A week after the shooting deaths of two police officers in northeastern Victoria, local residents are living in fear as the alleged gunman remains at large. Dezi Freeman is believed to have fled into the bushland surrounding his property in Porepunkah after he allegedly opened fire on officers executing a warrant for historical sex offenses. Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart were killed in the incident, while a third officer sustained serious injuries.

On Monday, police announced a shift in their strategy as the search for Freeman, who is thought to be heavily armed, continues. Superintendent Brett Kahan stated that authorities believe Freeman is still alive and receiving assistance. "People know the whereabouts of the person who has [allegedly] killed two cops," Kahan said. "People have chosen for whatever reason, not to come forward." He urged anyone who might be harboring the 56-year-old or who has information about his location to contact the police to help formulate a surrender plan.

The last confirmed sighting of Freeman was during the shooting, despite police investigating several reported sightings from the public. This uncertainty has left the local community feeling uneasy as they attempt to return to normal life. Resident Andrea Siede expressed her anxiety, saying, "Especially at night-time. It is so dark around here — there's no street lights … so we're basically on edge every night."

Siede and her husband own two caravan parks near Mount Buffalo, where Freeman is believed to have fled. "Every noise you hear, every car that goes past the park … at night time it's probably the worst," she added. Helicopters have been flying overhead, and hundreds of police officers, including those from the Australian Federal Police and other states, have converged on the area. As of Monday, police reported receiving over 450 pieces of information related to the case. Multiple search warrants have been executed, and several individuals have been arrested, including Freeman's wife, Amalia, and their teenage son. Both were released pending further inquiries, and Amalia Freeman has since called on her husband to surrender.

The search has focused on areas surrounding Freeman's property, including Eurobin and Mount Buffalo National Park. Siede noted that road closures and a general reluctance to visit the area have led to cancellations of all her bookings. "We've still got our mortgages to pay, we've got our staff to pay. Our bills don't stop and it just puts you on the back foot again," she said.

Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas stated that the local council is working on support services for those in immediate need and for long-term assistance. "We're really looking forward to being able to roll that out and work with our community about what's needed," she said in a video posted on social media.

Federal independent member for Indi, Helen Haines, highlighted the significant loss of income across various sectors, including accommodation and tourism, due to the ongoing situation. "With significant snow on our alps, these towns would in other circumstances be a hive of activity and are particularly reliant on winter trade," she said. Haines is in regular contact with the local council and chamber of commerce regarding potential federal support.

As the manhunt enters its eighth day, Victoria Police is also preparing for the funerals of the two fallen officers. Separate services are scheduled for Friday and the following Monday, with Police Veterans Victoria confirming that veterans and current members are welcome to attend and pay their respects. "We honour Neal and Vadim's service, and the ultimate sacrifice they made in the line of duty," a spokesperson stated.