The World is certainly a much less colourful and certainly less exciting place with the passing of Steve.
He has been a fantastic ambassador for Australia, and has been responsible for attracting billions of dollars worth of tourism to our country.
Like most Australians who enjoyed and admired the man, there was always a “cringe” factor when ever I saw him ( OMG what will the rest of the world think of Australia when they see this ?? ).
He has always been much more popular overseas than he was in Australia. When my son returned home after a year in the US in 2001 he said you will never believe who the most famous ( and popular) Australian is ?, “ The Crocodile Man!”, he was not that well known in Australia at that time, but has grown in popularity in recent years.
Swimming in the tropical waters of Northern Australia is very dangerous, ( so many creatures are armed with very fast acting venom ) , all beaches north of Rockhampton are protected with shark nets, and when you get north of Townsville there are bottles of vinegar available on every beach for people who get attacked by jelly fish, and at certain times of the year it is just too dangerous to swim in the ocean. And on the Coral reefs this danger is magnified. No one is invincible in these waters.
Even eating fish caught in these waters can have very bad effects, like effecting the nervous system with reverse sensation, where you think cold things are really hot, and hot very cold.
Still we are all very sad to loose a great Australian, rest in peace Steve.
All the best Ron.
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