Dr Richard Harris

His passion for cave diving goes back to the 1980’s and has taken him to the corners of the globe in search of new adventures.

Harry has a professional and voluntary interest in search and rescue operations, establishing the first flooded cave rescue capability in Australasia. The 2018 Thailand cave rescue was an opportunity to put this training to work.

In 2018 he received the Star of Courage, Australia’s second highest civilian award for bravery, and the medal of the Order of Australia for his role in the Thailand cave rescue. Harry was the joint 2019 Australian of the Year with his dive partner Craig Challen.

He is now primarily working as a speaker, author and film maker.

Harry is an advocate for sensible risk taking in young people, encouraging youth to get off their screens and outside to build independence, resilience and improved mental health