Craig Challen, the retired Perth veterinarian who helped rescue the Thai boys from a flooded cave has been named the West Australian nominee for Australian of the year.
Mr Challen and his dive partner, Richard Harris, have already received the rare Star of Courage for their roles in the risky July rescue mission in Chiang Rai (Shi-ung Rye).
Mr Challen was announced as the recipient of the WA Australian of the Year award at the Government House in Perth yesterday.