WAGGA police have renewed calls for information about missing man Rafael Vanegas.
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Acting inspector Phil Malligan said he hoped National Missing Persons Week would again drive interest in finding the Wagga man.
Mr Vanegas, an El Salvador refugee, disappeared without a trace from his Wagga home on November 14, 2002.
Mr Vanegas was a well-known figure in Wagga's central business district where he wandered along the streets wearing a distinctive Akubra hat.
The father of eight suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, and had a fear of police from his time held captive by militia in El Salvador.
Investigators believe the 58-year-old may have entered bushland, which he often did to feel safe.
Acting inspector Malligan also said the week was also a chance for those who were alive to make anonymous contact through police with loved ones.
“It’s an opportunity where people who are estranged from their family and wish to get get in contact,” he said.
“[They] remain estranged, but would like their family to know they are safe.”
This year’s campaign, which runs until Saturday August 6, is urging people to stay connected and to remember that every missing person leaves behind frayed edges.
Meet the people missing in NSW in the photo gallery above. Read their stories, memorise their faces and if you have any information about a missing person contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
You can view profiles of missing persons on the national register at missingpersons.gov.au.
