A large group of Queensland Mines Rescue Service volunteers was formally recognised in Emerald last week for decades of commitment to mine safety and emergency response.

The evening recognised members reaching service milestones from five years through to 30 years of service, alongside recipients of the National Medal for Service and National Medal for Service Clasps (pictured above) for sustained voluntary service  

QMRS chief executive officer Tim Jackson said the awards recognised the commitment, professionalism and sacrifice of volunteers who continued to step forward when needed most.

“These awards recognise people who have dedicated years, and in many cases decades, to training, emergency response and protecting others in high-pressure environments.

“Mines rescue is built on commitment. These volunteers balance work, family life and ongoing training to maintain the skills and readiness required to respond during emergencies.

“The strength of QMRS has always been its people, experienced members passing on knowledge, teams backing each other and volunteers willing to put their hand up when it matters most.”

Kestrel competition team member Simon Weekley was recognised for 15 years of service while a Mine Inertisation Unit member.

“The leadership and mentors have really paved the way for me in mines rescue, and I’ve gained so much knowledge from them,” he said.

“It’s also about the people you meet across the different mines and the professionalism they bring. It’s a great community to be part of and I think there’s a really positive future ahead for QMRS.”

Fellow MIU member James Vardanega (also a ‘black suit’ with long-duration breathing apparatus proficiency) was recognised for 30 years of service with QMRS.

“The commitment and friendships I’ve made through mines rescue have been incredible,” he said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to compete at local, state and national level, and even had the privilege of travelling to Poland to compete internationally.

“Those experiences have helped me mentor other teams and become an assessor. It’s been an amazing journey, I’ve made lifelong friendships and been part of something that makes a real difference.”

QMRS service awards recipients: 

Five years of service

• Benjamin Dawson, Crinum underground
• Shane Brown, QMRS Staff
• Matthew Harris, Carborough Downs
• David Helsham, Grosvenor
• Jonathan Magnussen, Ensham mine
• Thomas McPhail, Ironbark No. 1
• Charles Ogle, Aquila
• Wade Pattison, Carborough Downs

10 years of service

• John Bourke, Aquila
• Stephen Ellul, Moranbah North
• Matthew Gough, Moranbah North
• Brendan Kapitzke, Centurion Mine
• Spencer Lennard, Aquila
• Ken McCaffrey, Aquila
• Garry Nieuwkamp, Broadmeadow
• Carl Skinner, Moranbah North
• Simon Weekley, Kestrel Mine
• Carolyn Webster, QMRS staff

15 years of service

• Matthew Gray (MIU), Moranbah North
• Jeffery Heasman, Ensham Mine UG
• James Hodgkinson, Moranbah North
• Benjamin Kemp, Ensham Mine UG
• Leslee Kerle, Oaky North Coal
• Thokozani Landa, Mammoth Mine
• Benjamin Lehmann, Cook Colliery
• Peter Liston, Ensham mine
• Travis Ness, Ironbark No. 1
• Jay Pont (Rescue), Mammoth mine
• Jayson Sharpe, Grosvenor
• Clint Sullivan, Oaky North

20 Years of Service

• Boyd Buschmann, Grosvenor
• Kenneth Dougan, Kestrel
• Jason O’Connor, Ironbark No. 1
• Nila Suluvale Aiofaiva, Cook Colliery
• Brenden Warren, Ensham
• George Willett (MIU), Ironbark No. 1
• Michael Wilson (MIU), Aquila

25 years of service

• Raymond Smith, QMRS staff

30 years of service

• Shaun Dando (MIU), Moranbah North
• Shaun Dando (Rescue), Moranbah North
• Darren Davies, Grosvenor
• James Vardanega (MIU), Oaky North
• James Vardanega (Rescue), Oaky North

National medal recipients

• George Willett
• Lance Jackman
• Stuart Boyle
• Larnee Neilson
• Damien James
• Benjamin Kemp
• Francis Rolls
• Graham Story
• Darren Everett
• Michael Pickering
• Ross Smith
• Brian Debnam
• Belinda Duffy
• Steven Dawe