It was the news story that captured global headlines, and now, our country’s Thai cave heroes have been named the 2019 Australians of the year - the first time the award has ever been given jointly to two people.
Meanwhile, a pediatrician fighting to eliminate child abuse, an Indigenous performer and two parents using the loss of their daughter to stop bullying have been honoured in the local heroes, senior and young person categories.
Australia's Thai cave heroes have been named 2019 Australians of the Year.
AAP
Dr Craig Challen, from Western Australia, and Dr Richard Harris, from South Australia, were selected as joint Australian of the Year for their heroic efforts to free 12 boys and their football coach after they became trapped in a flooded cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand, in July 2018.
Dr Harris said he feels uncomfortable with being chosen as the co-winner.
"We are both quite uneasy about this recognition. We were both one part of a team," he said.
Dr Challen got teary-eyed when a video of congratulations from the Thai cave boys was played at the award ceremony.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison with winners 2019 Australians of the Year Dr Richard Harris and Craig Challen at the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards.
AAP
"Well, you know, a lot has been said about this little adventure that we had, but I think the bottom line for me is that there are 13 families that have still got their sons, that wouldn't have if we hadn't been there as part of that group, so that's what floats my boat!"
Working as part of the international rescue team, which included a total of 20 Australians, the long-time friends were crucial in the eventual rescue of the boys after more than two weeks underground.
As a medical doctor with 30 years experience as a diver, Dr Harris was tasked with swimming 4km through the narrow cave to reach the boys, assessing their health and administering anaesthetic so they were able to be evacuated.
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