Ray Sellar's life was changed forever when a tsunami hit the coast of Sri Lanka on December 26, 2004.
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As he clung to a coconut tree for safety, his body wounded from the debri, the natural disaster claimed his village and some of his relatives.
"I was close to the river so I was holding onto the coconut trees," he said.
"I stayed in the coconut trees. That's why I'm alive now."
As Ray's village rebuilt, he continued with his education and studied with his classmates in temporary tents at school.
He often found it difficult to concentrate as there was little food or clothing available in the aftermath of the tsunami. "I couldn't concentrate on my studies," he said.
Ray persisted with his education and after school he got his first job as a motorbike mechanic.
He spent about five years in the trade before he went to play soccer, eventually qualifying for the Sri Lankan national soccer team.
However growing civil unrest meant Ray's country had become dangerous to live and as a government employee, he was in a potentially life-threatening situation.
This left him with no alternative but to flee the country.
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Ray decided to risk his life and get on an "overcrowded" boat to come to Australia.
"I was on a boat for 19 days, it wasn't comfortable," he said.
I stayed in the coconut trees. That's why I'm alive now.
- Ray Sellars
The boat arrived at Christmas Island where it was picked up by the Australian navy.
He stayed on the island for months before the government granted him a Safe Haven Enterprise Visa.
When Ray came to Australia, he worked as a kitchen hand for two years at Bendooley Estate. The team enjoyed Ray's outlook on life and motivation.
One of Ray's colleagues met Tim Davis-Rice, of Davis-Rice Constructions, and told him about Ray's dreams and work ethic.
Mr Davis-Rice decided to give Ray an opportunity and after half a day's work he knew he had an exceptional worker on his hands.
The team works out of Bendooley Estate, where Ray has helped build accommodation and the new venue The Stables.
A second chance at life isn't something Ray takes for granted.
Ray studies English and his construction apprenticeship at TAFE, which he is due to finish in June 2021.
Ray recently competed in the WorldSkills Australia regional competition for the first time and won a bronze medal in the construction category.
Ray is also an active member of the community as a member of a church, soccer team and hockey club.
Mr Davis-Rice couldn't be more pleased with his apprentice's progress and work performance.
"Ray's getting involved in community. That's the beauty of employing a guy like this, he's always looking to improve himself and he's thirsty for knowledge," he said.
"That helps us in a building team, it lifts the tempo for everyone else when we see how Ray grabs opportunities with two hands. It makes us feel more appreciative of what we've got."
