The 2025 QMRS Memorial Cup was held on May 8 at Boonal Mines Rescue Station, bringing together teams from across Queensland’s mining sector to test their skills, teamwork and emergency response capabilities.
Hosted by Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS), the Memorial Cup honours the high standards, dedication and professionalism of the state’s mines rescue teams, while also recognising those who have contributed to the service’s proud history.
This year’s competition saw strong performances across all events, with teams competing in simulated scenarios including firefighting, first aid and search and rescue.
Grosvenor Mine took out first place overall, proudly sponsored by 3M. Kestrel Mine finished second, sponsored by Drager, while FRSA sponsored Aquila secured third place.
Kestrel also received the QMRS Fire Fighting Excellence Award, in memory of Ramsay Wells, and the George Carbine Perpetual Trophy for Best First Aid.
“For some teams the Memorial Cup is an entry point into mines rescue competitions and for others, a stepping stone for the state and Australian competitions,” said QMRS CEO Tim Jackson.
“Team safety is paramount and always the first consideration by the team captain throughout the deployments. In all cases, it’s about the demonstration of teamwork and skills that are required when undertaking activities underground in a hostile environment.”
The QMRS has a history of safeguarding coal mine workers and advancing emergency response capability in the state’s coal industry. Established in 1909 following a series of mining tragedies, QMRS has evolved into a major contributor to Queensland’s mining safety training and the education of volunteer coal mine workers.
The Memorial Cup remains a key event on the QMRS calendar, providing an important platform for mines rescue teams to maintain their skills, work as a unit under pressure and ensure they are ready to respond when needed.
QMRS acknowledges the commitment and professionalism shown by all participating teams and thanks the competition sponsors for their continued support.
“The QMRS staff, the lead assessor, district assessors, assessors, patients and helpers did an amazing job in bringing together a competition that fully tested the team’s capabilities in the different scenarios,” said Tim.
“The meet and greet, the evening before the competition, along with the presentation night was very successful and enjoyed by all who attended.”
Grosvenor Project General Manager Shane McDowall congratulated Captain Boyd Buschmann and his mines rescue team for taking out the 2025 Memorial Cup.
He said the Grosvenor team had implemented many of the invaluable learnings from competing in the international mines rescue competition in Colombia last year.
“Competing against the best underground teams in the world proved an incredible learning experience for our mines rescue team, preparing them well for high-pressure simulations.
“Mines rescue competitions are an essential opportunity for our industry to ensure we have the right skill sets ready to respond swiftly and effectively should the need arise.
“Our highly-skilled mines rescue teams are fundamental to our ongoing commitment to the safety and emergency readiness of Queensland’s coal mining industry.
“I wish the Grosvenor team the best of luck as they now begin training to compete for the State Cup in August.”
The next State Cup Rescue Competition is set for August 7 and will be hosted at Glencore’s Oaky North Coal Mine.
