25/10/2023

Games demonstrate mine rescue capability

Crews from across the Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) descended on Stawell over the weekend to take part in the 30th Victorian Mine Rescue Competition.

Crews from across the Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) descended on Stawell over the weekend to take part in the 30th Victorian Mine Rescue Competition.

Over three days teams competed in simulated scenarios that tested critical aspects of emergency response including underground rescue skills, firefighting, first aid and technical rope rescue.

Organised by MCA Victoria this important event has gone from strength to strength over three decades, with Fosterville Gold Mine taking out this year’s competition.

Held at Stawell Gold Mines, Stawell SES, North Park and Stawell CFA Fire Ground, the event has become an important part of the industry’s preparation to building capability and expertise in the pressurised environment of a competition.

The event also provided opportunities for mine operators to share response methods and their approach training.

The results of the 2023 Victorian Mine Rescue Competition are:

  • Overall Winning Team - Fosterville Gold Mine
  • Skills Scenario Award - Mandalay Resources Costerfield Operation
  • Overall Safety Award - CFA Oscar 1
  • First Aid Award - Central Victorian Mine Rescue Group
  • Underground Search and Rescue – Fosterville Gold Mine
  • Fire Scenario Award - CFA Oscar 1
  • Road Crash Rescue Award - CSA Cobar
  • Rope Rescue Award - CSA Cobar
  • Theory Award - Central Victorian Mine Rescue Group
  • Team Captain's Award - CSA Cobar – Dean Hodges

Quotes attributable to Resources Victoria CEO Chris Webb

“I’d like to congratulate all competitors on their achievements over the weekend and congratulate MCA Victoria for making this great event such a success over the past 30 years.”

“Resources Victoria is proud to sponsor the Victorian Mine Rescue Competition, the healthy competition between the teams continues to raise the bar for safety and emergency response.”

“It’s been great to see crews taking part in fierce competition, testing critical aspects of emergency mine response ¬¬- such important things to practice, but hopefully not something we’ll need to use.”

Quotes attributable to MCA Victoria Executive Director James Sorahan

“MCA Victoria would like to congratulate all competitors on their efforts and thank all volunteers, adjudicators, sponsors and host mine Stawell Gold Mines for making this competition possible.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913