Rotary Club of Bordertown, The Naracoorte News

It’s not every day you get to meet a living legend, let alone hear their personal reflections on an event that gripped the entire world.

Yet, that is exactly the privilege an almost full house at the Bordertown Civic Centre enjoyed on July 18th, 2025.

The captivating figure at the heart of it all was none other than Dr. Richard “Harry” Harris OAM, the 2019 Australian of the Year and Lieutenant Governor of South Australia.

This extraordinary anaesthetist and cave diver held his audience spellbound from start to finish.

The evening’s focus was the screening of Dr. Harry’s mesmerizing 43-minute documentary, “My Underwater World.”

This film, his first foray into filmmaking, passionately showcases the world-renowned underwater cave systems of the Limestone Coast an area clearly close to his heart.

Viewers were treated to stunning visuals of the Naracoorte World Heritage (dry) caves, Mount Gambier’s iconic Blue Lake, the serene Kilsby Sinkhole, the challenging Tank Cave (accessible only to highly experienced divers), and the unique ecosystems of Piccinini Ponds wetlands. Made with the support of his diving partner, Ken Smith, this documentary marks a new chapter for Dr. Harry, who plans to continue his filmmaking journey in retirement.

More than just a showcase of natural beauty, “My Underwater World” serves as a powerful teaching tool. It delves into the intricacies of cave diving and the geological wonders of these submerged realms, while also raising crucial awareness about the delicate and changing ecosystems within them.

Following the film, Dr. Harris engaged in a deeply personal and incredibly informative Q&A session.

Audience members eagerly asked about the technical challenges of filming in underwater caves, but the focus quickly shifted to his pivotal role in the 2018 Thailand Cave Rescue. Dr. Harry, who was instrumental in saving 12 boys and their soccer coach from the Tham Lung cave system, shared candidly about the immense difficulties overcome during the operation.

However, his reflections centred predominantly on the awe-inspiring bravery and dedication of the approximately 1,200 people who rallied to support the rescue effort.

He spoke with particular admiration for the young, cold boys who, despite days in the dark without food, displayed incredible maturity and courage while awaiting rescue on a small patch of dirt.

Dr. Harris admitted that when initially asked to help, he didn’t believe a successful rescue was even possible. Yet, he chose to try, driven by the profound desire to reunite parents with their children, regardless of the outcome.

The questions continued for over an hour, leaving the audience disappointed when the session finally had to conclude.

The inspiring evening was proudly hosted by the Rotary Club of Bordertown. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, an impressive $5,124 was raised for Dr. Harry’s favourite charity, the Operation Flinders Foundation.

This remarkable South Australian organisation is dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth through immersive 10-day remote adventure programs in the rugged Flinders Ranges.

Participants embark on treks of up to 100km, learn essential bushcraft skills, experience Indigenous culture, and crucially, build resilience, teamwork, and self-worth.

Dr. Harry is a regular participant in these treks, witnessing firsthand how “a bit of kindness and understanding” can profoundly change young lives.

Attendees travelled from as far as Nairne, Mount Gambier, Nhill, Edenhope, Naracoorte, and Casterton, a testament to Dr. Harry’s far-reaching appeal.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with comments like “best Rotary event ever,” “amazing,” “life changing,” and “a master class in courage and curiosity.”

The unique blend of cinematic storytelling, scientific insight, personal heroism, and profound empathy created an unforgettable night for all, perhaps even sparking a desire in some to explore the wonders of the Limestone Coast caves for themselves.

The Rotary Club of Bordertown not only facilitated the event seamlessly but also provided a huge supper that added a welcoming and personal touch.

Their involvement helped create a space that celebrated curiosity, conversation, and connection—making the evening more than just a film screening, but an event of shared experience and local pride.

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 13 August 2025.