I'm writing about a man who has touched the lives of many with his over-the-top personality, great sense of humor and of course his khaki clothes. This man is also well known for his catch phrase “Crickey”. If you haven't guessed yet this man is Steve Irwin.
Steve Irwin was born in Melbourne, Victoria in 1962. His parents Bob and Lyn Irwin later brought him to Queensland in 1970 where they started a Queensland reptile and fauna park.
This is where Steve's love for animals and nature began. He began caring and learning about reptiles at a young age and by the time he was 9 he had wrestled his first crocodile. In 1979 he finished school at Caloundra State High School and began his life as a professional crocodile trapper in Northern Queensland. He eventually took over his parent's animal park and started his career known as “The Crocodile Hunter”.
The main thing that made Steve a great Australian was his personality and that is what he is remembered for. Steve had what is recognized by most people as a true Australian personality. Being a true Aussie was what Steve did best with a happy, cheerful, friendly personality and a great sense of humor he made friends with everyone he met.
But also what Steve believed in made him a true Aussie. He had a huge love for this land and worked hard to protect and preserve Australia and all its nature. There are very few people if any who have spent their whole life looking after the animals in this land even the not so cute looking ones.
Not only is this why he became a great Aussie Icon but also because he had a great love for life. He enjoyed everyday and didn't let the media or other problems let him down. No matter how he felt he always gave 110% effort and commitment to what he believed in. He always made the most of his opportunities and never let other people influence his ideas. He always knew the goals he wanted to achieve and would do anything to complete them. With Steve's personality, dedication and passion for his work he found a great balance for life.
Steve was also a great spokesperson and helped advertise many campaigns to protect the Australian wildlife one of which is Wildlife Warriors Worldwide and he addressed matters such as Quarantine in Australia. His television show “The Crocodile Hunter” helped promote environmentalism of all animals and nature.
In 2001 Steve won the Centenary Medal for his conservation of wildlife and his help with the Australian tourism industry, in 2004 he was recognized as Australia's Tourist Export of the year and also in 2004 he was nominated for Australian of the Year.
Tragically Steve's life was cut short in September 2006 when a stingray pierced his chest with its spine while filming his own documentary “Oceans Deadliest”.
Now although Steve has passed on he will not be forgotten, while he was alive he was a great ambassador for Australian culture and helped enlarge the Australian tourist industry. He was also a great ambassador for Australian wildlife and created wildlife rescue organizations and taught many people in his Australia Zoo how to handle and care for animals.
Steve will always be remembered for his dedication, over the top attitude and love for this country and this is what made Steve a true Aussie for all of us to look up too.
