1 00:00:00,980 --> 00:00:04,020 (THEME MUSIC) 2 00:00:14,980 --> 00:00:16,460 Hello. 3 00:00:16,460 --> 00:00:18,580 People in Arnold Dix's community 4 00:00:18,580 --> 00:00:21,620 thought he was just an eccentric flower farmer, 5 00:00:21,620 --> 00:00:21,860 thought he was just an eccentric flower farmer, until one day they switched on the TV 6 00:00:21,860 --> 00:00:23,340 until one day they switched on the TV 7 00:00:23,340 --> 00:00:27,740 and there he was, being hailed around the world as a hero. 8 00:00:27,740 --> 00:00:29,980 They were pretty surprised, to say the least, 9 00:00:29,980 --> 00:00:32,500 to learn that Arnold had played a key part 10 00:00:32,500 --> 00:00:32,740 to learn that Arnold in saving the lives of 41 people 11 00:00:32,740 --> 00:00:34,980 in saving the lives of 41 people 12 00:00:34,980 --> 00:00:37,860 trapped after a tunnel collapse in India. 13 00:00:37,860 --> 00:00:40,740 That's not the only surprising thing about Arnold. 14 00:00:45,780 --> 00:00:47,980 MAN: November 12, 2023. 15 00:00:50,140 --> 00:00:53,300 I get a call from India from the chief engineer, 16 00:00:53,300 --> 00:00:56,900 and there's been a tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand, up in the Himalayas, 17 00:00:56,900 --> 00:00:58,940 up in the northern... northern part of India. 18 00:01:00,900 --> 00:01:03,260 REPORTER: 41 workers have been trapped underground 19 00:01:03,260 --> 00:01:03,500 REPORTER: 41 workers in northern India 20 00:01:03,500 --> 00:01:04,420 in northern India 21 00:01:04,420 --> 00:01:08,020 after a landslide while they were working on a road tunnel. 22 00:01:09,540 --> 00:01:11,500 Everything's going badly. 23 00:01:11,500 --> 00:01:14,380 The tunnel is continuing to collapse. 24 00:01:14,380 --> 00:01:16,460 There's a helicopter waiting for me, 25 00:01:16,460 --> 00:01:18,260 and they ask me if I can come. 26 00:01:19,580 --> 00:01:20,860 Of course I say yes. 27 00:01:20,860 --> 00:01:22,140 What's your name, sir? 28 00:01:22,140 --> 00:01:24,180 Uh, my name is Arnold Dix. Yes. 29 00:01:24,180 --> 00:01:24,420 And I'm the president of Uh, my name is Arnold Dix. Yes. 30 00:01:24,420 --> 00:01:25,900 And I'm the president of 31 00:01:25,900 --> 00:01:28,900 the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association. 32 00:01:28,900 --> 00:01:32,180 I knew how this story normally ends. 33 00:01:32,180 --> 00:01:32,420 I knew how this story normally ends. I knew that without something truly extraordinary happening, 34 00:01:32,420 --> 00:01:37,940 I knew that without something truly extraordinary happening, 35 00:01:37,940 --> 00:01:38,180 I knew that without something 41 men wouldn't be coming home, 36 00:01:38,180 --> 00:01:41,260 41 men wouldn't be coming home, 37 00:01:41,260 --> 00:01:44,020 and, probably, we'd be getting hurt. 38 00:01:44,020 --> 00:01:44,260 Are you confident about rescue, sir? Absolutely. and, probably, we'd be getting hurt. 39 00:01:44,260 --> 00:01:46,300 Are you confident about rescue, sir? Absolutely. 40 00:01:46,300 --> 00:01:48,100 Yeah, we're going to rescue these men. 41 00:01:48,100 --> 00:01:48,380 Yeah, we're going to rescue these men. And there's no-one else going to be hurt. 42 00:01:48,380 --> 00:01:49,900 And there's no-one else going to be hurt. 43 00:01:49,900 --> 00:01:50,140 And there's no-one else And that's the mission. 44 00:01:50,140 --> 00:01:51,140 And that's the mission. 45 00:01:59,540 --> 00:02:01,300 REPORTER: Rescue crews managed to feed 46 00:02:01,300 --> 00:02:04,140 a specialist medical camera down a pipe. 47 00:02:04,140 --> 00:02:06,780 ARNOLD: Live rescues aren't my thing. 48 00:02:06,780 --> 00:02:10,580 I've always been involved in either recovering bodies, 49 00:02:10,580 --> 00:02:10,820 I've always been involved in lessons learnt, 50 00:02:10,820 --> 00:02:12,260 lessons learnt, 51 00:02:12,260 --> 00:02:15,060 trying to understand how we ended up with the dead ones. 52 00:02:15,060 --> 00:02:15,300 trying to understand But normally they're not alive. 53 00:02:15,300 --> 00:02:16,900 But normally they're not alive. 54 00:02:16,900 --> 00:02:17,140 REPORTER: They have to dig 103m But normally they're not alive. 55 00:02:17,140 --> 00:02:20,100 REPORTER: They have to dig 103m to reach them. 56 00:02:20,100 --> 00:02:20,340 REPORTER: They have to dig 103m And this time I've got 41 live ones. 57 00:02:20,340 --> 00:02:23,300 And this time I've got 41 live ones. 58 00:02:23,300 --> 00:02:26,500 So the epic begins 59 00:02:26,500 --> 00:02:28,900 with the stage set 60 00:02:28,900 --> 00:02:31,780 with everything to lose. 61 00:02:43,820 --> 00:02:47,180 No-one really knows what I do, 62 00:02:47,180 --> 00:02:49,580 and I'd never minded that. 63 00:02:49,580 --> 00:02:50,660 It kind of suited me. 64 00:02:50,660 --> 00:02:52,460 And certainly in Monbulk, 65 00:02:52,460 --> 00:02:55,340 no-one would have a clue what I do 66 00:02:55,340 --> 00:02:55,540 because what does it matter? no-one would have a clue what I do 67 00:02:55,540 --> 00:02:57,540 because what does it matter? 68 00:02:57,540 --> 00:02:59,620 I just want people to know me as Arnold. 69 00:03:02,420 --> 00:03:06,340 I am, without doubt, the worst farmer in Monbulk. 70 00:03:06,340 --> 00:03:10,100 I mean, I wasn't home for 40 weeks last year, 71 00:03:10,100 --> 00:03:11,260 so it's not surprising. 72 00:03:13,020 --> 00:03:14,980 MAN: Arnold lived in town a long time, 73 00:03:14,980 --> 00:03:17,540 but he sort of kept a fairly low profile. 74 00:03:17,540 --> 00:03:17,820 I didn't really realise till he was on the...on the TV. but he sort of kept a fairly low profile. 75 00:03:17,820 --> 00:03:20,820 I didn't really realise till he was on the...on the TV. 76 00:03:20,820 --> 00:03:23,740 And then I thought, "Hang on a minute. I know that bloke." 77 00:03:24,700 --> 00:03:26,060 Oh, the birds have got a few. 78 00:03:26,060 --> 00:03:29,900 And I think the town was a little bit shocked of what he did. 79 00:03:32,060 --> 00:03:33,820 Depending who you want me to be, 80 00:03:33,820 --> 00:03:36,260 I'm Arnold Dix the barrister. 81 00:03:36,260 --> 00:03:39,220 I'm Arnold Dix, scientist, 82 00:03:39,220 --> 00:03:40,700 professor of engineering. 83 00:03:41,900 --> 00:03:43,420 Truck driver. 84 00:03:43,420 --> 00:03:46,420 Oh, and I'm a flower farmer. 85 00:03:46,420 --> 00:03:47,860 Who do you want me to be? 86 00:04:09,820 --> 00:04:12,820 WOMAN: The specific site, Uttarkashi, Silkyara, 87 00:04:12,820 --> 00:04:14,620 where they were constructing this highway, 88 00:04:14,620 --> 00:04:14,900 holds special meaning for the...not just the local people living there, where they were constructing this highway, 89 00:04:14,900 --> 00:04:19,260 holds special meaning for the...not just the local people living there, 90 00:04:19,260 --> 00:04:20,300 but for the entire nation, 91 00:04:20,300 --> 00:04:20,500 but for the entire nation, because they believe that land 92 00:04:20,500 --> 00:04:22,140 because they believe that land 93 00:04:22,140 --> 00:04:25,260 is the land where gods and goddesses used to reside. 