The competition began with the brigadesmen, drawn from Mandalong, Ashton, Chain Valley, Myuna, West Wallsend, Austar and Abel mines, waking to a 6am text message alerting them to the event details and how long they had to get there.

This level of detail adds to the realism of what would actually happen in an emergency.

On arrival to site they were allocated into teams and a captain and vice-captain selected.

Squires’ team included members from Mandalong, Ashton, Myuna and Austar.

The Newcastle format forms composite teams where brigadesmen from mines across the district are formed into teams on arrival at the event.

“It’s really important that you gauge pretty quickly the experience of all of your team members,” Squires said.

“You need to ask lots of questions then set tasks based on experience.

“I generally also try to flank these more experienced brigadesmen with the new trainees, particularly for those who have not competed before.”

These competitions give brigadesmen, and particularly trainees, an opportunity to put their training into practice.

Newcastle Mines Rescue regional manager Peter Cornford said trainees joining a mines rescue brigade completed an intensive induction program.

“They gain a lot of information and knowledge in a short period of time,” he said.

“We do really encourage our new trainees to participate in our annual competition. We always put one new trainee in each team. This gives them an opportunity to work with very experienced captains, like Darrrell, to apply their new skills.

“It really does allow self-assessment of their skills, and provide direction for future training.”

Cornford said he noted this knowledge went well beyond their role in mines rescue.

“We hear all the time from industry that these newfound skills and knowledge create smarter, safer miners who really do have a greater hazard and safety awareness due to the mines rescue training.”