Ray Martin: Becoming a grandad changed my life!

The TV legend opens up about his marriage, career regrets and playing poppy

- Brigid Auchetti

After being in the media spotlight for more than 50 years, Ray Martin reckons he’s finally got the best job in the world.

Taking in the rugged landscapes of Norfolk Island, the veteran journalist admits he can’t help but feel a little guilty he’s getting paid to spend time in paradise.

“I never take it for granted. I always think, I’m getting too old for this stuff but then the phone rings,” says Ray, who spent weeks filming a documentary about the island, 1412 km east of the mainland, and its unique history.

“I feel really guilty! I get paid for this. It’s incredible fun and a privilege.

You’d be forgiven for thinking Ray would be ready to put his feet up and relax at this time in his life, but the 77-year-old assures Woman’s Day he has no plans to slow down.

“I’m never going to retire,” Ray chuckles from his current base, a hotel in Geelong, Victoria, where he’s about to depart for his next adventure – a train journey on The Ghan.

“David Attenborough is now 95 and he’s my role model. He says you’ve got to keep doing what you love.”

Reflecting on his career, NSW-born Ray confesses he finds it hard to pick a favourite moment.