94 00:04:26,540 --> 00:04:30,860 ARNOLD: The people believe this mountain has its own god, 95 00:04:30,860 --> 00:04:32,500 and their view was 96 00:04:32,500 --> 00:04:36,820 we have an unhappy, awakening god of the mountain. 97 00:04:36,820 --> 00:04:37,100 So I must kneel before this... this temple, we have an unhappy, awakening god of the mountain. 98 00:04:37,100 --> 00:04:42,620 So I must kneel before this... this temple, 99 00:04:42,620 --> 00:04:44,820 because this is the right thing to do. 100 00:05:00,980 --> 00:05:03,380 And, yes, he did become the face of the operation. 101 00:05:03,380 --> 00:05:06,460 He was the one who everyone was going to for answers. 102 00:05:06,460 --> 00:05:06,700 He was the one who everyone How long will it take 103 00:05:06,700 --> 00:05:08,380 How long will it take 104 00:05:08,380 --> 00:05:09,700 for the rescuers 105 00:05:09,700 --> 00:05:12,780 to safely rescue the... 106 00:05:12,780 --> 00:05:14,540 Before I rescue you? 107 00:05:14,540 --> 00:05:15,460 I've got your arm. 108 00:05:15,460 --> 00:05:16,780 Um, it's going to take... 109 00:05:16,780 --> 00:05:17,780 Yeah, I've got you. 110 00:05:17,780 --> 00:05:18,820 I've got your hand. 111 00:05:18,820 --> 00:05:20,180 Are you right? 112 00:05:20,180 --> 00:05:21,340 Yeah? OK. This is good. 113 00:05:21,340 --> 00:05:22,540 This is... Yeah. So how long? 114 00:05:22,540 --> 00:05:24,020 How long to rescue them? Yeah. 115 00:05:24,980 --> 00:05:28,260 When I went in, what I saw immediately 116 00:05:28,260 --> 00:05:32,660 was evidence of 21 prior collapses 117 00:05:32,660 --> 00:05:35,700 in the zone between the entrance to the tunnel 118 00:05:35,700 --> 00:05:35,940 in the zone between and the place of the collapse. 119 00:05:35,940 --> 00:05:38,180 and the place of the collapse. 120 00:05:38,180 --> 00:05:40,580 These tunnels are prone to collapse. 121 00:05:40,580 --> 00:05:41,740 (MAN SHOUTS) 122 00:05:41,740 --> 00:05:41,980 And I've seen video footage (MAN SHOUTS) 123 00:05:41,980 --> 00:05:45,500 And I've seen video footage of it collapsing near here. 124 00:05:45,500 --> 00:05:48,140 And it's even worse where there's water. 125 00:05:49,700 --> 00:05:51,180 So we've got the risk 126 00:05:51,180 --> 00:05:53,140 that we're going to cause a catastrophic collapse 127 00:05:53,140 --> 00:05:57,020 and either bury the men or drown the men. 128 00:05:57,020 --> 00:05:58,340 The works are being done 129 00:05:58,340 --> 00:06:02,860 for the augering for the evacuation tunnel. 130 00:06:03,660 --> 00:06:06,060 From the time I was a very small child, 131 00:06:06,060 --> 00:06:06,340 From the time I was a very small child, I have been taught to listen to the rock. 132 00:06:06,340 --> 00:06:10,300 I have been taught to listen to the rock. 133 00:06:10,300 --> 00:06:14,860 So I went into the tunnel and I listened to that mountain. 134 00:06:14,860 --> 00:06:15,100 So I went into the tunnel And I stick my hand in the rock, 135 00:06:15,100 --> 00:06:17,340 And I stick my hand in the rock, 136 00:06:17,340 --> 00:06:19,580 and I push my back up against the wall, 137 00:06:19,580 --> 00:06:24,300 and I sit quietly and just see...see, hear, feel 138 00:06:24,300 --> 00:06:24,540 and I sit quietly what I can see, hear, feel. 139 00:06:24,540 --> 00:06:26,460 what I can see, hear, feel. 140 00:06:26,460 --> 00:06:30,140 And I felt an unstable mountain, 141 00:06:30,140 --> 00:06:32,220 but I also felt... 142 00:06:33,340 --> 00:06:36,380 ..it wasn't time for it to collapse yet. 143 00:06:37,980 --> 00:06:40,300 WOMAN: Arnold was definitely the right man 144 00:06:40,300 --> 00:06:40,540 WOMAN: Arnold was definitely for the tunnel rescue in India 145 00:06:40,540 --> 00:06:41,940 for the tunnel rescue in India 146 00:06:41,940 --> 00:06:45,380 because he brings all his skills and his toolkit 147 00:06:45,380 --> 00:06:47,900 that he's amassed over the last 30 years, 148 00:06:47,900 --> 00:06:48,180 and his ability to process things quickly that he's amassed over the last 30 years, 149 00:06:48,180 --> 00:06:51,620 and his ability to process things quickly 150 00:06:51,620 --> 00:06:51,860 and his ability to process things quickly and find a way through 151 00:06:51,860 --> 00:06:53,660 and find a way through 152 00:06:53,660 --> 00:06:55,660 where others just see despair. 153 00:06:55,660 --> 00:06:57,100 Oh. 154 00:06:57,100 --> 00:06:58,740 One of you with your dad. 155 00:07:00,340 --> 00:07:03,620 He's looking pretty interested in me. (LAUGHS) 156 00:07:03,620 --> 00:07:05,100 He's probably going, "What's that?" 157 00:07:05,100 --> 00:07:06,540 Goodness. 158 00:07:06,540 --> 00:07:08,580 Here's one. Here's one. Ready? 159 00:07:09,700 --> 00:07:11,980 Nice. (CHUCKLES) 160 00:07:11,980 --> 00:07:14,100 Young Arnold. How much time have we got? 161 00:07:14,100 --> 00:07:14,340 Well, yes, um... Young Arnold. How much time have we got? 162 00:07:14,340 --> 00:07:16,740 Well, yes, um... 163 00:07:17,980 --> 00:07:19,260 Free spirit. 164 00:07:19,260 --> 00:07:20,660 Good kid. 165 00:07:20,660 --> 00:07:23,100 I used to wonder where it would all end. 166 00:07:23,100 --> 00:07:24,860 And here we are. 167 00:07:24,860 --> 00:07:26,980 Arnold, from an early age, 168 00:07:26,980 --> 00:07:28,900 he was fascinated with rocks. 169 00:07:28,900 --> 00:07:29,140 I'd be driving along, he was fascinated with rocks. 170 00:07:29,140 --> 00:07:31,380 I'd be driving along, I'd have to stop. 171 00:07:31,380 --> 00:07:32,300 "Stop, Mum, stop!" 172 00:07:32,300 --> 00:07:35,940 He'd run and he'd get a rock, which to me was a rock. 173 00:07:35,940 --> 00:07:39,060 And he'd say, "This rock is so old." 174 00:07:39,060 --> 00:07:41,220 Really different sort of a kid. 175 00:07:41,220 --> 00:07:42,700 Mm. 176 00:07:44,220 --> 00:07:46,820 NEWSREEL: Work continues around the clock. 177 00:07:46,820 --> 00:07:49,060 One tunnel shift follows another. 178 00:07:49,060 --> 00:07:52,500 Men and machines against the granite of the mountains. 179 00:07:52,500 --> 00:07:56,860 So my interest in geology starts as a young child in Jindabyne. 180 00:07:56,860 --> 00:07:57,140 A number of the old-timers off the Snowy Scheme were still there, So my interest in geology starts as a young child in Jindabyne. 