Kristian continues family tradition with individual honour
11 September 2024
Tahmoor Coking Coal’s mine rescue team has dug deep to collect silver at the recent South Mines Rescue Competition at South32’s Dendrobium Mine in New South Wales.
The well-drilled SIMEC Mining team showcased its expertise to win the firefighting component on the way to a podium finish in the competition held annually at different sites across New South Wales and Queensland.
Competing in mine rescue, first aid response and the firefighting disciplines, the Tahmoor team finished just behind the gold-medal winning Appin Mine team while Tahmoor’s Kristian Evans took out the award for the Best Individual First Aider.
Hopefully this success spurs them on to get involved in the yearly CABA competition, which provides them with valuable experience, and an opportunity to compete against the senior teams if they are successful eat that competition
Tahmoor Executive General Manager, Peter Vale
The team of Malcom Waterfall (captain), Scott Fulko, Kristian Evans, Darren Birch, Luke Toole and Nick Cripps were put through a range of mine rescue scenarios aimed to test the crew’s response capabilities while putting into practice the training it undertakes throughout the year.
Team member Scott Fulko said the Tahmoor outfit relied on its experience, knowledge, and teamwork on the day.
“It was a tough competition, but each event is worth the hard work and effort,” Scott said.
Team captain Malcolm Waterfall paid tribute to Kristian for what he described as a special award for a colleague who is very passionate about mines rescue and the mining industry.
“Kristian’s father has a long association with mines rescue and was there with his mother on the night to see him accept the award,” Malcolm said.
“Kristian’s performance on the day was outstanding, he deserves the award completely and it was a proud moment for the whole team to watch him accept it.”
It was a tough competition, but each event is worth the hard work and effort
Team member Scott Fulko
Executive General Manager, Peter Vale said the Tahmoor colliery has a long history of competing in mine rescue competitions and continued interest is imperative to the success of Tahmoor teams in events and the safety of the mine.
“We have a large number of mines rescue trained personnel at Tahmoor,” Peter said.
“Hopefully this success spurs them on to get involved in the yearly CABA competition, which provides them with valuable experience, and an opportunity to compete against the senior teams if they are successful at that competition.”
The Tahmoor team will now start preparations for next year’s competition.
Main picture: The Tahmoor Mines Rescue team, back left to right – Kristian Evans, Luke Toole, Scott Fulko, Matt McPherson; front – Darren Birch, Mal Waterfall, Nick Cripps. Above right: Kristian Evans accepts his award for Best Individual First Aider.
Read more about the Tahmoor rescue team
