Long Gully Mine Rescue Team wins big

LONG Gully’s CFA Oscar Brigade Mine Rescue Response Team took out one of the largest mine rescue competitions in the country, held over the last weekend in February across Fosterville Gold Mine and La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus.

The 33rd Minerals Council of Australia Victorian Mine Rescue Competition welcomed teams from Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania for its biggest competition to date, with BHP Copper SA running second and Victory Minerals Ballarat in third place.

The competition, which doubles as a high-intensity emergency response training event, included simulated emergency scenarios in fire, road safety, rescue from heights, hazardous material, confined space rescue and more.

It’s viewed as a critical part of the mining industry’s efforts to support highly trained rescue personnel through realistic scenario-based exercises, contributing to the minerals industry’s commitment to “zero harm”.

Bendigo-based Minerals Council of Australia Victoria executive director James Sorahan congratulated all participants and thanked the numerous volunteers and sponsors, along with La Trobe University and Fosterville Mine for hosting the event.

“The competition was a real success, not only because of the size of it, but also because the teams came away with some really important training,” he said.

“(Competitors) often say that this is the best training they do all year because it’s highly specialised.”

Mr Sorahan said Oscar Brigade, as the only volunteer mine rescue response team in Victoria, plays “a special and important role”.

“They’re trained to fight fires underground and they’re there to support mines in rescue,” he explained.

“Oscar One also does some really interesting things outside of operational mines.

“For example, if pets or animals fall down any of the old mine shafts around central Victoria and the state, they rescue them as well.

“They’re unique to Victoria and it’s a great service.”

He said taking the title ahead of some very well-funded opponents demonstrated their “level of commitment and passion for training”.

“It’s a real testament to them as a volunteer-based crew,” he said.

“It was really exciting and a lot of people were very happy to see them take it home this year.”