Authorities hope a sample of familial DNA will help solve the mystery of a western Victorian man who has been missing since 1966.
Ronald Peter Owen was last seen at his family home on Norman Street in Wendouree West, near Ballarat, 56 years ago.
He was 18 at the time and his family believed he had ventured north to New South Wales.
A missing persons report was not made at the time of his disappearance, however, his family have not given up hope he can be found.
Earlier this month, a family member attended a pop-up familial DNA collection program in Queanbeyan to report Mr Owen's disappearance.
As a result, NSW Police have commenced an investigation into his whereabouts.
At the time of his disappearance, Mr Owen was described as being Caucasian with a solid build, standing around 175 centimetres tall with a fair complexion and brown hair.
Today, he would be 75 years old.
Officers attached to NSW Police's State Crime Command’s Missing Persons Registry are investigating the disappearance.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
