CFA brigade wins mine rescue competition

The brigade – the only volunteer-based team in the competition – showcased exceptional composure under pressure to secure the overall win.  

One of Australia’s premier mine rescue events, the annual competition brings together emergency response teams from across the country to tackle realistic, high-pressure scenarios designed to test technical capability, decision-making and teamwork. It is also a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen industry collaboration.  

This year, 13 teams from Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia battled hot, humid and wet conditions across two demanding days of competition in late February at La Trobe University and Fosterville Gold Mine.  

Oscar 1 took top honours after being tested across nine scenarios including underground search and rescue, road crash rescue, rope rescue, confined space response, fire and hazardous materials (Hazmat) incidents. Hazmat and confined space response were introduced as new scenarios at this year’s competition, adding another layer of complexity to the challenge.  

Oscar 1 member and competition team captain Dan Steven – who led the team to victory – also won the competition’s overall skills award.  

Dan, who also works for Fosterville mine as a geologist, said the team did an amazing job against teams that work full time in the mining industry.  

“We train as a brigade once a week and bringing the full competition team together ahead of the event highlighted just how adaptable and capable our members are,” Dan said.  

“To take the win really shows the depth of experience and skills in our brigade.”  

Oscar 1 brigade Captain Karl Shay said he was incredibly proud of what the team had achieved.  

“We’re the only volunteer-based team in the competition, so to come away with the win is a fantastic outcome,” Karl said.  

“And to win against 12 highly-trained mine site teams shows how well our members work together, their commitment and the consistency we bring across every discipline.”  

Active since 1999, Oscar 1 operates in a region of Victoria with a strong mining history, providing specialised mine rescue and technical rescue capability. Members train weekly and conduct monthly exercises that closely replicate real-life rescue situations, ensuring they are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.  

CFA supported this year’s event by providing a gas firefighting prop, helping to ensure competitors were tested in realistic but safe conditions.