181 00:07:57,140 --> 00:07:59,580 A number of the old-timers off the Snowy Scheme were still there, 182 00:07:59,580 --> 00:07:59,820 A number of the old-timers off they'd never left. 183 00:07:59,820 --> 00:08:01,020 they'd never left. 184 00:08:01,020 --> 00:08:01,260 they'd never left. NEWSREEL: This is indeed the place where men and mountains meet. 185 00:08:01,260 --> 00:08:06,100 NEWSREEL: This is indeed the place where men and mountains meet. 186 00:08:07,940 --> 00:08:09,700 I'm a hotel keeper's kid. 187 00:08:09,700 --> 00:08:12,220 And so as a little kid who liked rocks, 188 00:08:12,220 --> 00:08:12,460 And so as a little kid who's also getting their beer, like, 189 00:08:12,460 --> 00:08:14,700 who's also getting their beer, like, 190 00:08:14,700 --> 00:08:16,740 and then you'd talk to them and they say, "Hey, do you want to come? 191 00:08:16,740 --> 00:08:16,980 and then you'd talk to them and they "We'll show you." 192 00:08:16,980 --> 00:08:17,820 "We'll show you." 193 00:08:17,820 --> 00:08:19,020 I'm like, "Yeah, cool." 194 00:08:19,020 --> 00:08:19,260 So they would take me I'm like, "Yeah, cool." 195 00:08:19,260 --> 00:08:22,820 So they would take me to see some of the tunnels 196 00:08:22,820 --> 00:08:23,060 So they would take me and then that sort of infected me. 197 00:08:23,060 --> 00:08:24,820 and then that sort of infected me. 198 00:08:27,180 --> 00:08:29,860 My first degree was science. 199 00:08:29,860 --> 00:08:31,980 And I loved doing my science, 200 00:08:31,980 --> 00:08:34,660 geology and the geomorphology. 201 00:08:34,660 --> 00:08:38,580 My post-grad research has me up at the Ranger Uranium Mine. 202 00:08:38,580 --> 00:08:41,180 The trouble was, I was a bit too brutally honest 203 00:08:41,180 --> 00:08:45,460 and...I had a go at the mining company. 204 00:08:45,460 --> 00:08:47,820 I then had a go at the office of the supervising scientist, 205 00:08:47,820 --> 00:08:48,100 and I had a go at the environmentalists. I then had a go at the office of the supervising scientist, 206 00:08:48,100 --> 00:08:50,420 and I had a go at the environmentalists. 207 00:08:50,420 --> 00:08:53,860 So in one fell swoop, I'd made enemies with everybody. 208 00:08:54,940 --> 00:08:57,180 And they pulled me to one side, 209 00:08:57,180 --> 00:08:59,140 and they explained to me that 210 00:08:59,140 --> 00:09:03,700 if I continued to be publicly critical in the way that I was, 211 00:09:03,700 --> 00:09:07,300 I would not have a job as a scientist in Australia. 212 00:09:07,300 --> 00:09:07,540 I would not have a job I didn't shut up, 213 00:09:07,540 --> 00:09:09,220 I didn't shut up, 214 00:09:09,220 --> 00:09:11,020 but I decided I was going to do law 215 00:09:11,020 --> 00:09:13,020 'cause I thought I might need a lawyer. (LAUGHS) 216 00:09:15,060 --> 00:09:17,580 MAN: Arnold joined the firm in 1988, 217 00:09:17,580 --> 00:09:20,260 and Arnold was a bit of a revelation. 218 00:09:20,260 --> 00:09:20,540 A little bit odd, a little bit weird, a little bit left of centre. and Arnold was a bit of a revelation. 219 00:09:20,540 --> 00:09:24,420 A little bit odd, a little bit weird, a little bit left of centre. 220 00:09:24,420 --> 00:09:24,660 A little bit odd, a little bit weird, a little bit left of centre. Dresses quite differently, 221 00:09:24,660 --> 00:09:26,420 Dresses quite differently, 222 00:09:26,420 --> 00:09:28,820 has quite an interesting attitude. 223 00:09:29,860 --> 00:09:32,500 My office near reception, 224 00:09:32,500 --> 00:09:36,580 I quickly equipped with what would now be called hydroponics. 225 00:09:36,580 --> 00:09:40,260 So I developed my own vegetable garden 226 00:09:40,260 --> 00:09:40,500 So I developed and it was really cool, actually. 227 00:09:40,500 --> 00:09:43,220 and it was really cool, actually. 228 00:09:43,220 --> 00:09:46,380 ROBERT: And he also hooked up a means whereby 229 00:09:46,380 --> 00:09:46,620 ROBERT: And he also hooked up he could sit at his office chair 230 00:09:46,620 --> 00:09:49,060 he could sit at his office chair 231 00:09:49,060 --> 00:09:52,460 and open the door and close the door via a pulley system 232 00:09:52,460 --> 00:09:53,380 so he didn't need to get up. 233 00:09:54,340 --> 00:09:58,620 Being an environmental lawyer back then was new, 234 00:09:58,620 --> 00:10:01,420 and traditional lawyers could never see me coming 235 00:10:01,420 --> 00:10:04,780 because I understood the science and the engineering, 236 00:10:04,780 --> 00:10:07,460 and so I could frame arguments that they'd never even thought of. 237 00:10:09,420 --> 00:10:11,620 GAIL: I first met him in 1992, 238 00:10:11,620 --> 00:10:15,660 when he was briefed as what we call a baby barrister. 239 00:10:15,660 --> 00:10:15,940 They were having difficulty getting him supported when he was briefed as what we call a baby barrister. 240 00:10:15,940 --> 00:10:19,140 They were having difficulty getting him supported 241 00:10:19,140 --> 00:10:22,780 because he basically broke his secretaries and they left, 242 00:10:22,780 --> 00:10:23,020 because he basically broke his secretaries and they left, and he'd had four in 18 months. 243 00:10:23,020 --> 00:10:25,020 and he'd had four in 18 months. 244 00:10:26,300 --> 00:10:29,300 Law firms in those days billed in six-minute intervals. 245 00:10:29,300 --> 00:10:29,540 Law firms in those days And Arnold was always so busy 246 00:10:29,540 --> 00:10:31,980 And Arnold was always so busy 247 00:10:31,980 --> 00:10:35,220 that the thought of actually having to sit down 248 00:10:35,220 --> 00:10:37,460 and write what he did every six minutes 249 00:10:37,460 --> 00:10:37,700 and write what he did was just never going to happen. 250 00:10:37,700 --> 00:10:38,980 was just never going to happen. 251 00:10:39,980 --> 00:10:41,460 So that was part of my role, 252 00:10:41,460 --> 00:10:44,220 to know what he did every six minutes of the day 253 00:10:44,220 --> 00:10:44,460 to know what he did so that we could capture that. 254 00:10:44,460 --> 00:10:45,780 so that we could capture that. 255 00:10:45,780 --> 00:10:46,020 And he went from so that we could capture that. 256 00:10:46,020 --> 00:10:48,380 And he went from their worst billing partner 257 00:10:48,380 --> 00:10:50,660 to their highest billing partner in 12 months. 258 00:10:51,780 --> 00:10:54,340 I've always had this burning feeling 259 00:10:54,340 --> 00:10:56,580 about what's fair and what's not fair. 260 00:10:56,580 --> 00:10:58,220 I've never seen it as a complicated thing. 261 00:10:59,100 --> 00:11:01,940 The frustration for me as a lawyer 262 00:11:01,940 --> 00:11:02,180 is you provide The frustration for me as a lawyer 263 00:11:02,180 --> 00:11:05,860 is you provide disproportionate justice 264 00:11:05,860 --> 00:11:06,100 is you provide for those people who can afford you. 265 00:11:06,100 --> 00:11:07,940 for those people who can afford you. 266 00:11:07,940 --> 00:11:13,260 And the turning point for me was when I'd gone to Ground Zero in New York. 267 00:11:14,940 --> 00:11:18,060 When I arrived, there's still smoke coming up. 268 00:11:18,060 --> 00:11:18,300 When I arrived, The whole place is on high alert. 269 00:11:18,300 --> 00:11:20,020 The whole place is on high alert. 