The NSW Government has announced an increase to the reward for information into the disappearance of a Redfern man more than 15 years ago.
Simon Knight was 32 when he was last seen at a hotel on Crown Street, Surry Hills, on the morning of Thursday 21 July 2005.
When Mr Knight, a chef, did not arrive for his shift at a café in Newtown later that day, he was reported missing to police.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, Simon has never been found.
A coronial inquest conducted in 2008 found that it was unlikely that Mr Knight had died but he has not been seen since and a body has never been located. A reward of $100,000 was announced at the time.
Detectives from South Sydney Police Area Command are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Knight's disappearance under Strike Force Glenlea.
To assist with ongoing inquiries, the NSW Government announced the reward for information has been increased to $250,000 from today (Friday 6 November 2020).
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said he hopes the $250,000 reward will be the catalyst for someone to provide the information that helps solve the case.
"No parent should live with the pain of not knowing if their child is safe, or where they are, or what harm might have come their way," Minister Elliott said.
"I implore you to contact the police if you have any information, no matter how insignificant, that could help solve the case of Mr Knight's disappearance."
South Sydney Police Area Commander, Superintendent Andrew Holland, said that investigators are seeking any information from the community that may lead them to answers about Simon's disappearance.
"We believe there are people in the community who have vital information about Mr Knight's movements on the day he was last seen, and possibly, his whereabouts; information that could help us solve this case," Supt Holland said.
"At this time, we are keen to speak with anyone who lived or frequented Crown and Oxford streets, Surry Hills, in July 2005, particularly if they knew Simon and have not yet spoken to police.
"Please cast your mind back and try to recall if you saw this young man around the area – even a small piece of information about Simon's movements could make a big difference to this investigation."
At the time of his disappearance, Simon was described as being of Caucasian appearance, 183cm tall, with blue eyes, a fair complexion, red hair and facial hair.
When he was last seen, it is believed he was wearing a dark green T-shirt and blue jeans.
As the investigation continues, Simon's parents, Robyn Conlan and Bob Knight, are hopeful for answers.
"Our son has been missing for over 15 years and his father, sister, brother and I need to know what happened to him," said Robyn.
"Of course, we are extremely grateful for this opportunity to – hopefully – find out once and for all what occurred all those years ago," she said.
"Although it is now more than 15 years since Simon disappeared, we are very grateful to the police for their assistance and the work they have done in relation to the reward increase," said Bob.
"Both Supt Holland, and Det Sen Cst Mabberley, have been very helpful and, like us, are hoping that new information will come to light so we can find out what happened to our son Simon."
The $250,000 reward is available for information leading to the discovery of Simon Knight's whereabouts or disclosing the circumstances of his disappearance.
Anyone with information about Mr Knight's disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The community is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
