Smoke, pressure, split second decisions and teamwork under fatigue were all on display in Dysart as some of Queensland’s best mines rescue teams went head-to-head at the 21st QMRS Memorial Cup.
Held at the QMRS Dysart Rescue Station on May 7, the annual competition brought together teams from Oaky North, Aquila, Broadmeadow, Centurion, Crinum, Ensham and Ironbark No.1, with crews pushed through realistic emergency response scenarios designed to test the same skills relied on during real incidents underground and on site.
Now in its 21st year, the Memorial Cup continues to honour the people who helped shape mines rescue in Queensland, while giving teams the chance to sharpen the specialist skills, discipline and teamwork that sit behind strong rescue capability across the industry.
The event was supported by industry partners including FRSA, 3M, Dräger, Fire Response, Performance Training, MSA, PIP, Simtars, Blackwoods and Lunar Mining, alongside QMRS staff, District Assessors, marshals, patients, assistants and volunteers.
QMRS Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson said the Memorial Cup remained an important part of maintaining readiness across the industry.
“Events like the Memorial Cup are about building capability and making sure our people are ready when it matters.
“The scenarios are designed to test teams under pressure, and the standard on display reflects the strength of mines rescue across Queensland.”
When the dust settled, Aquila Mine, sponsored by Dräger, claimed overall honours ahead of Oaky North Mine, sponsored by 3M, and Ironbark No.1 Mine, sponsored by FRSA.
Aquila also took home the George Carbine Perpetual Trophy for Best First Aid and the QMRS Fire Fighting Excellence Award in memory of Ramsay Wells, capping off a dominant performance across the competition.
Captain of the winning Aquila team, Nicholas Doherty, said the result reflected months of preparation and trust within the crew.
“This result reflects the standard across all teams that competed. The scenarios are built around real incidents, so every decision counts.
“For us, it comes down to discipline, communication and trust in each other. This win is a credit to the work the team has put in and the support behind us. More importantly, it is about making sure we are ready when it matters.”
Aquila Mine General Manager Braedon Smith said the result was recognition of the commitment shown by a relatively new team continuing to build capability together.
“Winning the QMRS Memorial Cup is a proud moment for our Aquila team members and recognition of the hard work, discipline and commitment they have shown building capacity together as a relatively new team.
“This result did not happen overnight. Our team has trained consistently, backed each other in every scenario, and built strong trust and teamwork along the way.
“Mines rescue competitions test the skills, communication and decision making that make a real difference should an emergency situation occur either on site or in the community”.
The top four teams will now progress to the State Rescue Competition in August, where Queensland’s best will again put their training, teamwork and resilience to the test.
