Response team showcases skills at rescue comp

THE Mandalay Resources Emergency Response team travelled to Stawell Gold Mine recently to compete in the Victorian Mines Rescue Competition.

The team earned second place overall and first place in the skills exercise in the competition, organised annually by the Minerals Council of Australia.

Captained by Jarrod Dubyna, the Mandalay Resources crew included Simon Mooney as vice-captain, Robbie Huston, Jacob Kautai, Jack McLean, Luke Dyer and team manager Xavier Frost.

“During the weekend the team competed in several events that tested and challenged their individual and team skills,” said Scott Symons, senior safety coordinator at Mandalay Resources Costerfield Operations.

“They included rope rescue, firefighting, search and rescue, theory, breathing apparatus, skills and road accident rescue.”

Eight teams competed in the two-day competition which was won by Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville Gold Mine.

“The weekend was an opportunity for the team to test their skills and knowledge in several real-life scenarios,” said Mr Dubyna.

“During the weekend we were able to watch other teams compete and learn different techniques so we can improve our own skills and knowledge.

“It was great to have road accident rescue in the competition as this is the first time it has been included in the Victorian competition.

“The multi-agency scenario was challenging as all teams responded to a bus and multi vehicle accident led by Victoria Police.

“The teams had to work together to extricate injured people, treat and transport to the staging area to hand over to Ambulance Victoria.”