Pom in Oz with Derek Goforth: Stating the case for the late Steve Irwin to be featured on Aussie currency

Now that the question of a republic is once again at the forefront of people’s conversations, the topic of money had once again come up. Who should we have on our bank notes and coins? Lots of names re being thrown around — Cathy Freeman, Adam Goodes, Paul Hogan and Bluey being frequent mentions on social media posts. I would love to see a true Aussie icon receive the recognition he deserves by appearing on a note — the late, great Steve Irwin. Even before coming to Australia, as a young man I respected and admired Irwin and his family. I was in awe of his passion for the flora and fauna of Australia and the planet. Like many others, I found it thrilling and compelling to see him interact with some of the world’s most deadly creatures. Irwin, for me, was “the real deal”. While the movie Crocodile Dundee was pure drama, Irwin was real and provided dramatic reality. He was the true Croc hunter. In an interview published in the Guinness World Records 2006, Irwin was asked “How would somebody follow in your footsteps?” Here’s his answer: “If you want to become a zoologist you’ve got to do all the tertiary education, but don’t lose your passion or enthusiasm despite the hard work or homework you have to do. Just follow through. Passion and enthusiasm will get you everywhere you want to go in the world.” Irwin lived and breathed this philosophy, he walked and talked the talk all his adult life. Irwin was an advocate for nature and the preservation of the environment. He called himself a “wildlife warrior”. His voice on this issue was loud and clear. Irwin resonated to mass audiences across the world. He seemed to embody the Aussie everyman and everybody loved him. He was the living Aussie larrikin archetype and everyone could relate to this idealised and lovable figure. He managed to humanise and symbolise complex stories and issues. We need more Steve Irwins. People who are willing to make it their mission to protect and preserve our wonderful natural environment. People who are not afraid to get stuck in and ruffle some feathers. What impressed me the most is that he never compromised his principles, even when it would benefit him personally to do so. He never let fame or fortune affect him. Every penny he made went back into what he loved — protecting our environment. He is dearly missed and should never be forgotten. Derek Goforth is a teacher at Geraldton Christian College