Police call for public help in unsolved 2023 missing persons cases

Across the country, there are thousands of families waiting for a lost loved ones to return home with police searching for information on around 2,500 unsolved missing person cases and 750 unidentified bodies.

The AFP is ramping up the search and have released an online "investigative board" hoping details of the disappearances could unlock crucial evidence.

While all missing persons cases are tragic, some are particularly incomprehensible and police have hoping a member of the public might hold the key.

Peter Roach was last seen leaving Rockhampton Hospital at around 3.40pm on May 21, 2023.

The 80-year-old walked out of the hospital without telling staff or discharging himself.

An air, land and water search from emergency services began as soon as hospital staff noticed him missing.

Police said Mr Roach had a condition that caused him to feel confused.

He was last seen on Rockhampton's Canning Street wearing a grey jumper and maroon shirt with long blue pants and brown shoes.

He is described as Caucasian with brown eyes, salt-and-pepper hair and an amputated left arm.

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On February 2, 2023, Leonard 'Lenny' Francis William Richards had a phone conversation with an acquaintance.

But the 67-year-old was not at his home, 80 kilometres outside Marla in remote South Australia, when friends came to visit two days later.

Police were notified but an extensive search of the area failed to find Mr Richards.

He hasn't had any contact with his friends, family or any government or medical agencies since his disappearance, police said.

Kim Nicholson's mother was worried after not hearing from her daughter since December 2022 and filed a missing persons report with police on March 14, 2023.

Ms Nicholson, a 46-year-old Melbourne-born woman, had relocated back to her hometown in October 2022 after living in Horseshoe Bay, Queensland.

She had no fixed address when she went missing but an acquaintance said they saw Ms Nicholson sleeping rough in the Melbourne suburb of Carnegie in March 2023.

She's had no contact with friends or family since being reported missing and there are concerns for her safety and welfare.

Anyone with information which may assist in locating the whereabouts of these missing persons are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.