There were two Springvale teams in the hunt when the Western District Mines Rescue competition was held in Lithgow on September 1.
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The Red team, made up of Charlie Healey (captain), Mat Moore, Adam Powell, Joe Luchetti, Liam Beecroft and Paul Stains, took out the competition, earning the right to represent NSW at the Australian competition to be held in Narrabri in October.
The annual competition allows workers to develop and hone their emergency response skills in a high-pressure environment.
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Teams were challenged to deal with scenarios including underground search and rescue, fire-fighting, life support and first aid, and theory exercises.
The teams contesting the challenge this year were the Moorlarben Underground, Airly Rhinos, Clarence Lions and Springvale’s two teams, Red and Blue.
Centennial’s Clarence Lions came a close second in the competition.
Springvale Red captain Charlie Healey acknowledged not only his team’s efforts but also the second Springvale team.
‘We attempted to make two equal teams this year rather than having one that we knew would be better than the other,” he said.
“We trained together, we work together, and we are even wearing the same shirts tonight because that’s what being a brigadesman is about. It’s about mateship and being part of a team and helping your fellow brigadesmen out.”
Another brigadesman who echoed this sentiment is Don Lovett, who was recognised for his 25 years of service on Friday night.
Don said being part of the Mines Rescue team had allowed others to look to him in chaotic times because they knew he could keep them safe.
“I have full faith in the training I have received over the years to feel confident that despite not being able to control an environment, I can make it safer through applying my knowledge and trusting my team.” he said.