Paula-Lee Denton, also known as Paula-Lee Miniter, would now be aged 44. She was known to live in the Mudgee, Hargraves and Gulgong areas and was last seen in late 2013.

Police say at that time, Paula-Lee was estranged from her family, and was formally reported missing in October 2017.

Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District established Strike Force Reye to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Following extensive investigations, police are now treating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance as suspicious.

As part of those investigations, detectives have conducted searches of properties in Hargraves and Gulgong.

Officers are also investigating whether Paula-Lee travelled to other rural NSW towns.

While inquiries continue, detectives are appealing for anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact Mudgee Police.

At the time of her disappearance, Paula-Lee was described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm tall with a large build, red/blonde hair with an eagle tattoo on the back of her right shoulder.

Orana Mid-Western Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Denise Godden, said given the amount of time that has passed, police hold grave fears for her welfare.

"Police have conducted extensive inquiries with the aim to find out what happened to Paula-Lee, and we are now appealing to those in the community who may have vital information.

"If anyone has information about Paula-Lee's whereabouts, or has seen her since 2013, then we want to hear from you", Det Ch Insp Godden said.

Paula-Lee's son made a short statement.

"This whole process has been eye-opening and I wouldn't want anyone to go through it. My mum was a motivated person who always told me that I could do anything that I put my mind to. We believe that there's people in the area that know what happened and we really hope that they could provide the police with more information so we know what's happened and get some closure," he said.