270 00:11:20,020 --> 00:11:21,420 People are walking around in the streets 271 00:11:21,420 --> 00:11:24,740 with pictures of their loved ones, all that sort of stuff. 272 00:11:24,740 --> 00:11:27,660 And I was investigating what had happened in the tunnels underneath. 273 00:11:27,660 --> 00:11:27,900 And I was investigating what had REPORTER: The subterranean search 274 00:11:27,900 --> 00:11:29,620 REPORTER: The subterranean search 275 00:11:29,620 --> 00:11:32,700 of the six floors beneath the World Trade Center is haunting. 276 00:11:32,700 --> 00:11:36,060 This team from Miami is tracing subway lines, 277 00:11:36,060 --> 00:11:38,580 looking for people who might have taken refuge 278 00:11:38,580 --> 00:11:40,300 when the Twin Towers were hit. 279 00:11:40,300 --> 00:11:42,700 And suddenly it hits me. 280 00:11:42,700 --> 00:11:48,460 "Wouldn't it be better to have a life where I helped many people a little, 281 00:11:48,460 --> 00:11:48,700 "Wouldn't it be better to have a life "even if they don't know me, 282 00:11:48,700 --> 00:11:50,460 "even if they don't know me, 283 00:11:50,460 --> 00:11:54,180 "than to help a few because they've got the money to pay?" 284 00:11:55,580 --> 00:11:58,540 GAIL: And when he came back, he was quite changed. 285 00:11:58,540 --> 00:11:58,780 GAIL: And when he came back, And that disaster element 286 00:11:58,780 --> 00:12:00,820 And that disaster element 287 00:12:00,820 --> 00:12:01,060 then became a focus And that disaster element 288 00:12:01,060 --> 00:12:04,220 then became a focus for the practice moving forward - 289 00:12:04,220 --> 00:12:08,060 being the eyes and ears for others that can't go 290 00:12:08,060 --> 00:12:08,300 being the eyes and ears after there's been a disaster. 291 00:12:08,300 --> 00:12:09,980 after there's been a disaster. 292 00:12:11,580 --> 00:12:14,100 REPORTER: Tonight, the Waterfall train disaster - 293 00:12:14,100 --> 00:12:17,140 nine dead after a commuter train jumps the tracks 294 00:12:17,140 --> 00:12:17,380 nine dead after and crashes into a rock face. 295 00:12:17,380 --> 00:12:18,780 and crashes into a rock face. 296 00:12:18,780 --> 00:12:24,820 In 2003, I was asked to advise on the Waterfall train crash. 297 00:12:24,820 --> 00:12:26,300 Train, going too fast, 298 00:12:26,300 --> 00:12:27,700 doesn't go round a bend, 299 00:12:27,700 --> 00:12:30,260 rolls over, kills people. 300 00:12:30,260 --> 00:12:33,380 I'm actually doing the investigation straightaway. 301 00:12:33,380 --> 00:12:35,900 REPORTER: This is the devastating result 302 00:12:35,900 --> 00:12:37,780 of the massive pile-up this morning. 303 00:12:37,780 --> 00:12:40,540 2007 Burnley Tunnel incident. 304 00:12:40,540 --> 00:12:42,660 My job there is to try and understand, 305 00:12:42,660 --> 00:12:42,900 My job there "Did the tunnel cause the deaths?" 306 00:12:42,900 --> 00:12:44,780 "Did the tunnel cause the deaths?" 307 00:12:44,780 --> 00:12:47,420 So I established myself 308 00:12:47,420 --> 00:12:47,660 as an expert in the area of So I established myself 309 00:12:47,660 --> 00:12:52,300 as an expert in the area of underground fire and life safety. 310 00:12:52,300 --> 00:12:52,540 as an expert in the area of And because of that, 311 00:12:52,540 --> 00:12:54,020 And because of that, 312 00:12:54,020 --> 00:12:57,340 I become well known in the fire engineering circles 313 00:12:57,340 --> 00:12:59,580 for all complex build structures. 314 00:13:02,300 --> 00:13:06,460 Qatar was in the middle of preparing for the World Cup, 315 00:13:06,460 --> 00:13:09,900 and their airport isn't able to open 316 00:13:09,900 --> 00:13:12,660 because the fire and life safety engineering is failing. 317 00:13:12,660 --> 00:13:12,900 because the fire and life safety So in 2013, I get a call. 318 00:13:12,900 --> 00:13:15,500 So in 2013, I get a call. 319 00:13:15,500 --> 00:13:20,340 "Arnold, can you come to Qatar and can you fix our airport for us?" 320 00:13:21,420 --> 00:13:26,020 And that becomes a journey of more than eight years in Qatar, 321 00:13:26,020 --> 00:13:29,340 because what I find in Qatar is not what I expect. 322 00:13:29,340 --> 00:13:30,940 REPORTER: While arguments rage over the risks 323 00:13:30,940 --> 00:13:34,780 footballers will face playing in Qatar's extreme heat, 324 00:13:34,780 --> 00:13:39,020 migrant workers are dying on the job in record numbers. 325 00:13:39,020 --> 00:13:41,900 GAIL: Arnold stumbled onto thousands of migrant workers 326 00:13:41,900 --> 00:13:42,140 GAIL: Arnold stumbled onto being employed as slave labour, 327 00:13:42,140 --> 00:13:44,380 being employed as slave labour, 328 00:13:44,380 --> 00:13:46,620 having had their passports removed, 329 00:13:46,620 --> 00:13:49,020 visas made invalid, 330 00:13:49,020 --> 00:13:51,220 not being paid, and starving. 331 00:13:52,260 --> 00:13:54,740 He helped them with housing, food. 332 00:13:55,700 --> 00:13:59,100 He helped many people actually exit the country. 333 00:13:59,100 --> 00:14:02,500 They needed hope, and he provided some of that. 334 00:14:04,140 --> 00:14:06,340 REPORTER: The 14th of June, 2017. 335 00:14:06,340 --> 00:14:08,060 MAN: Needs help up there! MAN: Yeah, I know. I can see. 336 00:14:08,060 --> 00:14:08,300 MAN: Needs help up there! She needs help! 337 00:14:08,300 --> 00:14:09,060 She needs help! 338 00:14:09,060 --> 00:14:12,580 A fire that starts on the fourth floor of the Grenfell Tower 339 00:14:12,580 --> 00:14:16,700 spreads quickly, fuelled by combustible cladding. 340 00:14:16,700 --> 00:14:18,940 The Grenfell Tower block fire. 341 00:14:18,940 --> 00:14:20,660 I'm heavily involved with that. 342 00:14:20,660 --> 00:14:23,380 And that's on a pro bono basis, 343 00:14:23,380 --> 00:14:23,620 getting justice And that's on a pro bono basis, 344 00:14:23,620 --> 00:14:28,380 getting justice for low socioeconomic people. 345 00:14:28,380 --> 00:14:28,620 getting justice It's a tunnel in the sky 346 00:14:28,620 --> 00:14:30,460 It's a tunnel in the sky 347 00:14:30,460 --> 00:14:32,820 as opposed to a tunnel in the ground, 348 00:14:32,820 --> 00:14:33,900 but the principle's the same. 349 00:14:38,100 --> 00:14:41,460 Arnold would always be overseas, but we never had really any idea of 350 00:14:41,460 --> 00:14:44,220 what he was actually doing while he was over there. 351 00:14:44,220 --> 00:14:44,500 what he was actually doing while he was over there. But Puffing Billy is local to where Arnold lives. 352 00:14:44,500 --> 00:14:47,820 But Puffing Billy is local to where Arnold lives. 353 00:14:47,820 --> 00:14:49,380 So when the unthinkable happened, 354 00:14:49,380 --> 00:14:52,460 he quietly came back to the country to assist us. 355 00:14:52,460 --> 00:14:54,500 REPORTER: One person was injured in a crash 356 00:14:54,500 --> 00:14:56,940 between the Puffing Billy steam train and a minibus 357 00:14:56,940 --> 00:14:57,180 between the Puffing Billy at Menzies Creek today. 