‘‘Until I start seeing it appear, then I’m not going to believe it; seeing is believing, as they say,’’ he said.

Financial Services and Superannuation Minister Bill Shorten yesterday announced that investors caught up in the 2009 collapse of Trio Capital would be receiving compensation payouts in the coming days.

But Mr Vaughan said he had heard it all before.

The Federal Government announced a $55million compensation package last April, sparking celebrations among investors who had put their lives and retirement plans on hold.

But relief turned to frustration when just months later the bailout was delayed indefinitely, putting hundreds of Illawarra retirees in financial limbo.

Mr Vaughan and wife Lana were forced to put their plans for a well-earned Australia-wide caravan trip back on the shelf.

The couple lost more than $300,000 after the collapse of Trio Capital, forcing Mr Vaughan to temporarily return to work.

But the West Dapto man is now cautiously optimistic they may now be back on the road by mid-year.

‘‘It’s great that we’re finally getting somewhere,’’ he said.

Although happy to be nearing the end of a long battle, Mr Vaughan was disappointed that self-managed super investors would not have the same relief.

‘‘I’m still feeling that there’s a lot of people who aren’t going to get anything at all - they took advice from the same people we all believed in,’’ he said.