By Jocelyn Wright, AAP
The Australian doctor involved in the heroic cave rescue in Thailand last year has been named joint Australian of the Year.
SA anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris was granted the top honour along with retired veterinary surgeon Craig Challen (pictured above) for their role in the daring rescue of 12 young boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Thailand last July.
The close friends stood together on stage at the National Arboretum on Friday and accepted the award from Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The veteran cave divers played a crucial role in the international rescue operation, drawing worldwide praise and admiration for their part in the dramatic mission.
Dr Harris assessed each boy’s health after they had been trapped in the cave for more than a fortnight, before administering an anaesthetic so they could be safely evacuated.
Mr Challen then helped swim the boys to safety through the narrow 4km stretch of passages that make up the treacherous Tham Luang cave.
Chair of the National Australia Day council Danielle Roche said their actions exemplified “the Australian spirit”.
“Richard Harris and Craig Challen led a heroic rescue under the spotlight of the world’s media. They placed the safety of others above their own and inspired hope when hope seemed lost,” she said.
“Their selflessness, courage and willingness to help others in a time of need typifies the Australian spirit.”
However, in accepting the honour, Dr Harris said the pair weren’t comfortable with the acclaim.
“We are both quite uneasy about this recognition. We were both one part of a team,” he said.
Dr Harris said the pair’s actions showed why it was important to let children explore the world.
“Anyone with a measure of enthusiasm can achieve the sort of things that we’ve done.
“I can’t bear to see kids squander any of these opportunities, trapped indoors, eyes glued to a screen.”
He said he planned to spend 2019 encouraging Australia’s youth to find their “inner explorer”.
“Outdoor activities really do promote physical and mental wellbeing and it’s critical that kids can test their own limits.”
At the acceptance ceremony, Dr Harris used the platform to emphasise the physical and mental health benefits of children spending time challenging themselves outdoors.
“I really want to inspire young people to get outside and explore and have an adventure, and build some resilience through doing that.
“It’s not the cure for cancer, but I think it’s really important for young people to be inspired by adventurers and have their own.”
