More than two dozen people focused on the places the 57-year-old was most likely to have visited since he went missing last week.

A dog search-and-rescue team from Sydney assisted with the search, which began about 9am and continued until nightfall.

Police and loved ones hold grave concerns for Mr Hendy, who was last heard from about 7pm Wednesday.

“We don’t think he was in a great state of mind when he left,” his close friend John said.

“What we’re hoping for now is that he’s gone for a bit of time to maybe clear his head or maybe he just hasn’t sorted out what he’s going to do next.”

Mr Hendy is not contactable and is not believed to be in possession of any property. 

“We know that he didn’t leave with his wallet or credit cards or cash so we don’t really think that he’s gone that far,” John said. 

“But if anybody saw him on the road out of town, hitchhiking, if anybody picked him up  … those are some of the key things we’d really like to know about.” 

Mr Hendy is described as Caucasian appearance, 175 to 180 centimetres tall, of fair complexion, with blonde hair, a blonde beard, and blue eyes.

A Facebook page “Search for Mark Hendy” and Instagram account, @search_for_mark_hendy, have been set up to help share information and mobilise the community.

On Sunday, flyers featuring a description and images of Mr Hendy were distributed outside Woolworths.

A Facebook post on Sunday called for anyone with “dash cam or CCTV footage anywhere between Culburra Beach and Nowra” after 6pm on Wednesday” to come forward.

NSW Police have issued an appeal for public assistance to help locate Mr Hendy.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.