358 00:14:57,180 --> 00:14:58,380 at Menzies Creek today. 359 00:14:59,380 --> 00:15:04,540 He worked with our engineers and over the few years it took, 360 00:15:04,540 --> 00:15:09,900 was able to establish safer seating on our sills. 361 00:15:09,900 --> 00:15:13,100 I came up with a new idea, a new solution, 362 00:15:13,100 --> 00:15:18,260 that allows children of all ages to sit on the side of the train. 363 00:15:18,260 --> 00:15:21,220 And it's probably... probably my best work. 364 00:15:22,380 --> 00:15:23,660 Hang on. 365 00:15:25,460 --> 00:15:28,500 So now when I see all the people on the side of the train, 366 00:15:28,500 --> 00:15:31,020 shrieking, terrified, all those sorts of things, 367 00:15:31,020 --> 00:15:33,300 I get a huge amount of joy. 368 00:15:33,300 --> 00:15:37,820 Arnold reminds me of the Nutty Professor in a very loving way. 369 00:15:37,820 --> 00:15:42,660 You know, the kindest, craziest person I've ever met. 370 00:15:42,660 --> 00:15:45,180 And we...we couldn't have done this without him. 371 00:15:47,820 --> 00:15:49,740 That's my signature dish. 372 00:15:49,740 --> 00:15:51,500 You never saw me come. 373 00:15:51,500 --> 00:15:53,180 You don't know what I did. 374 00:15:53,180 --> 00:15:55,380 And the job's done right. 375 00:15:55,380 --> 00:15:56,700 And I'm gone again. 376 00:15:59,740 --> 00:16:02,020 Because of my work, I travel the whole world. 377 00:16:02,020 --> 00:16:04,740 I visit all countries, all continents. 378 00:16:04,740 --> 00:16:09,380 I'm driven by the desire to help the many with their safety. 379 00:16:09,380 --> 00:16:09,620 He's so driven I'm driven by the desire to help the many with their safety. 380 00:16:09,620 --> 00:16:10,500 He's so driven 381 00:16:10,500 --> 00:16:12,300 he would actually sell his mother 382 00:16:12,300 --> 00:16:12,540 if he thought the cause he would actually sell his mother 383 00:16:12,540 --> 00:16:15,100 if he thought the cause justified it. 384 00:16:15,100 --> 00:16:15,380 if he thought the cause justified it. And just look out, anyone that's around him, 385 00:16:15,380 --> 00:16:17,900 And just look out, anyone that's around him, 386 00:16:17,900 --> 00:16:18,140 And just look out, because he will just sacrifice you, 387 00:16:18,140 --> 00:16:20,740 because he will just sacrifice you, 388 00:16:20,740 --> 00:16:22,260 no two ways about it, 389 00:16:22,260 --> 00:16:24,740 if he thinks the cause is bigger than you. 390 00:16:25,700 --> 00:16:28,020 And so I'm not normal husband. 391 00:16:28,020 --> 00:16:31,300 I don't just do the lawns and wash the car. 392 00:16:32,300 --> 00:16:37,140 I've been married twice, married to Karen, firstly, 393 00:16:37,140 --> 00:16:40,380 and that lasted 23 years. 394 00:16:40,380 --> 00:16:42,060 So not a fickle thing. 395 00:16:42,060 --> 00:16:46,100 But then I've worked for nearly 10 years in the Middle East, 396 00:16:46,100 --> 00:16:49,500 and it was there that I met Divina. 397 00:16:49,500 --> 00:16:51,300 WOMAN: When you're in the Middle East, 398 00:16:51,300 --> 00:16:51,580 usually most men, they're really, like, dressed up, WOMAN: When you're in the Middle East, 399 00:16:51,580 --> 00:16:55,540 usually most men, they're really, like, dressed up, 400 00:16:55,540 --> 00:17:01,420 wearing, like, gold and big watch or necklace 401 00:17:01,420 --> 00:17:01,660 wearing, like, gold and big watch or necklace and driving very good, posh cars. 402 00:17:01,660 --> 00:17:04,820 and driving very good, posh cars. 403 00:17:04,820 --> 00:17:07,020 But he's just the normal one. 404 00:17:07,020 --> 00:17:09,740 Like, just so simple, down to earth. 405 00:17:10,540 --> 00:17:12,180 We got on so well we married. 406 00:17:12,180 --> 00:17:14,260 So it was that... It was that simple. 407 00:17:16,740 --> 00:17:21,420 2020, COVID hits, and my wings are chopped off. 408 00:17:22,860 --> 00:17:25,060 I'm international man of mystery... 409 00:17:25,060 --> 00:17:26,340 (CHAINSAW BUZZES) 410 00:17:26,340 --> 00:17:29,940 ..and suddenly there's 'international' removed. 411 00:17:29,940 --> 00:17:32,740 I'm just man of mystery. And I'm in Monbulk. 412 00:17:32,740 --> 00:17:35,900 And I'm trapped in my little sanctuary. 413 00:17:36,860 --> 00:17:40,540 We had an A-frame sign out for a truck driver, 414 00:17:40,540 --> 00:17:40,780 We had an A-frame sign out and then this bloke comes in 415 00:17:40,780 --> 00:17:42,220 and then this bloke comes in 416 00:17:42,220 --> 00:17:42,460 and then this bloke comes in and I'm like, "Oh, yeah, well, we'll see how we go here." 417 00:17:42,460 --> 00:17:45,180 and I'm like, "Oh, yeah, well, we'll see how we go here." 418 00:17:45,180 --> 00:17:45,420 and I'm like, "Oh, yeah, well, (TRUCK BEEPS) 419 00:17:45,420 --> 00:17:47,660 (TRUCK BEEPS) 420 00:17:48,620 --> 00:17:51,580 Not a lot of trucking companies want to employ a barrister 421 00:17:51,580 --> 00:17:51,820 Not a lot of trucking companies to be their truck driver. 422 00:17:51,820 --> 00:17:52,620 to be their truck driver. 423 00:17:52,620 --> 00:17:53,820 They're a bit scared of that. 424 00:17:56,500 --> 00:17:58,380 So I had to get my CV, 425 00:17:58,380 --> 00:17:58,620 and I had to chop everything off So I had to get my CV, 426 00:17:58,620 --> 00:18:02,900 and I had to chop everything off after I got high school done. 427 00:18:02,900 --> 00:18:05,260 Arnold would help load the trucks, 428 00:18:05,260 --> 00:18:07,300 and then he would drive around Melbourne 429 00:18:07,300 --> 00:18:09,300 to different nurseries and transport companies 430 00:18:09,300 --> 00:18:09,540 to different nurseries to drop things off. 431 00:18:09,540 --> 00:18:10,620 to drop things off. 432 00:18:10,620 --> 00:18:13,460 I started to ask him a few questions 433 00:18:13,460 --> 00:18:13,700 and then by the end of it, I started to ask him a few questions 434 00:18:13,700 --> 00:18:15,500 and then by the end of it, I was just convinced 435 00:18:15,500 --> 00:18:17,460 that there was nothing this bloke couldn't do, 436 00:18:17,460 --> 00:18:17,700 that there was nothing and if he couldn't do it, 437 00:18:17,700 --> 00:18:18,500 and if he couldn't do it, 438 00:18:18,500 --> 00:18:21,180 he'd work out how to do it and just do it anyway. 439 00:18:23,020 --> 00:18:24,700 WOMAN: It's much smaller than I remember. 440 00:18:24,700 --> 00:18:24,940 Yeah? than I remember. 441 00:18:24,940 --> 00:18:25,700 Yeah? 442 00:18:25,700 --> 00:18:28,500 I'm not sure how to describe my dad to other people. 443 00:18:30,380 --> 00:18:32,620 But I think 'eccentric' would come into it. 444 00:18:32,620 --> 00:18:36,900 But, uh, in a really eccentric version of eccentric. 445 00:18:38,380 --> 00:18:39,380 Ah. 446 00:18:39,380 --> 00:18:42,300 He doesn't fit the normal template for what a dad is, 447 00:18:42,300 --> 00:18:42,540 He doesn't fit the normal template for what a dad is, but he's much more colourful. 