TWELVE months after the reward for missing Bathurst man Andrew Russell was increased to $750,000, his family are still clinging to hope it's enough to entice those who know the truth to come forward.
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Andrew then aged 23, was last seen leaving a home on Slim Street, Bathurst, about 8pm on Tuesday 2 June 2009.
As Andrew left the home, he told the residents he was going to see his family. He has not been seen or heard from since.
In March last year, when NSW Minister for Police, Troy Grant, announced a $750,000 NSW Government Reward for information which leads to the recovery of Andrew body, the family were sure someone would speak up.
But 12 months on, they are no closer to bringing their beloved son and brother home.
Andrew's sister Kiara White, said the family are guttered no one has come forward.
"We are very disappointed that the reward hasn't brought that one thing we need to find Andrew.
"We pray that someone will have a heart to come forward so our heartache can stop."
She pleaded for anyone with information, no matter how small to contact police.
"We will always have hope that the guilt of knowing what happened to a beautiful man like Andrew will bring someone forward.
"We definitely know that people in this town know what happened to Andrew and what we can't get our heads around is how the hell people live watching a family fall apart, knowing such a sick dark secret and not speak [up].
She said she, along with her parents Sue Wallace and Bruce Herbert will never stop looking or hoping Andrew is found.
"So he can be laid to rest were he deserves to be," she said.
Andrew's mum, Sue Wallace, said after years campaigning for a reward in Andrew's case the family were literally speechless when the State Government announced the $750,000 reward last year.
At the time she said it was "a long time coming, but it changes everything" adding “I think now we will see that money is more important then loyalty."
Last year's $750,000 reward comes after years of campaigning by the family to have the reward raised.
The original amount of just $1,000, offered not long after Andrew went missing, was seen as a “sick joke” by the family.
The stress of the last few years has also taken a toll on the family, still their first priority is finding Andrew's remains.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information will be treated in confidence.
