$1 million reward offered for information on the suspected murder of newspaper heiress Juanita Nielsen

Police hope to track down the remains of the newspaper owner and heiress after her 1975 disappearance and suspected murder.

Supplied picture of Juanita Nielsen and her father, Neil Smith. Picture: Supplied

NSW Police have announced a $1 million reward for more information into the 1975 disappearance and suspected murder of newspaper owner and heiress Juanita Nielsen.

Nearly 50 years since her disappearance, authorities have renewed their appeal to encourage anyone in the community to come forward with any information that may help detectives with their inquiry.

Nielsen was last seen at Carousel Cabaret on Roslyn Street, Kings Cross on Friday July 4, 1975. She was just 38 years old when she was reported missing, having been suspected of murder.

But despite extensive investigations since her disappearance, her body has never been found and the mystery surrounding her death has baffled Sydneysiders for decades.

A well-known figure in the vibrant inner-city area of Potts Point, Nielsen was the daughter of Neil Smith, an heir to the Mark Foy’s retailer.

She was a glamorous personality who became renowned for her anti-development activism which she conducted through her newspaper, NOW.

A vocal proponent against changes to her local community, she rallied against development proposals for the Victorian style terraces on Victoria St which have become iconic landmarks for the area today.

Police Minister David Elliott said the government does not increase the rewards “lightly” and that the reward is “at the height” of what he is capable of offering as a minister.

Mr David Elliott also said he hopes the improvement of investigative techniques since her death may help detectives search for her remains.

“The tragic disappearance of Juanita in 1975 is one of Sydney’s horrible unsolved mysteries,” he said. “Although a number of people were charged, arrested and convicted, we still want closure for the family to ensure that we will get to the bottom of the motives.

“I pay credit to the Foy and the Nielsen family for their ability to maintain faith in the judicial system and NSW Police in the way they have investigated this matter.

“I also pay tribute to Superintendent Doherty along with literally hundreds of police who have made sure the moment and loss of Juanita wouldn't subside with time.

Superintendent Daniel Doherty said the announcement was an important step forward for her family in their search to find the remains.

Ms Nielsen’s cousin Francis Foy said the family had been devastated by her disappearance and hoped for anyone in the Kings Cross area to come forward so they can “shed some light where her remains are”.