Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) and NSW Mines Rescue hosted the 61st Australian Underground Mines Rescue Competition at BMA’s Broadmeadow Mine in Moranbah on October 23.
The prestigious event brought together eight of the nation’s best mines rescue teams from Queensland and New South Wales, showcasing their skills, teamwork and commitment to safety in a series of challenging underground emergency response scenarios. Teams were tested on firefighting, search and rescue, first aid, hazard awareness and team management across realistic and high pressure situations designed by experienced assessors.
Queensland teams dominated the podium, with Moranbah North taking first, Grosvenor second, and Kestrel third. The winning team, Moranbah North, will go on to represent Australia at the International Mines Rescue Competition in Zambia in 2026.
Team captain of Moranbah North, Jason Seaborn, said the success reflected the team’s preparation and trust in each other.
“This result reflects the hard work and training we’ve put in as a team. Every session has been about trusting each other and backing our skills and it’s rewarding to see that pay off. The standard of competition was really strong, and every team pushed us to be better, which makes this result even more meaningful.”
Moranbah North Mine General Manager Paul Stephan said the Mines Rescue team’s win was another outstanding achievement, having also claimed the 2024 national title and placing second to sister mine Grosvenor in 2023.
“These competitions test the strength of our team under pressure and this win is testament to their professionalism, preparation and commitment to safety,” he said.
“Everyone deserves to go home safely and this success is a reflection of every miner who looks out for their mates and makes safety the top priority on every shift.”
But in the end, it’s not the trophies that matter – it’s the skill, teamwork and dedication on display. Competitions like these are about honing the abilities that keep miners safe.
NSW Mines Rescue State Operations Manager Lachlan Grant said Mines Rescue brigades play a vital role in maintaining safety across the industry, with training and competitions like this ensuring teams are ready for any situation.
“Every day, our highly skilled brigades contribute to incident prevention, but unfortunately emergencies still occur. That is why it is vital that we continue to train, test and sharpen our skills in preparation for any situation.
“Competitions like this form a crucial part of ongoing training, testing our teams in realistic and challenging scenarios. Congratulations to all participants for your dedication and ongoing commitment to Mines Rescue and the safety of our industry.”
QMRS Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson added that every competitor would take lasting value from the event.
“While only one team can finish in first place, every competitor will walk away with more than just results. Each will return to their workplace and community as a stronger rescuer, a stronger teammate and a stronger individual, enriched by the lessons, challenges and camaraderie of this competition.”
| Representing NSW: Southern Mines Rescue: Dendrobium Hunter Valley Mines Rescue: Wambo Western Mines Rescue: Springvale Newcastle Mines Rescue: Mixed Team Representing Queensland: Moranbah North Grosvenor Kestrel Carborough Downs |
