DefenceCare, which supports soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress and depression, will receive paintings from the Aboriginal family to auction off.

As an ex-serviceman Ray approached the organisation after seeing them call for donations.

"I thought perhaps we could donate something different and give paintings," said Ray.

The offer was warmly welcomed, so much so, DefenceCare requested one artwork be made for their office.

For his first artwork Ray chose to do something he hasn't done much before. Ray painted a photo of soldiers entering a Royal Navy helicopter, one of whom, was himself. 

"It was challenging as I often just paint landscapes and not people," said Ray.

Ray served in the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR). He was transferred to Terrankdak Camp near Malacca, Malaya (now Malaysia) as part of the 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Group for a two year posting.

During a reconnaissance team mission Ray and twelve other soldiers became lost in the Malaya Jungle for three days. They survived off Mars Bars, glucose lollies and tea. 

Ray found two other photos to paint in Department of Veteran Affairs calendars. 

One pictured a HMAS Brisbane crew member kissing his wife goodbye as he held his son, and the other captured three Australian soldiers standing over the grave of a fallen comrade. 

Ray said painting photos, and also re-visiting his own experiences, was deeply emotional for him.

Ray's daughter Krystal will complete the artwork on post-traumatic stress in an Aboriginal painting style.

Krystal will interpret how the war affected Aboriginal servicemen, and their ill treatment received upon returning home.

"It will portray the trauma inflicted during battle and the battle of racism and human rights violations, particularly the restrictions under the NSW Aboriginal Protection board," she said.