parents of a missing Melbourne woman say the committing to trial of someone over their daughter's murder is a "milestone" in their 17-year quest for answers about her disappearance.

Shane Andrew Bond, 44, formerly of Don Valley, east of Melbourne, denies killing Elisabeth Membrey, who was last seen leaving the Manhattan Hotel in Ringwood on December 6, 1994.

The then 22-year-old's body has never been found.

Today, after a two-week committal hearing, Bond was ordered to stand trial for her murder.

Bond, who denies ever knowing Ms Membrey, has pleaded not guilty.

Outside court, Ms Membrey's parents Roger and Joy Membrey expressed relief that the committal proceeding was over.

"It is a milestone, I guess, for us and it has been pretty difficult over the last two weeks at the committal," Roger Membrey told reporters.

"We're pleased with the progress that has been made and it has been made only because of a great lot of hard work that has been done by so many people.