Remembering Ray Allert: A cherished member of the PALS family

On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, the PALS community gathered to honour and bid farewell to Ray Allert at a service held at Numurkah Lawn Cemetery. Ray’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter for PALS, where he was not just a participant but a beloved and enduring presence for several decades. 

Born in Numurkah on 20 November 1956, Ray lived his entire life in the community he loved. His connection with PALS spanned over 30 years, making him one of our longest attending participants. 

Many team members had the privilege of supporting Ray for over the years, witnessing firsthand the warmth and spirit he brought to everyday life at PALS. 

His personality was unmistakable, bringing warmth, humour and personality into daily life. His cheeky grin, dry wit, familiar “oh God” comment, thumbs up, and occasional muttered commentary were all part of what made him so memorable. He had a special ability to make people feel acknowledged and valued. 

Known for his inquisitive nature, hard work ethic, and community spirit, Ray embraced simple joys with extreme passion. He found happiness in lawn mowing, woodwork, fishing, country music, cappuccinos, and curating his unique pen collection. 

Ray’s exceptional memory for names and birthdays, combined with his always polite and grateful demeanour, left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His kindness and humour enriched the lives of those around him, making him a true treasure of the PALS community. 

Ray Allert’s life is a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have through warmth, kindness, laughter and heartfelt connection. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, PALS staff, peers, and the wider community, but his spirit lives on in the countless memories and smiles he inspired. 

Our PALS family extend our warmest condolences to Andy, Peter, Cam, Sonia and the Allert family.