448 00:18:42,540 --> 00:18:43,580 but he's much more colourful. 449 00:18:43,580 --> 00:18:47,180 It's really important for me to have my back against the wall. 450 00:18:47,180 --> 00:18:51,460 Hand into the rock, under the rock, under the collapse... 451 00:18:53,020 --> 00:18:56,140 ..and then just listen. 452 00:18:56,140 --> 00:18:59,220 The influence from my dad has always been very prevalent. 453 00:18:59,220 --> 00:18:59,460 Since I was about 5 or 6, been very prevalent. 454 00:18:59,460 --> 00:19:00,780 Since I was about 5 or 6, 455 00:19:00,780 --> 00:19:01,020 Since I was about 5 or 6, Dad's been bringing me down tunnels, and my brothers as well, 456 00:19:01,020 --> 00:19:03,660 Dad's been bringing me down tunnels, and my brothers as well, 457 00:19:03,660 --> 00:19:07,460 so it's inspired me to sort of pursue something quite similar. 458 00:19:08,700 --> 00:19:10,380 We're like twins. 459 00:19:10,380 --> 00:19:12,100 I'm just really proud of my dad. 460 00:19:12,100 --> 00:19:12,340 I don't know how to describe him, I'm just really proud of my dad. 461 00:19:12,340 --> 00:19:14,140 I don't know how to describe him, but I just love him to bits. 462 00:19:18,060 --> 00:19:24,260 In late August 2023, I decide I'm going to have a world tour 463 00:19:24,260 --> 00:19:28,540 of the state of underground construction technology 464 00:19:28,540 --> 00:19:30,340 in extreme environments, 465 00:19:30,340 --> 00:19:33,980 and just in the minutes before I depart, 466 00:19:33,980 --> 00:19:36,340 I grab a pair of boots at the door, 467 00:19:36,340 --> 00:19:39,100 and the pair of boots that I grab aren't my boots. 468 00:19:39,100 --> 00:19:42,620 I actually take Hannah's boots by mistake, 469 00:19:42,620 --> 00:19:46,580 and Hannah's boots become really significant in the rescue. 470 00:19:48,500 --> 00:19:50,740 REPORTER: Efforts to rescue more than 40 workers 471 00:19:50,740 --> 00:19:52,700 trapped in a collapsed tunnel in India 472 00:19:52,700 --> 00:19:52,940 trapped in a collapsed tunnel has continued for the 10th day. 473 00:19:52,940 --> 00:19:55,180 has continued for the 10th day. 474 00:19:55,180 --> 00:19:57,860 Hannah's boots don't fit me. 475 00:19:57,860 --> 00:20:01,380 And so Hannah's boots, the boots I walk in, 476 00:20:01,380 --> 00:20:05,660 remind me with each step that I'm there to rescue 477 00:20:05,660 --> 00:20:08,900 41 children from other families. 478 00:20:08,900 --> 00:20:11,980 I have a daughter who is also a miner. OK? 479 00:20:11,980 --> 00:20:16,620 So I treat all of those 41 as if they are my daughter trapped. 480 00:20:16,620 --> 00:20:16,900 So it was day 10 of the rescue operations So I treat all of those 41 as if they are my daughter trapped. 481 00:20:16,900 --> 00:20:19,940 So it was day 10 of the rescue operations 482 00:20:19,940 --> 00:20:22,340 when they finally, you know, had a breakthrough. 483 00:20:23,380 --> 00:20:26,980 They were finally able to see the 41 people inside. 484 00:20:26,980 --> 00:20:30,220 We get to be able to put warm food in for the first time... 485 00:20:31,180 --> 00:20:34,340 ..but we also get to see the state of the tunnel on their side, 486 00:20:34,340 --> 00:20:35,300 and it's collapsing. 487 00:20:36,460 --> 00:20:40,020 When I go up on top of the mountain and have a look, the rock's bad. 488 00:20:41,020 --> 00:20:42,380 This is the rock. 489 00:20:44,860 --> 00:20:46,220 Right? That's... 490 00:20:46,220 --> 00:20:49,900 And it's through a zone like this that we've had the collapse. So... 491 00:20:49,900 --> 00:20:53,900 This is the sort of material... Like that. 492 00:20:53,900 --> 00:20:57,220 It's exactly the sort of rock I fear the most. 493 00:20:58,940 --> 00:21:01,260 Someone snaps a picture of me 494 00:21:01,260 --> 00:21:05,100 telling the group that in my view, we have a problem, 495 00:21:05,100 --> 00:21:07,660 that the whole thing is going to come down. 496 00:21:07,660 --> 00:21:07,900 that the whole thing So the risk was 497 00:21:07,900 --> 00:21:09,380 So the risk was 498 00:21:09,380 --> 00:21:09,620 that we would have a subsequent So the risk was 499 00:21:09,620 --> 00:21:14,260 that we would have a subsequent collapse on both us and on them. 500 00:21:15,340 --> 00:21:19,940 As a precaution, I was contacting people near and dear to me 501 00:21:19,940 --> 00:21:22,260 and just having conversations with them. 502 00:21:22,260 --> 00:21:24,060 I wasn't telling them that was the reason, 503 00:21:24,060 --> 00:21:26,100 so I just sent him a text, "Hi, how are you?" 504 00:21:26,100 --> 00:21:28,860 You know, "How's things?" Whatever. And just have an exchange. 505 00:21:28,860 --> 00:21:31,700 It wasn't that I was planning to be killed, 506 00:21:31,700 --> 00:21:36,940 but I just felt that it would be good for them if something bad happened 507 00:21:36,940 --> 00:21:41,700 to have a memory of me not being too stressed. 508 00:21:46,340 --> 00:21:48,580 DIVINA: He video call and then he said, 509 00:21:48,580 --> 00:21:50,860 "Sweetie, don't worry, I'm OK. 510 00:21:50,860 --> 00:21:52,340 "Look... Look at the chair. 511 00:21:52,340 --> 00:21:52,580 "That's... That's my chair. "Look... Look at the chair. 512 00:21:52,580 --> 00:21:55,020 "That's... That's my chair. That's where I sit. 513 00:21:55,020 --> 00:21:55,300 "That's... That's my chair. That's where I sit. "And then the tunnel is just over there. 514 00:21:55,300 --> 00:21:57,940 "And then the tunnel is just over there. 515 00:21:57,940 --> 00:22:00,860 "So don't worry, I'm just watching them. 516 00:22:00,860 --> 00:22:03,100 "And then I'm telling them what to do." 517 00:22:03,100 --> 00:22:05,940 The next day, I said, "But in the news, 518 00:22:05,940 --> 00:22:06,180 The next day, I said, "it says that you're inside, 519 00:22:06,180 --> 00:22:07,940 "it says that you're inside, 520 00:22:07,940 --> 00:22:09,940 "and then you're telling me you're not... 521 00:22:09,940 --> 00:22:10,180 "and then you're telling me "..you never go inside." 522 00:22:10,180 --> 00:22:11,500 "..you never go inside." 523 00:22:11,500 --> 00:22:11,740 And then I'd say, "Well, maybe I go "..you never go inside." 524 00:22:11,740 --> 00:22:15,340 And then I'd say, "Well, maybe I go in there every now and then." 525 00:22:15,340 --> 00:22:19,300 And so she knows that I'm up to no good 526 00:22:19,300 --> 00:22:21,820 in the sense that I'm putting my life at risk. 527 00:22:21,820 --> 00:22:24,500 I knew, and Divina knew, that it was extremely dangerous, 528 00:22:24,500 --> 00:22:26,820 because you could see that the mountain was unstable. 