About 5.35am on Saturday, September 29, emergency services were called to Carrington Street after the body of a man was located on the side of the road.

The man was formally identified as 43-year-old husband and father, Ian Pullen, who was a New Zealand resident volunteering as a fire-fighter for the start of the Hunter region bushfire season.

An investigation was launched by detectives from Hunter Valley Police District under Strike Force Awabakil.

Inquiries suggest Mr Pullen had been struck and killed by a car between 4am and 5.30am.

During earlier stages of the investigation, police sought to speak with the driver of a silver hatchback; they have since spoken to that driver and finalised those inquiries.

Following further inquiries, strike force investigators are now seeking to identify another vehicle that is reported to have been in the area at the time.

The vehicle is described as being a white utility with a black front bumper bar.

Investigators have released an image, which is believed to be a similar make and model ute.

Hunter Valley Police District Commander Superintendent Chad Gillies is appealing for anyone who may have seen a similar vehicle driving in or around the area at the time to come forward.

"As it nears the six-month anniversary of this incident, we are hoping this image could jog someone's memory," he said.

"We are urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time and could have seen something, to contact detectives or Crime Stoppers."

Mr Pullen's widow, Vicki, joined police to appeal to the community for answers to what happened that morning. "I'm just hoping that someone will have the decency to come forward," she said.

"It will give our family closure and let us be able to put Ian to rest." Inquiries into Strike Force Awabakil are continuing.