Ray is encouraged and supported by staff to continue to be part of his community as best as he can and for as long as he can.

Although the perceptions are often otherwise, home manager Merin Rose Karimbil Antony says she is supportive and encouraging to the residents to live as well as they can, continue to do what they enjoy, and do as much as they are able.

Free-spirited surfing pioneer Ray doesn’t need much encouragement. Most days you will find the wiry 78-year-old checking out the surf and remembering his past life in the water (he was Victorian’s first state champion and competed in the first Australian world titles in Sydney in the 60s), making boards, sailing, travelling and having adventures.

He keeps one of his signature boards in his ensuite and his room is crowded with a lifetime of memorabilia. He still goes each year to see the world’s best take on the big waves at nearby Bells Beach.

“I’ve always been the same. I get up in the morning, I go down to the beach, have a look at the ocean, suck in a bit of salt air. It’s good for me,” said Ray, who switched to an e-bike after recovering from hip surgery.

“I go out most days, mainly to Point Danger, see which way the wind is blowing and check the surf out, then I pop in and give my surf report to the girls down at Rip Curl.”

He still gets in the water sometimes, though for a paddle and dip rather than a surf these days, and he knows how lucky he is.

“I have so much freedom here.”