Dr Richard Harris SC OAM

From life-saving rescues to deep-sea storytelling, inspiring courage, risk, and resilience

Dr Richard “Harry” Harris OAM is the cave-diving anaesthetist who captured global attention during the miraculous 2018 Thailand cave rescue.

A former Australian of the Year, Harry's unique fusion of medical expertise and exploration experience made him critical to the operation that saved 12 boys and their soccer coach.

Today, Harry is a sought-after speaker, advocate, and underwater filmmaker. His first feature documentary, Deeper, premieres at the 2025 Sydney Film Festival.

Through his keynotes, Harry shares powerful lessons on risk, resilience, leadership under pressure, and the value of calculated adventure, especially for young people navigating a rapidly digital world.

Dr Richard Harris SC OAM Book as a speaker/entertainer for your next event

Key Points for Dr Richard Harris SC OAM

Dr Richard “Harry” Harris played a pivotal role in the 2018 Thailand cave rescue, applying his expertise in anaesthesia and cave diving to one of the world’s most complex survival missions.
He is a former joint Australian of the Year, recipient of the Star of Courage and Medal of the Order of Australia, and a passionate advocate for youth resilience and safe risk-taking.
Harry is the executive producer and underwater cinematographer behind Deeper, a new feature documentary which premiers at the Sydney Film Festival 2025.
As a speaker, Harry delivers high-impact keynotes that explore courage, leadership, calculated risk, and staying calm under extreme pressure, lessons drawn from the edge of human experience.

Topics for Dr Richard Harris SC OAM

Resilience
Troubleshooting
How to focus on goals no matter the odds

Testimonials for Dr Richard Harris SC OAM

What an unassuming and amazing Australian! Richard's natural speaking style guided the audience through such an important and stressful situation and had everyone 100% attentive, waiting to hear what was coming next. Despite knowing of his story, to hear directly the decisions and thoughts he and the others went through was incredible.
National Mortgage Brokers

Dr Richard Harris was absolutely outstanding!! Such a humble man with a captivating story. His generosity to share so much of his experience and be so raw was a privilege to listen to. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and the audience were eager to ask endless questions of him. Thank you.
MCI Australia

Dr Richard Harris was a sheer delight to work with. He went over and above to customise his presentation to our audience which certainly did not go unnoticed. The feedback for his session was amazing with phrases such as “humble hero” and “true Australian legend” and being used freely. There was not a dry eye in the house.
eBusiness Media