Thai cave rescue hero to feature at unique fundraiser
Stand Like Stone Foundation will welcome Australian of the Year and Thai cave rescue hero Dr Richard “Harry” Harris to the Limestone Coast for a special gala event. Our Resilient Future: An Evening with Dr Richard “Harry” Harris, will be held on Friday 29 May from 6pm at Parker Estate, Coonawarra.
The event will bring the community together for an inspiring evening of connection, storytelling and reflection, with funds raised contributing to the launch of the Limestone Coast Environmental Resilience Sub-Fund under the foundation’s new Community Charity Trust. The sub-fund will support long-term, community-led environmental and sustainability initiatives across the Limestone Coast.
Dr Harris, who will appear pro bono, said he was pleased to support Stand Like Stone’s work in strengthening regional communities.
“Grassroots community organisations such as Stand Like Stone fill an essential funding gap to support regional communities,” he said.
“It’s easy to fall through the cracks outside of metropolitan centres, so I am especially pleased to help the people of the Limestone Coast in a small way with the launch of the Limestone Coast Environmental Resilience Sub-Fund.”
Dr Harris is a specialist anaesthetist, internationally regarded cave diver and joint 2019 Australian of the Year.
He played a central role in the Thailand cave rescue where 12 boys and their coach were saved from deep within a flooded cave system.
With more than three decades of cave exploration, underwater cinematography and adventure storytelling, he now uses his global platform to inspire people of all ages to embrace courage, curiosity and resilience.
Stand Like Stone Foundation CEO Jason Wallace said the event captures the spirit of community resilience.
“Harry’s story exemplifies calm thinking, courage and community effort in the face of extraordinary challenge," he said.
“His message resonates strongly with the Limestone Coast and the journey our region continues to navigate with the foundation’s new charity trust enabling us to expand our efforts to contribute to building resilience and wellbeing.”The event will feature a formal dinner, auction and other fundraising in addition to the keynote speech by Dr Harris and presentations about the growing impact of Stand Like Stone.
“The event is about bringing people together to share an uplifting experience while building a stronger and more resilient future for our communities,” Stand Like Stone chairperson Georgie McKay said.
This is a Connecting Communities Event sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions under the Family and Business Support Program.
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal people as the First Nations of these lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the Elders, past, present and future, and we respect the ongoing deep feelings of attachment and relationships of First Nations people to country.
Artwork by Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr depicting the waterholes, landforms and stones of the Limestone Coast.
