Bengalla awarded at rescue challenge

Bengalla's emergency response team took home a swag of awards at the recent New South Wales Mine Rescue Challenge.

The team took home the Esprit de Corp award for displaying the best morale and willingness to help others, with Gavin Wilks named outstanding captain and Phil Dalessandro outstanding first aider. Mick Ryan was selected as best squadman by the team manager and captain.

"The challenge is different from other mine rescue competitions because the teams are encouraged to share information to help everyone do their best," team manager Russell Hartin said.

"Winning the Esprit de Corp category was a highlight as the winner is chosen by the other teams, demonstrating our team's willingness to collaborate.

"Every member of the Bengalla team learned something valuable from each scenario and will bring these learnings, as well as teamwork skills, with them to site."

The three day challenge, held at Cobar, included fire, heights rescue, search and rescue, multi-casualty, endurance and road accident scenarios.

"Sharing information and working as a close-knit team can be the difference between a successful rescue and an unsuccessful rescue," Bengalla General Manager Operations Andrea Sutton said.

"Congratulations to every member of the team at Bengalla who embodies these values and make Bengalla a safer place to work."