Mr Bentley, aged 63, was last seen about 12pm on Monday, April 26, in the Tea Gardens area and was reported missing when he failed to attend pre-arranged appointments and his regular game of lawn bowls on Saturday, at a bowling club on Old Maitland Road at Hexham.

On Tuesday police established an operation base in Pindimar. With the help of local SES, the police have launched a land and air search of surrounding bushland in the hope of finding the missing resident.

"Our command post will be at 326 Pindimar Road, you may also see the police helicopter overhead throughout the day," Port Stephens police said.

"The police trail bikes and other marked police and SES vehicles will be searching bush tracks."

Allan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 179cm tall, of medium build with short brown and grey hair and a beard.

Police are also looking fort his white coloured Holden combo van, with NSW registration UQG-146, which has 'catering' written on the side.

Anyone who may have information regarding Allan's whereabouts is urged to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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