On Sunday 20 October 2019, CMOC-Northparkes Mines’ (Northparkes) Emergency Response Team (ERT) was announced as the winner of the 2019 Victorian Mine Rescue Competition. This well-respected national competition has been held for 27 years and attracts teams from mines across Australia.

The 2019 competition took place in Yallourn, where teams competed in a number of challenges demonstrating theoretical and practical mine rescue skills across three days. The team placed first in breathing apparatus, first in theory, first in rope rescue, third in first aid, third in the captain’s assessment and third in search and rescue. A massive congratulations to the competition team and the entire group of ERT members who train year-round to ensure they are ready to assist in case of an emergency.

Northparkes Manager People, Safety & Environment Stacey Kelly said, “Zero Harm is our approach to every aspect of our operations and our ability to respond to emergency scenarios is a critical part of this. Competitions such as this allow us to practice our skills and benchmark ourselves against others in the industry.”