529 00:22:26,820 --> 00:22:28,780 And I was just hoping that he was going to be OK. 530 00:22:30,380 --> 00:22:32,180 REPORTER: This arduous mission encountered 531 00:22:32,180 --> 00:22:32,420 REPORTER: This arduous mission a fresh challenge on Friday, 532 00:22:32,420 --> 00:22:34,180 a fresh challenge on Friday, 533 00:22:34,180 --> 00:22:37,900 as the relentless machines aiding the rescue ground to a halt. 534 00:22:37,900 --> 00:22:41,380 TAVLEEN: These 41 workers, they had been waiting for weeks, 535 00:22:41,380 --> 00:22:43,780 and then news starts coming out that, 536 00:22:43,780 --> 00:22:45,380 no, they've stopped operations because, 537 00:22:45,380 --> 00:22:47,900 you know, something went wrong, something's broken down. 538 00:22:47,900 --> 00:22:50,180 The drilling, the auguring, has stopped. 539 00:22:50,180 --> 00:22:50,420 The drilling, the auguring, REPORTER: Yeah. 540 00:22:50,420 --> 00:22:51,340 REPORTER: Yeah. 541 00:22:51,340 --> 00:22:51,580 It's too much for the auger. OK? REPORTER: Yeah. 542 00:22:51,580 --> 00:22:53,580 It's too much for the auger. OK? OK. 543 00:22:53,580 --> 00:22:53,820 It's too much for the auger. OK? It's like our auger is... 544 00:22:53,820 --> 00:22:55,740 It's like our auger is... 545 00:22:56,980 --> 00:22:58,940 It's not going to do anything more. 546 00:22:58,940 --> 00:23:01,460 And that's when they were like, machines are not working anymore. 547 00:23:01,460 --> 00:23:02,220 What do we do? 548 00:23:02,220 --> 00:23:06,820 My suggestion is that if we have a choice between fast and slow, 549 00:23:06,820 --> 00:23:07,060 My suggestion is that if we have we go slow. 550 00:23:07,060 --> 00:23:08,340 we go slow. 551 00:23:08,340 --> 00:23:08,580 If we have a choice between we go slow. 552 00:23:08,580 --> 00:23:11,580 If we have a choice between hard and soft, we go soft. 553 00:23:11,580 --> 00:23:15,420 That actually we try and trick the mountain 554 00:23:15,420 --> 00:23:15,660 That actually we try and sneak in to get these men. 555 00:23:15,660 --> 00:23:17,980 and sneak in to get these men. 556 00:23:19,300 --> 00:23:23,940 What Arnold was doing had massive consequences. 557 00:23:23,940 --> 00:23:27,300 He could either end up being the god that they would always remember, 558 00:23:27,300 --> 00:23:30,740 or he was going to end up having - and I'm not exaggerating here - 559 00:23:30,740 --> 00:23:33,740 he was going to end up having statues of himself being burned. 560 00:23:45,740 --> 00:23:51,340 So what we did was we sent people in the pipe 561 00:23:51,340 --> 00:23:55,140 to excavate by hand the rocks, rock by rock, 562 00:23:55,140 --> 00:24:01,740 and put them in a little cart that we made on site, and wheel it out. 563 00:24:01,740 --> 00:24:07,060 We actually went back to the very, very early ways 564 00:24:07,060 --> 00:24:10,140 human beings would burrow through the ground. 565 00:24:10,140 --> 00:24:13,300 And so it's the "softly, softly" approach. 566 00:24:14,460 --> 00:24:17,100 And that's the approach that wins. 567 00:24:17,100 --> 00:24:20,340 (HUBBUB) 568 00:24:20,340 --> 00:24:20,580 There have been jubilant scenes (HUBBUB) 569 00:24:20,580 --> 00:24:22,620 There have been jubilant scenes in India 570 00:24:22,620 --> 00:24:24,940 after a group of construction workers 571 00:24:24,940 --> 00:24:28,180 trapped inside a collapsed tunnel for 17 days 572 00:24:28,180 --> 00:24:30,700 were finally freed alive and well. 573 00:24:31,700 --> 00:24:35,980 TAVLEEN: This was the moment the first of 41 trapped workers 574 00:24:35,980 --> 00:24:37,460 was finally freed 575 00:24:37,460 --> 00:24:37,700 was finally freed after spending more than two weeks underground. 576 00:24:37,700 --> 00:24:40,700 after spending more than two weeks underground. 577 00:24:40,700 --> 00:24:45,260 And you remember in the beginning I said, "41 people home safe. 578 00:24:45,260 --> 00:24:48,940 "No-one gets hurt. By Christmas." 579 00:24:48,940 --> 00:24:50,700 Christmas has come early. 580 00:24:52,580 --> 00:24:57,580 Somehow we made the promise come true 581 00:24:57,580 --> 00:24:57,820 Somehow we made the promise and we showed the world 582 00:24:57,820 --> 00:24:59,660 and we showed the world 583 00:24:59,660 --> 00:25:05,380 that good people working together can do the impossible. 584 00:25:05,380 --> 00:25:08,540 REPORTER: For the villagers too, it's a moment of joy 585 00:25:08,540 --> 00:25:10,780 as they finally get the good news, 586 00:25:10,780 --> 00:25:15,300 and they don't have to spend another night in uncertainty. 587 00:25:15,300 --> 00:25:18,860 And so we're seeing these 41 workers being reunited with their families, 588 00:25:18,860 --> 00:25:22,020 you know, the entire nation looking at these happy moments. 589 00:25:22,020 --> 00:25:25,300 But the one thing that was odd was no-one knew where Arnold was. 590 00:25:25,300 --> 00:25:27,060 He was nowhere. He had disappeared. 591 00:25:27,060 --> 00:25:29,260 (BELLS TOLL) 592 00:25:29,260 --> 00:25:32,980 I went to the top of the mountain with some of the rescue workers 593 00:25:32,980 --> 00:25:35,980 to the big temple, and we gave thanks up there. 594 00:25:35,980 --> 00:25:39,420 So we were having the best party, and they were all singing. 595 00:25:39,420 --> 00:25:39,660 So we were having the best party, (MAN SINGS IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 596 00:25:39,660 --> 00:25:41,820 (MAN SINGS IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 597 00:25:41,820 --> 00:25:44,020 Anyway, they made Arnold Dix songs, 598 00:25:44,020 --> 00:25:46,580 which I thought was really kind of funny, 599 00:25:46,580 --> 00:25:46,860 and the boys decided to put on a bit of a dance show up on the tree. which I thought was really kind of funny, 600 00:25:46,860 --> 00:25:50,500 and the boys decided to put on a bit of a dance show up on the tree. 601 00:25:50,500 --> 00:25:50,740 and the boys decided to put on That video, apparently in India 602 00:25:50,740 --> 00:25:53,100 That video, apparently in India 603 00:25:53,100 --> 00:25:55,300 has like, had more than 100 million hits. 604 00:25:55,300 --> 00:25:59,900 (MEN SING IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 605 00:25:59,900 --> 00:26:00,100 (MEN SING IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) He was all over everywhere in India. 606 00:26:00,100 --> 00:26:02,140 He was all over everywhere in India. 607 00:26:02,140 --> 00:26:05,700 On the TV, on people's smartphones, on their tabs. 608 00:26:05,700 --> 00:26:07,700 I don't think there are many people in India 609 00:26:07,700 --> 00:26:07,940 I don't think there are many people who wouldn't recognise Arnold. 610 00:26:07,940 --> 00:26:09,020 who wouldn't recognise Arnold. 611 00:26:10,620 --> 00:26:13,780 I rise to acknowledge a truly great Australian, 612 00:26:13,780 --> 00:26:14,020 I rise to acknowledge Professor Arnold Dix, 613 00:26:14,020 --> 00:26:15,900 Professor Arnold Dix, 614 00:26:15,900 --> 00:26:18,340 and for what he has done. 615 00:26:18,340 --> 00:26:18,580 and for what he has done. These 41 lives have been saved, families have been reunited, 616 00:26:18,580 --> 00:26:22,380 These 41 lives have been saved, families have been reunited, 617 00:26:22,380 --> 00:26:25,780 and our friends in India are quite rightly rejoicing. 