Meet the author - Arnold Dix

Arnold Dix will be in a conversation with Alex Sloan on his new book The Promise. How an everyday hero made the impossible possible.

In rural Victoria, Arnold Dix is known to locals as a farmer and a part-time truck driver. But his name reached global recognition when he played a pivotal role in rescuing 41 Indian workers trapped after a tunnel collapse in the Himalayas. In vivid detail, Arnold recounts the unlikely rescue that transformed him into a global hero. He reflects on the extraordinary challenges he faced, culminating in his unwavering promise: `41 men are coming home alive.’ This is his unforgettable story.

But his incredible story goes far beyond this one remarkable event. Arnold’s compassion also led him to assist thousands of migrant workers in Qatar, and his journey took him from surviving politically motivated assassination attempts in Albania, to working in the tunnels of Ground Zero after 9/11.

His story is one of steadfast courage, filled with themes of adventure, sacrifice and selflessness. It’s a tale that explores what it truly means to defy the odds and challenge the status quo in pursuit of the impossible.

‘I rise to acknowledge a truly great Australian, Professor Arnold Dix, and for what he has done in once again improving the relations between Australia and our great friends in India. Arnold is an extraordinary Australian and this is an extraordinary story.’ Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister

‘The rescuers gave a new lease of life to the trapped workers and their efforts have set an example of humanity and teamwork. ’Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister

Professor Arnold Dix is an Australian geologist, engineer, barrister, farmer and President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association. Arnold says “I do not see myself as a hero, though. Not even close. I am simply a guy who had a few skills, who knew a couple of things, and felt like he could help in a difficult situation. In reality, I am a pretty normal guy. My only superpowers are the ability to remain calm and think clearly, and an overwhelming motivation to be kind”.

Alex Sloan AM has been a journalist for over 30 years, including as a long-time broadcaster with the ABC. Alex, who was named Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2017, is deputy chair of The Australia Institute and a director of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. Alex is a regular conversationalist in the Meet the Author series.

This event is in association with Harry Hartog Bookshop. Books will be available for purchase. Pre-event book signings will be available from 5.30pm and again after the event.

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A podcast will be made available after the event.

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