Ray Keipert features in NSW Seniors writing collection

THE work of local author Ray Keipert is featured in a compendium of short stories, launched at the NSW State Library on Monday 10 November.

Ray’s “Desperation” was included in this year’s NSW Seniors’ book of short stories, which is available for free online via the NSW Government Seniors’ Stories website.

“Following a statewide competition inviting entries using the theme “Then and Now”, I was lucky enough to be named as one of the Top 100 contributing authors for 2025,” Ray told News Of The Area.

“Desperation [is about] a frantic April 1975 diplomatic dash through war-torn Saigon streets as the South Vietnamese regime collapses, contrasted with a calmer Anzac Day in Sydney 50 years later.”

While the story is short – coming in at exactly 1000 words – its message is remarkably clear from beginning to end, one of appreciating the true value of life and love in the face of all that comes before it.

Ray and his wife Léonie were invited to join other successful authors at the official launch of this eleventh volume in the series.

Ray also received a personal copy to add to his steadily growing collection of published works, many of which have germinated in his time with the Myall U3A Writers’ Group.

Back in October, he launched his fifth self-published fiction book, “Beyond The Horizon” at the Myall U3A Art Show in Hawks Nest.

The Seniors’ Stories writing competition and workshops are delivered in partnership between NSW Seniors Card and the Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW.

The 100 best entries are published.

There may be another winner on the Myall Coast, which has the highest average age in Australia, as per the 2021 Census.

By Thomas O’KEEFE