ELEVEN years ago this week, Andrew Russell, 23, bought a birthday card for his dad, Bruce, at a William Street newsagency.
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It was his Dad's 40th birthday, and he planned to give the card to his Dad when he saw him that night, but he never got the chance.
"Drew" as he was known, was last seen leaving a home on Slim Street, Bathurst about 8pm on Tuesday, June 2. He said was going to see his family and has not been seen or heard from since.
He was reported missing to Bathurst Police on June 20, 2009, when he failed to make contact with his family, which was uncharacteristic for him. He has not accessed his bank account since he disappeared.
The stress of the past 11 years has taken a toll on the family - not only emotionally, but physically as well.
Drew's sister, Kiara White, said since his disappearance, her family "has fallen away into pieces."
And while 11 years have passed, she said the pain is like it happened yesterday.
Still, Drew's family will never give up hope of bringing him home, and seeing justice done to those responsible for his death.
"We will always keep going to get justice for Andrew," she said, adding she was a little surprised no one had come forward with information, after NSW Police released a $750,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Andrew's body.
"In a way I'm surprised hat no one has come forward but in another way I'm not, because I think a lot of people think they won't get the money if they come forward."
She said she knows "hands down" there are people in Bathurst who know what happened to Andrew.
"I don't understand how they sleep at night having that weight on their shoulders, what if it were their family member."
"Just come forward so we can put him to rest, and have a place where we come and lay a flower.
"For eleven years we've had no where to go and lay a flower, it's one of the hardest things anyone has to ever deal with."
"We will never give up hope and we will never give up believing that one day this nightmare will be finally over," she said.
Detectives from Chifley Police District established Strike Force Renshaw to investigate Drew's disappearance and quickly established he met with foul play.
Despite extensive investigations and searches over the years, Mr Russell's body has never been found and no one has been convicted in connection to his death.
The $750,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Andrew Russell's body still stands. If you know something, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.