Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) volunteers are known for being the quiet achievers of the industry, but at the 2025 QMRS Awards and National Medal Presentation they stepped into the spotlight.
Recently in Mackay, more than 75 individuals were formally recognised for their long-standing commitment to the QMRS. The awards honoured those who have dedicated years to mine safety and emergency response, from five years all the way up to the incredible achievement of forty years.
National Medals were awarded to 50 recipients with fifteen or more years of service, while a further 10 individuals were presented with National Medal Clasps, marking 25 years of continuous commitment to protecting life and property.
QMRS CEO Tim Jackson said the recognition had been a long time coming, following years of behind-the-scenes work to have QMRS formally approved as a voluntary organisation eligible for the National Medal.
“It has taken several years of advocacy for QMRS to be acknowledged by the federal government as an approved voluntary organisation, with retrospective recognition granted from 1997, we were able to formally honour the extraordinary service of our long-standing members.
“The National Medal isn’t just a token; it’s a formal expression of national gratitude. It represents resilience, commitment, personal integrity, and the high regard these recipients hold among their peers. Their families and our entire industry should be incredibly proud.”
QMRS Service Medals also celebrated milestone years of internal service, from new faces with five years under their belt to long-standing members whose careers span decades.
The night also recognised QMRS staff milestones, with team members Trent McDonald, Clinton Battese and Michael Watson each reaching five years of service.
Among those awarded on the night, three outstanding contributors received top honours for their longevity and leadership: Darren Prince, Clive Hanrahan and Mark Freeman. Each took a moment to reflect on what their time in Mines Rescue has meant to them, and what’s kept them turning up year after year.
Darren Prince from Oaky North Coal has been part of QMRS for three decades and he shared why he has stayed involved for so long.
“Having grown up in the small mining town of Moura during the 70’s and 80’s, there was a strong sense of community. When I gained employment at the local mine like many others in the town, I would listen to the old timers who had worked at the mine for a long time tell stories as a way of passing on their knowledge and experiences about mining. These men gave me an insight into mining, which ignited a passion in me to gather as much knowledge about mining as I could.
“Thinking back, this is what led me to join Mines Rescue and now it would seem I am one of the old timers doing the same as my dad and uncles had done in days gone by!”
QMRS’ Clive Hanrahan has been with Mines Rescue for forty years and he reflected on the changes he had seen in the way we prepare for and respond to emergencies.
“Introduction of improved technologies for monitoring gas and conditions underground while dealing with emergencies have come a long way over forty years, but the technology is only as good as the people using and interpreting the data.
“Technology is advancing faster than most people seem to be able to keep up with so we have a mix of very knowledgeable people with little experience in emergencies and very good with data, and very experienced people with limited knowledge of interpreting new technologies but very good in managing emergencies.”
Kestrel Coal’s Mark Freeman has spent forty years in Mines Rescue and has nothing but encouragement for those who wish to join… especially for his own son!
“I have so many proud moments in Mines Rescue. My proudest moment was seeing my son complete his recruit training and become a team member.
“During my career in Mines Rescue there have been the highs of rescues and competition and the lows of losing friends, but throughout there has been the camaraderie and mateship for the brigade members.
“For someone that is considering a career in Mines Rescue, be prepared that it can be extremely difficult but it is so rewarding to push yourself to your limits. The experiences that you are exposed to can take you to places that you never imagined. Grab it with both hands and remember you will be part of a family that lasts a lifetime.”
As the presentations wrapped up, the room was filled with a strong sense of respect, gratitude and shared purpose. These awards are more than acknowledgements of time served, they’re tributes to the resilience, skill and sacrifice of those who stand ready when they’re needed most.
