The competition is an opportunity to develop and hone emergency response skills in a high pressure and realistic environment.

The ability to practise these skills, and gain feedback from technical experts, is critical in the NSW environment, where thankfully the need to respond to major incidents is infrequent.

Nine teams from the Mudgee-Ulan and Lithgow mining regions participated in the event.

Traditionally, the Western Mines Rescue competition has focused on underground emergency response, however; this year’s event has expanded to include three local open cut teams who also competed.

Mines Rescue regional manager, Brian Kelly said “each of our emergency responders undertake significant training each year to improve their skills and capabilities”.

“The competitions are a great way of improving technical expertise, leadership skills, first aid and teamwork,” he said. 

“The annual competition provides an important opportunity for our emergency responders to test their quick thinking in high pressure and realistic scenarios.

“These events are one of the many ways we help build world class safety leaders.

“A great deal of preparation and organisation is required to make these competitions as realistic and lifelike as possible and I would like to thank Glencore and the team at Ulan West for hosting this year’s event onsite.”

Ross Dowsett, captain of the winning Angus Place team, congratulated his composite team and said, “I was lucky to be heading up a team of local veterans with every member of my team winning a national champion ship at some point in their careers”.

“It was great to see both the western district open cut and underground teams competing this year,” he said.

“The annual competitions give us a unique training opportunity to practice our skills and I would like to thank Mines Rescue and Glencore for organising this year’s event.”

Angus Place will compete at the Australian titles in October, which will be held in Newcastle.