Dr Richard Harris SC OAM

Australian of the Year and part of the 2018 Thailand cave rescue team

Dr Richard “Harry” Harris has worked in anaesthesia, diving and aeromedical medicine around the world.

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.

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 was one of the 2018 Thailand Rescue diving team who saved 13 people from the flooded Tham Luang cave.
Richard Harris is the joint 2019 Australian of the Year with his dive partner Craig Challen and the 2019 Australian of the Year for South Australia.
Richard Harris works in anaesthesia and aeromedical retrieval medicine and has expertise in diving, wilderness and remote area health.
Richard established the first sump rescue (deep, scary caves) training course in Australasia.

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