UPDATE: Missing man Ian Whinfield is believed to have been found dead by emergency services today, almost a month after he disappeared.
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On a day in which the search for the 82-year-old Serpentine man was upgraded and intensified, his body was found in the Pyrenees Range State Forest near Glenpatrick.
Police and emergency services located him during their planned search just before midday.
Ian was last seen by family after attending Christmas lunch in Lake Bolac on 25 December, 2019.
Police were notified on 26 December after Ian had not returned home after leaving Lake Bolac about 4pm on the previous day.
A search commenced and Ian's red Nissan ute was discovered on Emery Track, Glenpatrick on 27 December.
In the wake of an initial large-scale response, the search for Ian was wound back but has consistently continued.
Ian's death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
EARLIER STORY: Police will today ramp up their efforts in the search for missing 82-year-old Ian Whinfield.
Mr Whinfield, from Serpentine, was last seen by his family at a Christmas lunch at Lake Bolac on December 25, 2019. He departed the lake about 4pm.
His family notified police the following day, after he had not returned home.
Police conducted a search, locating Mr Whinfield's red Nissan ute on Emery Track, Glenpatrick on December 27.
There was initially a widespread response in the search for Mr Whinfield but while this has been scaled back, efforts to locate him have continued.
Police will today conduct an extensive search of bushland in the Glenpatrick area, with additional resources deployed during coming days.
These resources include Search and Rescue, the Mounted Branch, uniform members, detectives and the SES, who will all assist in the search for Mr Whinfield.
An image of Mr Whinfield has been released in the hope that someone may be able to recognise him.
He was last seen wearing green slacks, a green shirt, a cap and brown shoes.
His disappearance is not being treated as suspicious.
Anybody who may have seen Ian Whinfield or his vehicle between December 25 and December 27 is urged to contact Avoca Police Station on 5465 3300.