The second underground recruit course was completed at Blackwater Station last month with 13 team members taking part in the training. I must comment that the group were a pleasure and their feedback made the course very enjoyable. The recruits were from Kestrel and Ensham Mines with a large contingent from Oaky North. To cater for the large recruit course, Oaky North facilitated the release of their Mines Rescue Coordinator Tony Armstrong to assist on the course. Tony’s enthusiasm, personality and passion for mines rescue certainly stimulated and challenged the recruits.
Open Cut Challenge
Important date change for the Open Cut Challenge in the southern and northern regions. The Southern Region Challenge at New Acland is scheduled for the 19th of October while the Northern Region Challenge will be held at the Blackwater Station on the 28th of November. Team nominations have been going well.
Mines with teams wishing to compete or requiring information please contact Mark Freeman on 0419 791 601 or mfreeman@qmrs.com.au.
Open Cut Emergency Response Training
We would like to welcome David Booth to the training team. David comes with a wealth of skills in all facets of mines rescue training but a specific focus on surface operations and first aid. David has a long background in surface operations working at BMA Blackwater and Grosvenor as well as running his own training company which gives him market insight and client focus.
Open Cut skills maintenance training continues this month at Dawson, Oaky Creek, Yarrabee, Foxleigh and Kestrel. Sessions at present are confined space, fire and advanced first aid.
Recruit courses have been conducted for firefighting at Dawson and Oaky Surface operations, with courses about to start at Millennium Mine for fire and road crash rescue, Dawson for vertical rescue and a Certificate III for Yarrabee Mine.
There is a growing call for multi mine recruit training where there are not the numbers to facilitate a course such as topping up the existing mines rescue members. If you would like information on options and dates, please contact Mark Freeman on 0419791601 or mfreeman@qmrs.com.au