A $1 million reward is being offered by police for information about the murder of a man from eastern Victoria in 1986.

Albert Pisani, 27, was last seen leaving his Moe home on October 10, 1986.

His remains were found in a shallow grave at Drifffield, near Moe, in June 1987.

Detective Sergeant Dave Butler, from the Victoria Police Missing Person’s Squad, said officers believed a number of people were involved in his death.

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He said the family had waited for answers for a long time and it was time “people stepped up” and gave them the resolution they needed.

“We believe a number of people who lived in the Moe area at the time know what happened to Mr Pisani 26 years ago,” he said.

“Our enquiries so far lead us to believe some of these people may be living in Ballarat and Tasmania and we’re encouraging them to contact police.”

Family needs peace of mind

Det Sen Sgt Butler said the passage of time affected people in different ways and some people may not realise that the information they had could be crucial to the case.

“We all get older. It’s been 29 years. It’s a long time since this occurred, people are older, more mature,” he said.

“They have a different outlook on life. They may have a different motivation and want to talk to us.”

Mr Pisani worked for the State Electricity Commission (SES).

His sister, Carol Ward, said the family of nine children had been struggling with the murder.

“He was my oldest brother. He was much-loved by the family, his nephews, aunties, cousins. He was happy-go-lucky,” she said.

She said they had “no idea at all” why he was murdered, saying it was out of character.

“I don’t know why nobody’s come forward but 29 years later I’d just hope somebody does come forward and just give us some peace of mind,” she said.

The Department of Public Prosecutions will consider granting indemnity for anyone who provides information about the identity of the person involved.

The reward is paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner for information leading to a conviction.