FAMILY of missing Maryborough boy Terry Floyd plan to launch a scholarship named in his honour for children who speak up to prevent bullying.
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Siblings Daryl and Debbie, with their partners, hope the move will turn their brother's legacy into a positive, to help do good and spread personal safety awareness.
Terry disappeared from the corner of the Pyrenees and Sunraysia highways in Avoca on June 28, 1975. In 2001, a coroner determined Terry was abducted and murdered, but his body has never been found.
Plans for the scholarship come on the eve of what would be Terry's 56th birthday on Thursday.
Daryl Floyd said the finer details for the scholarship were yet to be finalised but the family felt this was an important way to move forward. The siblings will personally fund what is expected to be an annual scholarship to a primary school in the region.
Mr Floyd has spent tens of thousands of dollars and has received state government grants and community fundraising to search an Avoca mine that is believed to be Terry's final resting place.
He continues to visit and work at the site every two-to-three weeks with support from the community and prospectors.
"Avoca is where Terry went missing from but we want to look past that fact," Mr Floyd said.
"Lots of little kids come to the mine site, with their parents and grandparents, and we always ask why. Awareness and education is what they always say."
Mr Floyd said most children help by cooking barbecues to feed those working on the site.
This got him thinking for a gesture in return that would help to make a difference, honouring Terry. They have been working with school officials for how the scholarship could best help further a child's education.
Mr Floyd encouraged all people to speak up and if they saw something suspicious to say something.
Victoria Police authorised a $1 million reward in 2015 for information in the case, which has haunted the Floyd family for four decades.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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