Professor Arnold Dix
Professor Arnold Dix is hailed as a hero around the world.
Professor Dix’s unwavering bravery, steady hand, and expertise in handling critical situations has catapulted him into the biggest feel-good story of 2023, the rescue of 41 miners in the Silkyara-Bardot Tunnel collapse in India.
Described as ‘the tunnel guy’ who does anything and everything that is complex with tunnels, Professor Dix was contacted by the Chief Engineer of India and the Secretary for the Prime Minister of India asking for his help. Sensing the life and death urgency of the situation Professor Dix dropped everything and rushed to the tunnel site. Rarely do tunnel rescues result in happy endings. But this was a special event of professionalism, teamwork, leadership and compassion. His actions as the leader of the tunnel rescue team have not only made a significant impact on the lives of the survivors but have also instilled a sense of hope and gratitude within many communities.
Professor Dix made a promise that 41 men would be returned home safely and he delivered. Professor Dix’s story will inspire and enthrall and will show that perseverance and determination can make the impossible possible.
Professor Dix is a Barrister and scientist (geologist) specializing in the underground. He is an Underground Disaster investigator, internationally recognized expert in fire and life safety and collapses of the underground.
Professor Dix is a member of the British Institute of Investigators. He is active on all continents, a member of the specialist Underground Works Chambers, a member of the Victorian Bar and is a visiting Professor of Engineering (tunnels) Tokyo City University – he is currently the President International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association – the peak advisory body to the United Nations on all matters underground.
Arnold is convinced that the underground offers a range of adaptive and resilient solutions to most of the perils facing humanity today. Combining his formal qualifications, he advocates for all things underground – with a smile on his face and an ethical eye to all matters.
His mantra – ‘It’s time the good people of the world claim the future for all peoples and our planet. The Silkyara rescue demonstrates that almost anything is possible when we unite and be nice.’
Based: Melbourne | Exclusive to Corporate Speakers Australia
About
Speaking Topics
The Incredible Rescue
This is a highly charged emotional rollercoaster of a story as the lives of 41 men hung in the balance, all hinging on the promise by an Australian Engineer that 41 men will be brought home safely.
Leadership in times of crisis
How bringing people together can make the impossible possible. When working as a team is crucial to a positive outcome, what does it take to manage the emotions, fears, impulses and decisions of team members.
Teamwork – The crucial element for success.
But how do you combine Communication, Problem solving, Risk assessment and Decisive Action into a winning formula.
Mindset / Inspiration / Compassion
It’s time the good people of the world claim the future for all peoples and our planet. The Silkyara rescue demonstrates that almost anything is possible when we unite and be nice.’
Testimonials
“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. Today, because of him and his hard work alongside the Indian authorities, 41 people are alive, safe and free. This is an extraordinary story. For over two weeks, the world has been gripped by these 41 construction workers trapped in a collapsed mountain tunnel in northern India“
Anthony Albanese , Australian Prime Minister
“Another impactful masterclass in impactful communication from Professor Arnold Dix”
Indian Billionaire Businessman Anand Mahindra
“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 India Prime Minister
“We are enormously proud of him (Dix). He has played an important role in a vital rescue. It is a matter of joy for all of us that all 41 men are safe. It is a matter of great happiness that he was part of the effort to rescue them. We are all in your debt; you are a hero of this nation, a hero of Australia-India bilateral relations”
Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green
