02.08.2021
2 min read

Reward upped for 'loving' missing NSW man

NSW Police has announced a $1 million reward for information about the disappearance of Sydney man Ian Charles Draper in 2001.
Sydney man Ian Charles Draper, 37, disappeared 20 years ago and is presumed dead.

A $1 million reward is being offered for information about the disappearance of a "loving son, brother, uncle and friend" in Sydney's southwest 20 years ago.

Ian Charles Draper, 37, was last seen leaving his workplace at Mount Pritchard Community Club in his 1992 white Ford Falcon on August 3, 2001.

Mr Draper's car was later found unlocked and undamaged at Leppington on September 17, 2001. Police say Mr Draper hasn't used his phone or accessed his bank accounts since disappearing.

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In 2005, the NSW government announced a $100,000 reward for information about the disappearance of Mr Draper, who is presumed dead.

A 2004 coronial inquest could not determine the circumstances of his death.

NSW Police on Monday renewed an appeal to the community for any information that may help detectives with their investigation.

"After two decades of unanswered questions, Ian's family deserve to know what happened to their son and to lay him to rest," Police Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said in a statement.

Mr Draper's mother Janet implored the public to come forward.

"Last week was Ian's birthday and we have now spent 20 years without him, missing out on celebrating these milestones," she said.

"Ian was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend and taken far too soon."

Monday marks the start of Australia's Missing Persons Week. Police Minister David Elliott said there were 239 NSW government rewards on offer for information about the disappearance of missing people.

The NSW government has also rolled out a targeted text message system to help officers find vulnerable missing people in the area, Mr Elliott said.

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