As a teenager I was highly influenced by John Pilger’s 1986 book “Heroes”.

As an introduction to investigative journalism, it both greatly informed, and inspired me.

I guess the most powerful ‘message’ I took from it was to appreciate the strength, courage and integrity that actually comprises the lives of the apparent ‘ordinary’ people in this world.

A year ago I experienced, up close and personally, the amazing emergency services at work; and it served as a timely reminder of all of the good people and the selfless work that is happening all around us, unseen and unheard for most of the time.

Perhaps it’s time to speak out a bit louder and more frequently about the quieter people amongst us; the ones who don’t feature in your daily life, until a situation arises when the assistance of the genuine, compassionate nature of us humans is exactly the help that is needed.

We are fickle creatures, easily bored and always on the look out for the new, the novel and exciting; and yet it’s often the quiet people who perform the most awesome acts of humanity.

Perhaps it's time for a fundamental change, lets celebrate the quiet heroes for once.