Dr Richard “Harry” Harris has dedicated his career to advancing medicine in some of the world’s most extreme environments, combining expertise in anaesthesia, diving, and aeromedical retrieval. From his early medical training to his exploration of the rugged caves of Australia and beyond, Harry’s work has taken him across the globe in pursuit of both professional excellence and human adventure.

His passion for cave diving began in the 1980s and has led him to explore some of the planet’s most challenging underwater systems. Along the way, he developed a deep commitment to search and rescue operations, establishing the first cave diving rescue capability in Australasia. In 2018, that preparation and expertise were put to the ultimate test during the Thailand cave rescue, one of the most remarkable missions in modern history.

In recognition of his extraordinary service, Harry was awarded the Star of Courage and the Medal of the Order of Australia. Alongside his dive partner Craig Challen, he was named Australian of the Year in 2019. Today, he serves as the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia and focuses on speaking, writing, and filmmaking, sharing lessons of courage, leadership, and resilience drawn from his remarkable life.

Harry is a passionate advocate for encouraging young people to step away from their screens and embrace the outdoors, building independence, resilience, and emotional well-being through real-world experiences.

Featured Film:
Harry’s story is portrayed in Thirteen Lives (2022), directed by Ron Howard, with actor Joel Edgerton portraying him. His latest documentary, Deeper (2025), directed by Jennifer Peedom, further explores his motivations and the profound psychological and physical challenges of deep-cave diving.