Young Ned started writing to Ray almost two years ago from his family’s remote property at Wilcannia in western New South Wales.

He started calling, and even popped in for a visit, sharing with Ray and his listeners the life of a young man growing up in the bush.

From riding his motorbike to getting up on one water ski last month, Ned keeps everybody entertained with his antics.

And now he’s turned 12-years-old.

With Ned stuck at school, his mum Katie got in touch to let Ray know about the milestone.

“Good morning Ray,

I hope you are well. Ned is 12 today and one of his comments this morning was he wished he didn’t have to go to school so he could call you to have a ‘yarn’.

Could you send him a hello please. It would make his day.

Picture below is from Ned getting up on one ski in January. He is fairly pleased with himself.”

So from Ray and all of us at Macquarie Radio… HAPPY BIRTHDAY NED!

Click PLAY below to hear Ray’s birthday message to Ned