618 00:26:34,980 --> 00:26:37,180 MAN: How you are feeling now? 619 00:26:37,180 --> 00:26:40,060 I'm feeling tired. (LAUGHS) 620 00:26:40,060 --> 00:26:41,460 I finally get to the airport. 621 00:26:41,460 --> 00:26:42,780 Quite unexpected. 622 00:26:42,780 --> 00:26:45,660 On my flight, completely by accident... 623 00:26:46,780 --> 00:26:49,460 ..are 17 of the men that I've rescued. 624 00:26:50,540 --> 00:26:51,980 MAN: Thank you. 625 00:26:51,980 --> 00:26:53,420 And they're just young men... 626 00:26:54,540 --> 00:26:57,940 ..who...who just doing their job, 627 00:26:57,940 --> 00:27:00,940 who just go to work to look after their families. 628 00:27:00,940 --> 00:27:01,180 who just go to work And they're from poor states, 629 00:27:01,180 --> 00:27:03,420 And they're from poor states, 630 00:27:03,420 --> 00:27:05,140 and they got exactly the faces 631 00:27:05,140 --> 00:27:05,380 that the dead ones that and they got exactly the faces 632 00:27:05,380 --> 00:27:07,620 that the dead ones that I've pulled out of other countries. 633 00:27:08,860 --> 00:27:10,380 And we've rescued them. 634 00:27:10,380 --> 00:27:12,780 MAN: Yeah. Yeah, yeah. OK. 635 00:27:12,780 --> 00:27:16,620 And so they get to live the rest of their lives 636 00:27:16,620 --> 00:27:18,500 without dying in the tunnel. 637 00:27:19,420 --> 00:27:20,460 And so... 638 00:27:21,460 --> 00:27:23,300 ..it was worth it. 639 00:27:25,780 --> 00:27:28,020 (JAUNTY GUITAR MUSIC) 640 00:27:29,820 --> 00:27:31,060 (BLOWS WHISTLE) 641 00:27:31,060 --> 00:27:33,580 My little town of Monbulk. 642 00:27:33,580 --> 00:27:37,140 It's... It's as unknown as I am, except for its jam. 643 00:27:37,140 --> 00:27:38,860 Monbulk turns on a big welcome. 644 00:27:40,060 --> 00:27:41,460 REECE: All of a sudden there was, 645 00:27:41,460 --> 00:27:44,140 "Welcome home, Professor Dix," all through the town. 646 00:27:44,140 --> 00:27:49,020 And I think the first time I saw him, I just screamed out of the ute, 647 00:27:49,020 --> 00:27:50,100 "Good on you, mate!" 648 00:27:52,820 --> 00:27:55,460 Maybe you bring your shoulder a little inside 649 00:27:55,460 --> 00:27:58,100 so that you do not have to turn so much, yes. 650 00:27:58,100 --> 00:27:58,340 so that you do not have So until this point in my life... 651 00:27:58,340 --> 00:28:00,060 So until this point in my life... 652 00:28:01,340 --> 00:28:06,460 ..I was absolutely satisfied to be completely unknown in my own right, 653 00:28:06,460 --> 00:28:06,700 ..I was absolutely satisfied to be happy for my own deeds to be unknown. 654 00:28:06,700 --> 00:28:08,940 happy for my own deeds to be unknown. 655 00:28:08,940 --> 00:28:10,700 Right, now the light's perfect. 656 00:28:10,700 --> 00:28:13,660 And next minute I'm here getting painted. 657 00:28:15,820 --> 00:28:21,100 I wanted to show honour in a way that people don't know him. 658 00:28:21,100 --> 00:28:21,340 I wanted to show honour in a way that people don't know him. The true honour. 659 00:28:21,340 --> 00:28:22,340 The true honour. 660 00:28:22,340 --> 00:28:26,220 Arnold, I read in one of these articles about you. 661 00:28:26,220 --> 00:28:26,460 Arnold, I read in one of They called you a nerd. 662 00:28:26,460 --> 00:28:27,300 They called you a nerd. 663 00:28:27,300 --> 00:28:29,300 (CHUCKLES) Right. 664 00:28:29,300 --> 00:28:31,540 And it's repeated again and again. 665 00:28:31,540 --> 00:28:33,740 Just on his T-shirt and the shorts. 666 00:28:33,740 --> 00:28:36,740 But he's ready with his gear to go wherever he needs. 667 00:28:36,740 --> 00:28:39,260 I hope I've done enough justice on this. 668 00:28:39,260 --> 00:28:40,780 He is a superhero in India, 669 00:28:40,780 --> 00:28:41,020 as well as other places He is a superhero in India, 670 00:28:41,020 --> 00:28:43,620 as well as other places all around the world. 671 00:28:43,620 --> 00:28:43,860 as well as other places There you go. 672 00:28:43,860 --> 00:28:44,860 There you go. 673 00:28:44,860 --> 00:28:48,180 So I kind of depict him as a superhero as well. 674 00:28:48,180 --> 00:28:48,420 So I kind of depict him It's... It's just wonderful. 675 00:28:48,420 --> 00:28:50,700 It's... It's just wonderful. 676 00:28:50,700 --> 00:28:54,300 (INSECTS CHIRP, BIRD SQUAWKS) 677 00:29:00,260 --> 00:29:02,980 GAIL: Things have been a little different in that 678 00:29:02,980 --> 00:29:03,220 GAIL: Things have been we now have Arnold the hero. 679 00:29:03,220 --> 00:29:04,820 we now have Arnold the hero. 680 00:29:04,820 --> 00:29:05,060 He always thought he was a hero we now have Arnold the hero. 681 00:29:05,060 --> 00:29:07,020 He always thought he was a hero anyway. 682 00:29:08,020 --> 00:29:11,580 So for me, it's actually not a whole lot new. 683 00:29:14,420 --> 00:29:19,660 To help save 41 young Indian men... 684 00:29:19,660 --> 00:29:21,420 What does a man do after that? 685 00:29:21,420 --> 00:29:22,700 Like, what do you do? 686 00:29:22,700 --> 00:29:24,820 I don't know what you do after that. That's, like... 687 00:29:26,340 --> 00:29:28,180 I don't know. Let's see. 688 00:29:36,260 --> 00:29:39,500 ALL: # Happy birthday to Arnold... # 689 00:29:39,500 --> 00:29:39,780 So the 60-year celebration birthday ALL: # Happy birthday is a bit interesting. to Arnold... # 690 00:29:39,780 --> 00:29:42,700 So the 60-year celebration birthday is a bit interesting. 691 00:29:42,700 --> 00:29:46,540 I've invited my friends, who don't know each other. 692 00:29:46,540 --> 00:29:47,620 And I like that. 693 00:29:47,620 --> 00:29:49,340 He's certainly mysterious. 694 00:29:49,340 --> 00:29:51,740 Generous. 695 00:29:51,740 --> 00:29:54,660 MAN: Arnold does pest control for me when he's in town. 696 00:29:54,660 --> 00:29:54,900 He's a crack shot with a rifle. for me when he's in town. 697 00:29:54,900 --> 00:29:56,300 He's a crack shot with a rifle. 698 00:29:56,300 --> 00:29:56,540 He's a crack shot with a rifle. his wedding 699 00:29:56,540 --> 00:29:58,500 WOMAN: We met Arnold catering his wedding 700 00:29:58,500 --> 00:29:58,780 WOMAN: We met Arnold catering his wedding and he asked us to make him a roast suckling pig cake. 701 00:29:58,780 --> 00:30:01,540 and he asked us to make him a roast suckling pig cake. 702 00:30:01,540 --> 00:30:04,220 We wish him all the best in future. We wish him all the best. 703 00:30:04,220 --> 00:30:04,460 Captions by Red Bee Media We wish him all the best in future. We wish him all the best. 704 00:30:04,460 --> 00:30:05,260 Captions by Red Bee Media 705 00:30:05,260 --> 00:30:07,140 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation