss has seen the Ballarat community rally against violence.

“In the past 12 months we have seen Ballarat come together and in the face of challenging circumstances,” Hargreaves added.

“I am extremely proud to see the community’s response as we all work together to take a stand against gender-based violence.”

Murphy left her home on Eureka Street in Ballarat East at around 7am to go for a run on February 4 last year.

When she failed to return home, where she was expected to attend a brunch, an investigation into her disappearance was launched.

On March 6, 2024, a now 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with one count of murder.

Ballarat man Patrick Orren Stephenson has pleaded not guilty to murder over the disappearance of Murphy, electing to fast-track his trial.

Police this week reaffirmed their vow to locate Murphy’s body one year on.

The search for her remains has spanned Enfield State Park, Canadian Forest and Buninyong Bushland Reserve and has involved Missing Person Squad officers, the dog squad, the mounted branch, search and rescue, air wing, SES, the AFP, local police and detectives.

“Since Samantha’s disappearance, police have worked tirelessly to locate her. While nothing can erase their grief and loss, being able to return Samantha to her family has always been incredibly important to us,” Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan said on Sunday.

“We also know that Samantha’s death has had an enormous impact on the Ballarat community, as well as the wider Victorian community.

“I want to reaffirm to the community that the Missing Persons Squad remains committed to doing everything we can to locate Samantha – while a year has passed, we still believe we can locate her.”

Dunstan said the search this year will now widen to the Ballarat area, including new areas tipped off from sources.

In May, her phone and wallet were discovered on the edge of a dam, roughly five kilometres south of where her phone last pinged a tower.

“I think people need answers,” Councillor Samantha McIntosh told 9News.

“The family need answers. Sam’s friends need answers.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.