On April 1 it will be 10 years since the then 20-year-old disappeared while on a working holiday in Australia.

After last being seen in Warrnambool, there were several unconfirmed sightings on the Great Ocean Road and into the Otways, but Max’s last known contact with his family was on April 21, 2005, when he sent an email to his family.

On the same day his brother in Sweden received a parcel with Max’s personal belongings, money and a letter.

Speaking from his home in Sweden, his father Rolf Castor said the pain of his son’s disappearance maybe duller but it was always there.

“Not knowing why he left is a little like having a wet blanket over my life,” he said.

“But I have to respect his choice in life. He is soon 30. But it disturbs my daily life, but of course less and less.”

Mr Castor said he had contact with police in Australia as much as five times a year and continued to receive tips on sightings of Max.

Mr Castor said he believed Max maybe living somewhere on the east coast in or just outside a small town. 

But life goes on for Mr Castor, who has had two major life-saving operations and said he was lucky to have two other children and five grandchildren.

Max Castor was last seen wearing a blue windcheater, white T-shirt, jeans and was carrying a light blue backpack and a multi-coloured clutch bag.