The event, which was held at the Grass Tree mine in Queensland and is usually dominated by that state, was particularly competitive this year, said Dowsett, who is Angus Place’s veteran production manager.

Over the one-day competition, teams undertook emergency scenarios underground to test their knowledge and skills in using rescue equipment, firefighting equipment and administering first aid. Teams were judged on their efficiency and ability to complete the scenarios within mine safety guidelines.

In Queensland, teams compete for the QMRS Memorial cup and EK Healy cup, with successful teams going through to compete at national level in the Australian Underground Mines Rescue Competition.

“I thought this year’s comp was very good, very practical and very thorough – even before we won it,” Dowsett told ILN.

“The underground and surface exercises were very challenging but were in line with practical scenarios you could expect in an emergency.

“The exercises also covered a broad range of competencies and made the captains think carefully of team safety as well as mines rescue protocol.

“I believe the competitions in the New South Wales zones are very competitive, with very high team standards resulting from this competitive environment.

“No doubt the Queensland teams will train hard next year and will be hard to beat.”

Dowsett didn’t want to give too much away about Angus Place’s secrets but said that new blood and strict training were a big part of the team’s edge.

“The team is a new team with fresh ideas and brigadesmen who are keen to listen and learn,” he said.

“Training was completed to a high standard and set us up for whatever the competition threw at us.

“We looked at previous events and our results in the local comp and studied where the team could improve to ensure maximum points.

“Also in the western area the competition is very strong at the moment and is getting very competitive with most local teams competing to a high standard.

“I think you can put that down to the great team at Western Mines Rescue Services, led in the training department by Garry Collins.”