Tuesday, 4 February 2025

Professor Arnold Dix

Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (16:13): Professor Arnold Dix represents the best of our country, our state of Victoria and the district of Monbulk. Yesterday it was an absolute honour to attend the launch of his book The Promise, alongside the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, at the Victorian Tunnelling Centre, which Arnold himself helped design.

For those who do not know Arnold, he is the international tunnelling expert who, at great risk to his own life, dropped all things to rescue 41 miners trapped in a tunnel in a Himalayan mountain in November 2023. His calm, assured approach to the almost impossible task before him set all around him at ease. Despite having never rescued anyone alive prior to this event, he somehow knew – fundamentally knew – that his team would be successful in their rescue of these men who were otherwise certain to die. And the Indian community have embraced him.

Yesterday the High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Gopal Baglay came down to Melbourne to officially launch Arnold’s book, a testament to how the people of India both there and here have embraced Arnold. He is extraordinary: a geologist, an engineer, a barrister and a professor. He has also studied welding, and he is qualified as a hairdresser, but he assures me he is better at colouring than cutting. He is also the self-described worst flower grower in Monbulk. He used all of his knowledge, skill and courage to rescue 41 complete strangers on the other side of the world. He is unfailingly kind and represents the best of humanity, a truly great Victorian. I am proud to not only be his local member but also honoured to call him friend. Hear, hear.