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The annual MCA Victorian Mine Rescue Competition 2024 is set to take place in Bendigo from August 23 to 25, offering a thrilling display of skill and teamwork among emergency response teams from across the region.

The competition features a series of challenging exercises designed to test the abilities of participating teams in various emergency scenarios.

See the teams in action

The public will have an opportunity to witness the expertise and coordination required in mine rescue operations at Central Deborah Gold Mine over the weekend as follows:

• Saturday 24 August from 7am-3.30pm – Fire, Skills, Ropes Rescue, and Breathing Apparatus exercises.
• Sunday 25 August from 8am-4pm – the Spence Herd Challenge, a new addition to the competition.

Participants will also engage in underground search and rescue and road crash events at Fosterville Gold Mine, which are not open to the public.

Our Fosterville Emergency Response Team, comprising Scott Perdon (c), Daniel Etherton, Andrew Strang, Katie Knight, Hayden Symes, Talia Odenthal, and Josh Cameron, will be among the competitors showcasing their skills.

Coming off the back of a triumphant victory last year, where the FGM team claimed the overall win at the competition in Stawell, the team are keen to defend their title and demonstrate their exceptional capabilities once again.

Trophies are awarded in each exercise category, along with accolades for the Overall Competition Winner, Team Safety Winner, Team Captain’s Award, and Best Scenario Design. Written assessments by official adjudicators will be provided to teams to support ongoing training and development.

This event not only showcases the critical skills required in mine rescue operations, but also fosters camaraderie and professional growth among participants. With the Fosterville team riding high on last year's success, the spirit is strong and excitement palpable.

Come along and witness the impressive displays of expertise and teamwork at the MCA Victorian Mine Rescue Competition 2024. For more information, visit the MCA website.