Aquila Takes Top Honours At 21st QMRS Memorial Cup In Dysart

Winners - Aquila (Front Row L to R) - Mitchell Bird, Carl Schultz (vice - captain), Nick Doherty (captain), and Vincent Fitzgerald.

‍

‍

‍

Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) has brought together some of the state’s most capable mines rescue teams for the 21st QMRS Memorial Cup, held at the QMRS Dysart Rescue Station on 7th May 2026.

‍

Now in its 21st year, the Memorial Cup continues to honour the legacy of those who have shaped mines rescue in Queensland, while giving teams the opportunity to demonstrate the specialist skills, discipline and teamwork that underpin strong emergency response capability across the sector.

‍

Teams representing Oaky North, Aquila, Broadmeadow, Centurion, Crinum, Ensham and Ironbark No.1 competed throughout the day in a series of real-world emergency scenarios designed to test decision-making under pressure and strengthen operational readiness across the industry. The top four teams will now progress to the State Rescue Competition in August.

‍

QMRS Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson said the event plays a key role in maintaining preparedness.

“Events like the Memorial Cup are about building capability and making sure our people are ready when it matters,” he said.

“The scenarios are designed to test teams under pressure, and the standard on display reflects the strength of mines rescue across Queensland.”

‍

‍

Aquila Mine took out top honours, followed by Oaky North Mine and Ironbark Mine. Awards for the George Carbine Perpetual Trophy for Best First Aid and the QMRS Fire Fighting Excellence Award in memory of Ramsay Wells were both awarded to Aquila.

Captain of the winning team, Nicholas Doherty, said the result reflected strong preparation and teamwork.

‍

"This result reflects the standard across all teams that competed. The scenarios are built around real incidents, so every decision counts. For us, it comes down to discipline, communication and trust in each other. This win is a credit to the work the team has put in and the support behind us. More importantly, it is about making sure we are ready when it matters.”

‍

‍

Aquila Mine General Manager Braedon Smith said the result reflected sustained effort and team development.

‍

“Winning the QMRS Memorial Cup is a proud moment for our Aquila team members and recognition of the hard work, discipline and commitment they have shown building capacity together as a relatively new team,” he said.

‍

“This result did not happen overnight. Our team has trained consistently, backed each other in every scenario, and built strong trust and teamwork along the way. Mines rescue competitions test the skills, communication and decision making that make a real difference should an emergency situation occur either on site or in the community.”

‍

QMRS acknowledged the support of its industry partners, with the Memorial Cup made possible through contributions from FRSA, 3M, Dräger, Fire Response, Performance Training, MSA, PIP, Simtars, Blackwoods and Lunar Mining, as well as the efforts of staff, district assessors, team marshals, patients, assistants and supporters who helped deliver the event.

‍