Sad ending in 'Olivia' hunt

A Facebook page has been set up to support Canberra's incurable romantic, Steve Tucker.

An Australian public servant has been going to extreme lengths trying to track down the woman of his dreams.

Now Steve Tucker of Canberra faces disciplinary action from the Department of Immigration for using his work computer to send out almost seven thousand emails trying find Olivia, who he met briefly at a party on Saturday night.

This was the content of his heartfelt plea:

"There is a person that works here at DIAC [Department of Immigration and Citizenship], who has a housemate by the name of 'Olivia'. This message is for you.

"Olivia is tall and olive skinned. She moved to Canberra from Sydney last February to work in the Public Service.

"Briefly, I met Olivia on the Saturday night just passed. She left a strong and positive impression on me. Unfortunately, people got in the way after we met and I didn't get to finish our meeting how I wanted to. This has been bugging me ever since.

"If you can kindly let Olivia know that I would like to get in contact with her or alternatively get in touch with myself, I will be very appreciative.

"Disclaimer: I understand this is not the most appropriate channel. It is not my intent to misuse this email address. I have struggled to write and send this message. It has taken all of my willpower to do so."

When the online community got wind of Mr Tucker's possible sacking, a Twitter crusade called "Save Steve" began.

A spokesperson for the Department of Immigration said that it was not a sackable offence.

So while there are chances Mr Tucker will keep his job, chances are looking very slim that he'll "get the girl".

A radio station tracked down "Olivia" and she doesn't even remember meeting Mr Tucker.

And what's worse - she's not in the least interested in getting in touch with him.

One lesson from it all is to think twice before you click 'Send to All'.

- NZHERALD STAFF, AGENCIES