The family of a missing man from Geelong is offering a $50,000 reward to anyone who could lead them to him before Christmas, the Herald Sun reported.

Daniel O'Keeffe, 24, went missing from the family home in Highton on July 15 after a bout of depression. He did not take his wallet, identification or medication, and has not used his bank accounts or answered his mobile phone since then, making his family extremely worried over his whereabouts.

Daniel's sisters have even quit work to focus on the search for their brother.

Police earlier suspected that Daniel may have tried to assimilate with homeless people.

"He's always had an affinity with deprived people who have been deprived," said Mr. Des O'Keefe, Daniel's father.

Daniel was supposed to start a carpentry apprenticeship on the week he disappeared.

Mrs. Lorraine O'Keefe, Daniel's mother, said her son had an appreciation of spirituality, and recently went with his girlfriend Susie Mansfield to hear the Dalai Lama.

While they feared prank calls and phony resource persons, sister Loren said they decided to offer a reward after months of waiting yielded no leads. She reasoned Daniel would not want them to suffer what they have been going through since he disappeared.

"Our family is dreading spending Christmas without Daniel," Loren said.

Just last month, the family received hoax mails from phone kidnappers. They got disturbing emails, which threatened violence against Daniel unless the family sends money, Geelong Advertiser reported.

Using the signature "The Keeper," the three emails to Daniel's family were forwarded to police and proved to be hoaxes.

Daniel was last seen at a Highton bus stop on the morning of July 15 (Friday).

Ms. O'Keeffe through the Herald Sun urged people to call the family directly on 0478 661 092 to report sightings.