Cave rescuers Craig Challen and Richard Harris named 2019 Australians of the Year
Thai cave rescue medics Richard Harris and Craig Challen have been named joint 2019 Australians of the Year.
Thai cave rescue medics Richard Harris and Craig Challen have been named joint 2019 Australians of the Year at the annual awards ceremony in Canberra.
Dr Harris, an Adelaide anaesthetist, and his mate and retired vet Mr Challen captured worldwide attention for their part in the daring rescue mission which saved a team of 12 young Thai soccer players and their coach from a flooded cave.
Dr Harris wants to use the platform to encourage children to get away from screens and be adventurous outdoors.
“I do fear for kids today who, living in a risk averse society, will not learn to challenge themselves and to earn the grazed knees and stubbed toes that really are necessary to build resilience and confidence,” Dr Harris said.
Mr Challen said therescue was a metaphor for taking opportunities in life.
“I urge all Australians to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself and in every decision you make, ask yourself, does this help me to be the best person that I can be?” he said.
The veteran cave divers played a crucial role in the international rescue operation, with Dr Harris’ experience as an anaesthetist critical. National Australia Day Council chair Danielle Roche said the two men led a heroic rescue under the spotlight of the world’s media.
“Richard Harris and Craig Challen led a heroic rescue under the spotlight of the world’s media,” she said.
“They placed the safety of others above their own and inspired hope when hope seemed lost. Their selflessness, courage and willingness to help others in a time of need typifies the Australian spirit.”
Meanwhile, veteran paediatrician and children’s rights advocate Sue Packer has been named the 2019 SeniorAustralian of the Year.
Dr Packer, who is a leader in the prevention and treatment of child abuse, has received the award at an annual ceremony inCanberra.
The 76-year-old has been a paediatrician since 1972 and involved with the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuseand Neglect since its early days in the late 1980s.
Along with treating child abuse victims, the ACT’s Dr Packer has championed a number of children’s health causes.
She said adults needed to be the driving force of improving the lives of Australian children.
“We need to notice children, be curious about their lives, whether it’s our own children, children in the neighbourhood orthe children on Nauru,” Dr Packer told the ceremony at the National Arboretum.
“My dream is that one day Australia will be recognised as the best place in the world to be a child.” Dr Packer has been anadvocate for the importance of early childhood environments for the developing brain, leading to its recognition by educationand government agencies.
She also played a significant role in the acknowledgement of the importance of creating child-friendly spaces in hospitalsand the value of play in recovery. National Australia Day Council chair Danielle Roche said Dr Packer had been a lifetimeadvocate for the health, safety and rights of all children. “Her dedication to protecting young lives has brought about practicalchange in treating children and has directly improved the lives of untold children,” she said.
Earlier, Indigenous Australian rapper, dancer, actor and visual artist Danzal Baker was named the 2019 Young Australian of the Year.
The 22-year-old - known professionally as Baker Boy - has received the award at an annual ceremony in Canberra.
The Darwin-based musician, who rose to national prominence through songs Cloud 9 and Marryuna, was the first indigenous artistto achieve mainstream success rapping in the Yolngu Matha language.
The parents of teenager Amy “Dolly” Everett, who tragically died after being cyberbullied, have been named 2019 Australia’s Local Heroes of the Year.
Kate and Tick Everett were presented with the award for their work with Dolly’s Dream, which aims to raise awareness about the potentially devastating effects of cyberbullying.
The couple started the foundation to create positive change and a legacy for their daughter who took her own life in January2018 after being bullied online.
Kate Everett fought back tears after accepting the award.
“In the words of Dolly speak even if your voice shakes, so please excuse us if our voices shake,” she said.
“Out of our tragedy, we created Dolly’s Dream. A vision to educate families and communities on the impacts that bullying has on young lives.”
Dolly’s Dream delivers community education on bullying issues and strategies for preventing and mitigating bullying, through cultural change and victim support. More than 250 communities have held fundraisers and events to support Dolly’s Dream, with a particular focus on regional and rural Australia. National Australia Day Council chair Danielle Roche paid tribute to their efforts to prevent other tragedies from happening.
“Kate and Tick Everett endured heartbreak and put their own grief aside to drive cultural change, prevent bullying and ensurethat other children and parents never have to suffer as their family has,” Ms Roche said.
“By founding Dolly’s Dream to confront bullying, they have displayed incredible courage and commitment.”
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