Jeebropilly hosts intense rescue challenge

August 8, 2019 Mining Editor

Jeebropilly, the last operating coal mine in the Ipswich Region, recently hosted one of the most intense mines rescue challenges on record. 

Seven teams from across Queensland and one from NSW took part in the 12-hour test of endurance and skill with events ranging from firefighting, rescue from height, multi-casualty triage, search and rescue and extraction from a car crash. 

READ RELATED CONTENT

Former CFMEU Official call for Royal Commission on mine safety

Mines Rescue Challenge wraps up in NSW

Champions from the past two years, New Acland Coal, were this year relegated to second place by the team from Dawson, Anglo American in a hotly contested event. 

Third place this year went to Commodore, Downer EDI with Dawson also winning Best Medic and New Hope’s Bengalla team winning Best Team Captain. 

dawson that won the best medic and bengalla won best captain in the Jeebropilly mines rescue comp

While not technically from Southern Queensland, the Bengalla team were invited to compete and share in the learning experience. 

New Acland Training and Emergency Response Coordinator, Grant McDonald, said while the competition was important the event is more about sharing knowledge. 

“Of course each team wants to do their best on the day and gain bragging rights,” Grant said. “But the opportunity to learn from each other and pick up new skills is really what the event is about.” 

“We have teams competing that would rarely, if ever, be put into some of these scenarios but they front up, do their best and learn so much from the other teams and assessors.” 

Acland team captain, Dallas Hinrichsen echoed Grant’s comments. 

jeebropilly mines rescue challenge fire fighting
Jeebropilly has hosted one of the most intense mines rescue challenges.

“It was an awesome day and there were so many learning experiences,” Dallas said. 

“Win, lose or draw, I’m just really proud of our boys and everyone who took part in what was a very long day.” 

Teams that took part in this year’s Southern Queensland Mine Rescue Challenge were, Jeebropilly, New Acland, New Hope Exploration, Bengalla, Dawson Anglo American, Commodore Downer EDI, Kogan Creek CS Energy and Meandu Stanwell.

Images: New Hope Group

Read more Mining Safety News

Previous Article
Mining accident at Baralaba North mine claims life
Mining accident at Baralaba North mine claims life

In yet another tragic mining accident, a mine worker has been killed in at the Baralaba North mine west of ...

Next Article
Another Mount Arthur haul truck incident
Another Mount Arthur haul truck incident

A haul truck has been involved in an incident which saw the truck tip backwards onto its’ tailgate followin...