In a little over a week, hundreds upon hundreds of messages have flooded in - from across our wide brown land and also across the seas. Most combine positive thoughts for William's family with words of support and gratitude for the emergency services and volunteer searchers.

It's no surprise that quite a few messages were penned from Mid-North Coast addresses but William's plight - and the heartache endured by his family - has left few people unmoved.

People from Budapest, Sweden, Vietnam, Greece, the United States, Nova Scotia, Mexico and many people from New Zealand have taken the time to share their thoughts and good wishes.

The first message we received - from Kim Scarone, of Fairfield - has been echoed many times over.

Kim wrote: "My thoughts and prayers are with you guys, being a mother myself my heart is breaking. hopefully you find him soon. sending so much strength your way xx"

Here's a selection of the messages we've received. You can see them all here. It's not too late to write your own.

► Karen Dower from Port Macquarie: "Thinking of everyone involved in this terrible situation. Praying little William is found safe and back with his family very soon. The unbelievable community spirit and support makes me so proud to live on the Mid North Coast, its truly the best place ever."

► Robert from Vietnam: "Come home little man everyone is missing you"

► Celia de la venga from Baja California, México: "por favor Dios proteja a William y le de fuerzas para ser de vuelta a sus padres . Guía William a la dirección correcta . Amen TRANSLATION: Please God protect William and forces him to be back to their parents. William Guide to the correct address. Amen"

► Cynthia from North Haven: "Come back to us Spidy....so many are missing you xx "

► Lisa Alley from Belrose: "Having grown up and gone to school in Kendall, I feel very proud of the community I was once a part of. The way everyone has rallied to help people in need is immensely touching. My thoughts are with William and his family, the anguish they must all be feeling is just incomprehensible. Great job to everyone involved!! Hoping William is soon home safely!"

► Nicole from Nuriootpa, SA: "Please keep safe little man! Its absolutely heart breaking knowing there's a little Spider Man out there lost and missing his family. Our thoughts are with William, his family and friends. To all the volunteers what an amazing effort from and everyone of you. ♡ All my children and I can do is hope and pray he's found safe and well. "

► Harry Lennstrom from Sweden: "My heart goes out to you, if I could, I was there and helped in the search."

► Luna from Monterrey, México: "My heart breaks for this family.my thought and best wishes are with you"

► ZiZi Wells from Nevada, USA: "Praying for all of you! William, the family, and all those searching, feeding, investigating. Our prayers are with you from around the world!"

► Jolene from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia: "I first heard about William in a mommy group I'm in and I keep checking in to see if there are any updates. My heart breaks for the family and I hope William makes it home soon! :("