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On Sunday 18 October, Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) Emergency Response Team won the 2015 Victorian Mines Rescue Competition for the second year in a row.

Stefanie Loader, Managing Director, CMOC-Northparkes Mines, said, “As two-time consecutive winners, the Northparkes Emergency Response Team (ERT) is without doubt an industry leader in mines rescue.

“We are enormously proud that the team has brought the trophy home two years in a row. These wins reflect our absolute commitment to Zero Harm Operations, which sits at the heart of who we are and how we operate.”

The Victorian Competition is a well-respected, highly competitive national event which was held at Energy Australia’s Yallourn Mine in the LaTrobe Valley, Victoria.

Eleven teams from across NSW, Victoria and Queensland competed against each other in five areas: first aid, fire, skills, breathing apparatus practical and theory. Northparkes was placed first in theory, second in breathing apparatus and third in the remaining areas.

Another highlight was Mat Allen, a rookie team member, winning the ‘Grunt award’ for teamwork and attitude. Other team-members included Captain, Matt Greenaway; Vice-Captain, Matt Flynn; Medic, Jeneta Wellard; 2nd Medic, Travis Beaton; and Gas Man, Brad Seaman.

Robbie Owens, Team Manager and ERT leader, said, “Our six-person team included three people who had not attended a Mines Rescue Competition before. The team performed tirelessly and consistently across all areas of the competition, with teamwork a clear differentiator.

“The entire on-site Northparkes ERT works hard throughout the year to ensure we are always at the top of our game. We take our responsibilities seriously and pride ourselves on the Northparkes value of improvement of being better tomorrow than we are today.”

Stacey Kelly, Manager Health, Safety and Environment, said, “Northparkes is currently 140 days injury free, delivering an injury-free third quarter for 2015.

“In the same quarter there were more than 1,000 people working on-site with more workhours than any other quarter this year. Two major underground shutdowns and two major mill shutdowns were also completed during this time. We are proud of this achievement and will continue to focus on staying safe, task-by-task, day-by-day.”