After more than three decades underground and 30 years with Queensland Mines Rescue Service, Jim Vardanega has plenty of stories to tell, and even more lessons worth passing on.
Recently recognised for three decades of mines rescue service, Jim’s career has taken him from an underground electrician with Capcoal to competing in rescue teams locally, nationally and internationally, before becoming an assessor, trainer and mentor to others.
It all began in 1990, when Jim had a young family and decided to find out what everyone was talking about “over the hill”.
He joined Capcoal at Southern Colliery on August 20 and started on the junior afternoon shift in a development panel, working Monday to Friday from 3pm to 11pm.
In the decades that followed, Jim watched underground coal mining change around him.
“One of the major changes in the coal mining industry has been the implementation of autonomous systems, from automated longwalls and development equipment to proximity detection and integrated tracking tags on personnel cap lamps.
Jim also saw gas management and monitoring improve, with better drainage and detection helping crews understand conditions underground.
“Gas drainage has been an effective method to minimise the gases from coal seams and also lower the chances of outbursts.
“The continual upgrading of personnel handheld gas detectors, fixed area monitors and tube bundle units has helped with knowing what gases are in the mine.”
Throughout his mining career, Jim maintained a high level of safety awareness, something he says helped him during a recent high voltage incident when a fellow worker received an electric shock. It was also a reminder that lessons are often learnt the hard way.
“I believe that we should always remember what has happened in the past, as these are where most of our safety initiatives have come from.”
Jim’s interest in mines rescue began with wanting to build his own knowledge and skills and better understand the environment he was working in. He also saw the importance of having people trained and ready to respond when something went wrong.
It would become one of the defining parts of his career.
“Being involved in numerous mines rescue teams and competing locally, nationally and internationally at the highest level has been one of my highlights.”
Few realise just how much commitment goes into competing at that level.
“Being part of a competition team is a huge commitment, sometimes taking up four to five months of the year, which requires a huge sacrifice from team members, partners and family, often requiring late night study after work and training days outside of regular rostered days on.”
But competition was only one part of Jim’s involvement in mines rescue. Over the years he was a team member, assessor, trainer, mentor and even a patient during rescue competitions. That meant not only learning the skills himself but helping others develop theirs and understanding just how much preparation sits behind an effective emergency response.
“I consider mines rescue critically important to enable us to respond to any situation that may occur. I have always been a strong advocate for the benefits of mines rescue.”
“The service has continually maintained high standards for training and equipment technology.
“State-of-the-art training facilities and recently purchased Dräger BG ProAir long-duration suits tied in with competitive rescue competitions have made for highly skilled recruits. This combined with the Mine Inertisation Unit and winder truck has allowed QMRS to be prepared and respond to any emergency that a mine may have.”
After three decades of involvement, Jim received a Queensland Mines Rescue Service award.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to have recently been recognised for 30 years’ service.
“After a long and successful career I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished, milestones met and friends made. I have held many different roles in my mining career. They have taught me how to be a better person through listening, caring, mentoring and developing my skill set.
“The communication, trust and respect I have gotten from my working environment has helped me forge many lifelong friendships which I cherish.”
And his advice to those starting out?
“You are never too old to learn something new. Be prepared to listen and get involved.
“Joining mines rescue would be one of the best decisions you could make for your career. The skills you gain are invaluable in work and everyday life.”
Now retired, Jim is looking forward to more downtime, golf, walks on the beach and plenty of travel.
“It has been an amazing journey so far and I am hoping for many more adventures to come.
“Thanks for the memories and remember, there is always time for a cuppa.”
