The father of a long-term missing person has spoken out following Missing Persons Week.
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Ian Stanton was 23-years-old when he was last seen by his father at his Bundanoon home on May 9, 2003, after he delivered groceries to him. Four days later, Ian's mother went to the home and found the front door open and the groceries untouched.
He was reported missing to police from The Hume Police District by his parents on May 16, 2003.
"Although our son Ian has been missing now for over 16 years the sadness and sense of loss, ambiguous as it is, goes on," Mr Stanton said.
"In the early days we held on to the hope that we might see him again, even though the coroner declared him to be deceased."
Mr Stanton said "now most of the family have reached what I'd describe as a stage of acceptance".
"Of course we still look out for him and indeed the sightings of someone of similar appearance or gait make the heart skip a beat," he said.
"But we have to move forward with our lives and acknowledge that Ian's disappearance may always remain a mystery."
Police renewed their appeal to locate Ian, who went missing more than 16 years ago as a part of Missing Persons Week.
At the time of his disappearance Ian was of a medium build, about 190cm tall, with short brown hair and a full beard.
In the days following Ian's disappearance, there were alleged sightings of him in the surrounding district.
Police also received unconfirmed sightings in Queensland and Canberra years later; however, subsequent inquiries have failed to locate him.
Anyone who has seen Mr Stanton, or has information as to his whereabouts, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. You can also call Southern Highlands Police Station on 4868 1222.
Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons.
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